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Karen's Reviews > The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
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Karen's review
bookshelves: favorites, loved-it, excellent, beautiful, classic, cozy, memorable, book-discussion-perfect, captivating, creates-questions, cute, easy-to-read, educating-moments, engaging, heart-felt, inspiring, makes-you-think, page-turner, realistic, thought-provoking, transformative
May 01, 2023
bookshelves: favorites, loved-it, excellent, beautiful, classic, cozy, memorable, book-discussion-perfect, captivating, creates-questions, cute, easy-to-read, educating-moments, engaging, heart-felt, inspiring, makes-you-think, page-turner, realistic, thought-provoking, transformative
Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite book is, this book is my answer. I have culled my books over the years and given away thousands (yes, I have owned probably that many, if not more in my lifetime), but this one, I have held on to because for whatever reason, whether anyone may consider this one cheesy, or too cute, or adorable, charming, a light easy read or sweet... to me, it is my ultimate all time favorite book.
Why?
Because.
It just is.
I read it years ago when telling a story through letters wasn't typical. Yes, 84 Charring Cross Road by Helen Hanff (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) was probably one of the best books told in the style of letters. But epistolary novels, when done right, have a way of making readers feel closer to the story's characters.
And...
I believe, that is what happened to me.
The basic story takes place in 1946. The war is over and Juliet Ashton has writer's block. But when she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams of Guernsey - a total stranger living half way across the Channel, who has come across her name written in a second hand book - she enters into a correspondence with him, and in time with all the members of the extraordinary Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Through letters we learn about their story - their love of books - about the war - about living under German occupation - about life on Guernsey.
And...
This is all it takes for Juliet to set sail and change her life.
Do you feel the romance of it already?
To me this story was enchanting, and delightful, and sad, and heartbreaking, and glorious, tender, and warm. I was in love. I wanted to be Juliet.
So...
Every time someone asks a question that asks what my favorite book is before they will accept me as their friend on Goodreads - now you know the answer...
It is this book - and this is why. I am a romantic by nature. I can't help myself.
Why?
Because.
It just is.
I read it years ago when telling a story through letters wasn't typical. Yes, 84 Charring Cross Road by Helen Hanff (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) was probably one of the best books told in the style of letters. But epistolary novels, when done right, have a way of making readers feel closer to the story's characters.
And...
I believe, that is what happened to me.
The basic story takes place in 1946. The war is over and Juliet Ashton has writer's block. But when she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams of Guernsey - a total stranger living half way across the Channel, who has come across her name written in a second hand book - she enters into a correspondence with him, and in time with all the members of the extraordinary Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Through letters we learn about their story - their love of books - about the war - about living under German occupation - about life on Guernsey.
And...
This is all it takes for Juliet to set sail and change her life.
Do you feel the romance of it already?
To me this story was enchanting, and delightful, and sad, and heartbreaking, and glorious, tender, and warm. I was in love. I wanted to be Juliet.
So...
Every time someone asks a question that asks what my favorite book is before they will accept me as their friend on Goodreads - now you know the answer...
It is this book - and this is why. I am a romantic by nature. I can't help myself.
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Quotes Karen Liked
“Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them their perfect readers. How delightful if that were true.”
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and that tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and another bit there will lead you onto a third book. It's geometrically progressive - all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment.”
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“We clung to books and to our friends; they reminded us that we had another part to us.”
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“It was amazing to me then, and still is, that so many people who wander into bookshops don't really know what they're after--they only want to look around and hope to see a book that will strike their fancy. And then, being bright enough not to trust the publisher's blurb, they will ask the book clerk the three questions: (1) What is it about? (2) Have you read it? (3) Was it any good?”
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“Treat a dog right and he'll treat you right. ... Cats is different, but I never held it against them.”
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
― The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Reading Progress
April 14, 2023
– Shelved
April 14, 2023
– Shelved as:
favorites
April 14, 2023
– Shelved as:
loved-it
April 14, 2023
– Shelved as:
excellent
April 14, 2023
– Shelved as:
beautiful
Started Reading
May 22, 2023
– Shelved as:
classic
May 22, 2023
– Shelved as:
cozy
May 22, 2023
– Shelved as:
memorable
May 22, 2023
–
Finished Reading
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
book-discussion-perfect
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
captivating
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
creates-questions
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
cute
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
easy-to-read
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
educating-moments
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
engaging
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
heart-felt
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
inspiring
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
makes-you-think
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
page-turner
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
realistic
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
thought-provoking
July 28, 2023
– Shelved as:
transformative
Comments Showing 1-45 of 45 (45 new)
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message 1:
by
Rachel
(new)
May 22, 2023 04:57PM
Terrific review, Karen! I have owned this book for several years, yet I have never read it!? I think I better pull this one down from my shelves and start reading. :)
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Loved your review, Karen!😊 I've seen the movie and had this book on my TBR for a while now. I should read it!
One of the best books I have ever read.
Rachel wrote: "Terrific review, Karen! I have owned this book for several years, yet I have never read it!? I think I better pull this one down from my shelves and start reading. :)"Rachel, you make me so happy! Just remember, I am speaking from my romantic side! : )
Book2Dragon wrote: "One of the best books I have ever read."Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love that you feel the same! : )
Sujoya wrote: "Loved your review, Karen!😊 I've seen the movie and had this book on my TBR for a while now. I should read it!"Sujoya, I do hope you like it! : )
I love this review, Karen. As one who has downsized and given away hundreds of books, I know the tug to hang on to a certain book while letting others go. And this is such a lovely book.
Lorna wrote: "I love this review, Karen. As one who has downsized and given away hundreds of books, I know the tug to hang on to a certain book while letting others go. And this is such a lovely book."Thank you so very much Lorna! This is a very worn copy, too! I have loaned it out to a lot of friends, as well. :)
One of my fave Booktokers loves this book, too. A bookseller in upstate NY.
E.M. wrote: "One of my fave Booktokers loves this book, too. A bookseller in upstate NY."How wonderful to hear! :)
great review. yes, it's a wonderful book.
Julia wrote: "great review. yes, it's a wonderful book."Thank you so much Julia! I always love to hear from you! :)
Fabulous review, Karen, this story had me on a search to learn all about this island and its history ❤️
MarilynW wrote: "Fabulous review, Karen, this story had me on a search to learn all about this island and its history ❤️"Yes, thank you, Marilyn. I too, went through a similar historical search, as well. I would find different books, or documentaries to watch. I loved that period of discovery. It is always fun to connect with stories, in this way! :)
I love a good epistolary novel.
Adina wrote: "I love a good epistolary novel."This definitely met the criteria for that! :)
This book is one of my favorites too, Karen! It’s so sweet and I am so happy it’s one of your favorites too!
Wonderful review, Karen. I still need to read this one. I have, however, also loved 84 Charing Cross. 💌
Nora wrote: "This book is one of my favorites too, Karen! It’s so sweet and I am so happy it’s one of your favorites too!"Thank you Nora. You, know one of these days I hope you put up a picture of you! I'd love to see your smiling face that goes along with the smile I always feel in your words! :)
Darla wrote: "Wonderful review, Karen. I still need to read this one. I have, however, also loved 84 Charing Cross. 💌"Oh my goodness, Darla...I do hope you can find a way to bring this to the top of your ever increasing pile of books! ;)
Amazing review, Karen! I bought this book a couple of months back, but I must say this review is convincing enough for anyone else to buy the book too.
Nandini wrote: "Amazing review, Karen! I bought this book a couple of months back, but I must say this review is convincing enough for anyone else to buy the book too."Ahhhh.... thank you so much Nandini. :)
Karen, I loved this book too! It was everything and more. I read it a few years ago and would definitely read again in the future. 😊 Have you seen the film? It was pretty great too
Wonderful review....it was a fabulous book indeed.
I can feel the love dripping from your review Karen and I'm happy to say I share that feeling with you. I read it a couple of yrs ago and it became an instant favourite. It actually took me by surprise. Didn't think it would make me cry. The movie was done brilliantly too.
Wonderful review! I’m going to give this one another try!
Suhailah wrote: "Karen, I loved this book too! It was everything and more. I read it a few years ago and would definitely read again in the future. 😊 Have you seen the film? It was pretty great too"Yes, I loved the film, too Suhailah.
Cindy wrote: "Wonderful review....it was a fabulous book indeed."Thank you so much Cindy. :)
Emily wrote: "Wonderful review! I’m going to give this one another try!"Thank you Emily. I hope you like it! :)
Taste_in_Books wrote: "I can feel the love dripping from your review Karen and I'm happy to say I share that feeling with you. I read it a couple of yrs ago and it became an instant favourite. It actually took me by surp..."Thank you so much. Both are such pleasures! :)
Suhailah wrote: "Oh, nice!"Thank you Suhailah. :)
Oh this is your fave? I’ve owned it forever, I’ll make an effort to read it. Love your review.
Great review Karen, have you seen the film?
I really loved this one too. It was discussed by my Book Group and was one of those rare books (along with The Help and Rebecca) that every single person loved.
Lit with Leigh (formerly GirlWithThePinkSkiMask) wrote: "Beautiful review 💖"Thank you so much Leigh. 💕
Suz wrote: "Oh this is your fave? I’ve owned it forever, I’ll make an effort to read it. Love your review."Yes. I, of course, have more favorites, but...definitely this tugs at my heart, Suz. 💕
Graham “Smell the Ink” wrote: "Great review Karen, have you seen the film?"Thank you Graham. Of course! ♥️
Alison wrote: "I really loved this one too. It was discussed by my Book Group and was one of those rare books (along with The Help and Rebecca) that every single person loved."It is always wonderful when everyone can agree on loving a book, right? So glad you loved this one, too Alison. 💕
You've sold me on this one Karen, another epistolary classic! 5 stars too ✨️
Outstanding and thoroughly convincing review, Karen!! I’ll definitely read this one!
Mark wrote: "You've sold me on this one Karen, another epistolary classic! 5 stars too ✨️ "Thank you so much Mark! 🥰
Christina wrote: "Outstanding and thoroughly convincing review, Karen!! I’ll definitely read this one!"Ahhh...thank you so much Christina! 🥰
You were right, Karen. This book is now one of my favs too!
