I’m not a typical fan of Jojo Moyes. Like everyone else I read Me Before You and was crushed by the book and I admit I was hesitant to pick up another of her books after that. Thanks to libraries I ventured out again and picked up two of her older books, One Plus One and Silver Bay and loved them both (btw both have a HEA) but I never read another of her newer books, until The Giver of Stars.

The Giver of Stars – Jojo Moyes

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically.

The leader, and soon Alice’s greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who’s never asked a man’s permission for anything. They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky. 

What happens to them–and to the men they love–becomes a classic drama of loyalty, justice, humanity and passion. Though they face all kinds of dangers, they’re committed to their job–bringing books to people who have never had any, sharing the gift of learning that will change their lives.

Based on a true story rooted in America’s past, The Giver of Starsis unparalleled in its scope. At times funny, at others heartbreaking, this is a richly rewarding novel of women’s friendship, of true love, and of what happens when we reach beyond our grasp for the great beyond. 

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

13 hours, 52 minutes 

my thoughts

The Giver of Stars – Jojo Moyes

As I mentioned above, I’m not a HUGE fan of this author, but I am a HUGE fan of finding new books to love. So when I noticed that she had a new one coming out, and the reviews were rather favorable, I immediately put the audiobook on hold at the library.

Now, after I devoured this audiobook in TWO days – I can only agree with everyone else – this book was AMAZING!!!

Honestly, I had the easiest time giving this book the 5 stars it deserves, and I rarely give them out, but the combination of writing, the many strong female characters and the historical background made this book one of the most amazing books I read this year.

Just stunning, from beginning to end.

I loved that the book was more than just about Alice Wright. It was about Alice but also about Margery O’Hare, about Sophia, Kathleen and Beth and Izzy. All these women, took part in a movement, an organization that brought hope and happiness to a mountain region that could be harsh, and was definitely poor.

Knowing that the WPA’s (Works Progress Administration) Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky really existed made this book extra special.

But besides all that, the way all these lives intersected, and the way the plot was written touched my heart and elevated this story to one of the best reading experiences of 2019. I was enchanted, enthralled, and fascinated by their lives, by everyone these ladies encountered, how much love and friendship they found in each other, and how gutsy they all were.

I’m happy to say that the book was a feel good novel to the very end. It was easy to fall in love with the story, and its characters. And even better it kept its heart warming message to the very end. HEA all around.

An absolute MUST READ for anyone that enjoys a well written story, and in this case a historical fiction novel that’s based on real events.

Oh, and the narration was superb. Julia Whelan is an exceptional narrator, and after checking Audible I realized I’ve listened to quite a few of her books.

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5 stars

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The Giver of Stars – Jojo Moyes