The Readers Of Broken Wheel Recommend

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is the first novel by Swedish author, Katarina Bivald. After some years of correspondence with Amy Harris, Sara Lindqvist, until recently employed at Josephsson's Bokhandel, has come from Sweden for a vacation visit to Broken Wheel, Iowa. The first problem is that Amy has just died. The second is that, while she is staying in Amy's guest room, no one will accept her rental payment. The third problem is that no one in Broken Wheel will let her pay for anything. And Sara can see that this run-down, dying town really can't afford a free-loading tourist, nor does she want to be one.

But Sara and Amy shared a love of books, so Sara gets an idea of something she can do for the town. It's fairly obvious where this is going… With help from the townsfolk, Sara cleans up a dusty shop and turns it into a bookstore. People come from nearby towns, a bit of derision leads to some fun literary antics, and Sara has the town's residents (and others) reading. Along the way, Sara meets, and gets to personally know, all those quirky folk that Amy wrote about. But Sara's visa is going to run out, and the town soon cooks up a scheme to hold onto this tourist they would like to keep.

Bivald's charming debut novel is a tale about books and bookstores, but also about small towns and the special people that inhabit them, in this case from a Swedish perspective. There's definitely a touch of Debbie Macomber here: while Bivald manages to include some unconventional pairings, this is a feel-good tale that will be especially enjoyed by booklovers and those who love happy endings. Flawlessly translated from Swedish by Alice Menzies, this one is likely to be Recommended by the Readers of Broken Wheel.

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is the first novel by Swedish author, Katarina Bivald. After some years of correspondence with Amy Harris, Sara Lindqvist, until recently employed at Josephsson's Bokhandel, has come from Sweden for a vacation visit to Broken Wheel, Iowa. The first problem is that Amy has just died. The second is that, while she is staying in Amy's guest room, no one will accept her rental payment. The third problem is that no one in Broken Wheel will let her pay for anything. And Sara can see that this run-down, dying town really can't afford a free-loading tourist, nor does she want to be one.

But Sara and Amy shared a love of books, so Sara gets an idea of something she can do for the town. It's fairly obvious where this is going… With help from the townsfolk, Sara cleans up a dusty shop and turns it into a bookstore. People come from nearby towns, a bit of derision leads to some fun literary antics, and Sara has the town's residents (and others) reading. Along the way, Sara meets, and gets to personally know, all those quirky folk that Amy wrote about. But Sara's visa is going to run out, and the town soon cooks up a scheme to hold onto this tourist they would like to keep.

Bivald's charming debut novel is a tale about books and bookstores, but also about small towns and the special people that inhabit them, in this case from a Swedish perspective. There's definitely a touch of Debbie Macomber here: while Bivald manages to include some unconventional pairings, this is a feel-good tale that will be especially enjoyed by booklovers and those who love happy endings. Flawlessly translated from Swedish by Alice Menzies, this one is likely to be Recommended by the Readers of Broken Wheel.

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald takes place in Broken Wheel, Iowa. Sara Lindqvist has decided to visit her pen pal Amy Harris. They got to know each other through an online secondhand book shop. They then started writing to each other and sharing books. When the store where Sara worked went out of business, Sara was convinced by Amy to come and visit. When Sara arrives in Broken Wheel she finds out that Amy has passed away (and today is her funeral). Everyone is very friendly though and convince Sara that she should stay (in Amy's house). It is what Amy would have wanted. Sara decides to stay (since she is already there). Broken Wheel is a dying town, but they all look out for each other and take care of Sara. No one will let Sara pay for anything. Sara wants to find a way to repay their kindness. Amy owned a store in town that is sitting empty. Sara decides to take Amy's books and set up a shop (she really just wants to help people with books). Sara wants to show the townspeople the wonderful world of books. Broken Wheel is a place where Sara finally feels comfortable (can be herself). But what will happen when it is time for Sara to go back to Sweden?

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is a story about two people who love books. They like talking about books, reading books, and they want to share it with their friends (and anyone they can). I thought this would be a wonderful book (as I love books), but the story is really quite boring. I never connected with the characters. This novel really dragged on and on (I have to admit that I might have skimmed a little during the middle). The way it is written is awkward (it is the best word to describe it). The novel does get better towards the last third (if you can make it that far and stay awake). I enjoyed the townspeople's meddling (the last part of the book) and how Sara brought life back to Broken Wheel. I give The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend 2.5 out of 5 stars. The premise is good, but the characters just did not come to life for me (nor did the story).

I received a complimentary copy of The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.