How 'The Lost and Found Bookshop' Found Me and Made Me Happy

One of the most joyous things about living in Canada is accessing excellent public libraries. The libraries here offer an extensive range of books kept in excellent condition. Going into the library and coming out with at least 8-10 books is the happiest experience. I usually have a list of books or authors on my mind before entering the library. If I do not find what I am looking for, I let the books choose me.

However, this month, I went to the library thinking that I would let all the books choose me. My mind was blank about what I wanted to read.

I probably would not have picked The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs had I not gone with that thought in mind. I would have definitely not chosen it if I had read the synopsis. Not at this point, anyway. Having experienced so much personal loss and grief in the past few months, this would not have been an apt choice. Take a look:

In the wake of a shocking tragedy, Natalie Harper inherits her mother’s charming but financially strapped bookshop in San Francisco. She also becomes caretaker for her ailing grandfather Andrew, her only living relative–not counting her scoundrel father.
But the gruff, deeply kind Andrew has begun displaying signs of decline. Natalie thinks it’s best to move him to an assisted living facility to ensure the care he needs. To pay for it, she plans to close the bookstore and sell the derelict but valuable building on historic Perdita Street, which is in need of constant fixing. There’s only one problem-Grandpa Andrew owns the building and refuses to sell. Natalie adores her grandfather; she’ll do whatever it takes to make his final years happy. Besides, she loves the store and its books provide welcome solace for her overwhelming grief.
After she moves into the small studio apartment above the shop, Natalie carries out her grandfather’s request and hires contractor Peach Gallagher to do the necessary and ongoing repairs. His young daughter, Dorothy, also becomes a regular at the store, and she and Natalie begin reading together while Peach works.
To Natalie’s surprise, her sorrow begins to dissipate as her life becomes an unexpected journey of new connections, discoveries and revelations, from unearthing artifacts hidden in the bookshop’s walls, to discovering the truth about her family, her future, and her own heart.
Book summary

Although the title and synopsis promise that the novel will end on a happy note, I would have been cautious of reading this book about dealing with grief right now. But I just went ahead with my instincts and picked up the book just by looking at it. And how fitting my instincts led me to the book that says, “There is a book for everything…”

Needless to say, I have thanked my instincts enough to have led me to this book. I finished the book in about four days, which is unusual for me because I am a slow reader. So, here is my review of the book:

Some books are like a friend who knows exactly how to cheer you up when you are feeling down and low. Like this book. A light read that flows beautifully and has a feel-good factor. Thanks @susanwiggs for penning it! #BookRecommendations #book https://t.co/clMdJuC9XV
— Purva Bhatia (@PurvaBhatia1) January 13, 2022

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Review: The Lost and Found Bookshop

The book begins with Natalie Harper, the protagonist, at a party celebrating her promotion. She is waiting for her mother and boyfriend, who ultimately couldn’t make it to the party. Their absence bothers her but not so much because she isn’t pleased with her job. (Relatable much?)

A few pages later, Natalie very tragically finds herself in a position of grave loss and grief. The rest of the storyline is mentioned in the synopsis above, so I shall not deep dive into it. Instead, I’d rather talk about what I liked about the book.

The USP of the book lies in how beautifully the storyline flows. The timeline is linear, which works wonderfully for a feel-good book. The story is predictable but absorbing and a page-turner. It holds your attention because of how it is narrated. Plus, there are small twists and turns. For instance, the reader knows some tragedy will strike, but the way the news comes to Natalie is shocking. And it’s not all grim. The characters have a sense of humour, which comes into the narration at the right times.

The narration binds you with Natalie’s emotions. I did not cry when Natalie learned about her mom’s passing away. But I could feel the tension when her crush and the person she was so much in awe of were in the same room. I liked that it did not have too many dips. Another reason to pick this book is the mention of other excellent books. It’s a book centred around a bookshop, after all! I added some books to my TBR list.

I related to Natalie for more reasons than one. The primary one being stuck in a job I do not like. A tragedy stuck all of a sudden, and I, along with my family, had to drop everything and leave. The incident allowed us to see our hometown from a new perspective. I, like Natalie, put everyone else first instead of taking care of myself. I am thankful that I already have a Peach and Dorothy in my life. Now, I am just waiting to get 11 million dollars unexpectedly 😉

This book lifted my spirits and offered an excellent distraction when my heart was down and low. I’d recommend this easy-breezy read to anyone in a similar situation or simply looking for an escape after reading an intense book or monotonous routine in general.