Gretchen Anthony’s The Book Haters’ Book Club is called a love letter to book sellers and librarians, and it includes actual book recommendations. For those of us who love stories about bookstores, this one can feel as if you dove into a slightly dysfunctional bookstore with the people to match.

When Elliot Gregory was alive, his partner Thom Winslow resented Over the Rainbow bookstore. He felt as if it took all of his partner’s attention. Irma Bedford’s daughter, Laney, felt the same way. Irma was co-owner of the bookstore, and Laney felt as if it sucked up her mother’s attention and time. When Irma calls them all together for a meeting, Thom and Laney are both shocked to learn Irma is selling the store to developers. It’s Irma’s daughter, Bree, who is bereft, though. Over the Rainbow has been her refuge since she was ten years old. Now, as the bookstore’s assistant manager, she could find herself out of the only job she ever wanted.

As much as he resented the bookstore, Thom sees Over the Rainbow as Elliot’s legacy. Bree sees it as the only independent bookstore in Lyn-Lake, a suburb of Minneapolis. The community loves the bookstore. And, Elliot himself? Readers can see Elliot’s passion and love of books in the Book Haters’ Newsletters he wrote for years to try to attract non-readers to the store. Now, it’s up to Thom, Laney, and Bree to find a way to save the bookstore from developers, despite Irma’s plans. Because Irma won’t tell any of them why she’s so desperate to sell Over the Rainbow.

The Book Haters’ Book Club truly is a gift to those of us who love books. It’s the story of a small group who rally to save a bookstore. It’s a mystery involving Elliot and Irma. And, it’s a story of found family and friendship. I can recommend it as an enjoyable story with a few secrets and a group of people that I wished to know in person. Enjoy!

Gretchen Anthony’s website is https://www.gretchenanthony.com/

The Book Haters’ Book Club by Gretchen Anthony. Park Row Books, 2022. ISBN 9780778333067 (paperback), 368p.

FTC Full Discosure – I received a galley to review for a journal.