I felt like a hypocrite using a kindle, while quintessentially reading a love letter about physical books & book stores. “To a book lover, a book shop is not a place in the world, but a world in itself”. 

This story wasn’t quite what I expected, but it was lovely nonetheless. When I realised it was set during the pandemic, I wanted to put it down, what a mistake that would’ve been. 

The idea of “prescribing” books to people in a time of crisis & unknown was fascinating to me. To understand on a human level the comfort, escapism & advice a book can provide. The handful of characters diverse stories told via their emails to the store, solidify this idea. 

The author showed how something so huge & consuming as a worldwide lock down, doesn’t stop everyone’s insular worlds continuing on. One small bookstore with an idea, trying to help in their own way, highlighted how much goodwill & community spirit there was during such a terrible time. 

I now have a renewed love for books & the pleasure they bring. The author reminded me, how important it is to support book stores that provide a cherished place to hold all these wonders. 

I also have many new book recommendations presented throughout by the staff at ‘lost for words’ book store.