“I could not put Laura Taylor Namey’s The Library of Lost Things down. There are so many reasons to read this beautiful book about finding yourself, friendship, and love. A book lover’s dream of a book.”
Cecelia Beckman Sheaf & Ink
The Story
Darcy Jane Wells lives and breaths books. It’s her way of coping with her mother’s hoarding, getting lost in the pages she can recite from memory. But when Asher Fleet enters the stage of her complicated life Darcy must choose her own happiness and become the author of her own story.
My review: The Library of Lost Things
The Library of Lost Things is a book that stood out and surprised me in many ways. It is a story book lovers will crave and want to read over and over again. Lara Taylor Namey infuses her book with friendship, self-worth, and taking risks when it feels like the last thing you want to do. A testament to perseverance, love, and allowing for happiness to bloom, The Library of Lost Things is one readers will thoroughly enjoy.
This is the first book where I’ve read about a parent having a mental illness in the form of hoarding. It was one that made me take a moment to process what that life meant. What it looked like. Felt like. It was personal. The thought lead to my own life. Thinking of family members homes and the children living in that space. Wondering if the subject should be broached or something better left for their parent to discuss with them. Dealt with on their own terms. In their own time and way.
My Thoughts
Knowing how challenging it is for both the person with the disorder and the children living through it. How difficult this life can be for a child. Fearing so many different realities: neglect, social services, eviction, homelessness. These being just a few. Living within the constraints of a parent’s inability to change their behavior. Where a daughter is forced to grow up in order to keep herself and her mother fed and housed.
And it’s a difficult topic to write about. However, Namey delicately presented and handled hoarding with compassion and grace. It’s tenderly brought to the surface and sets the stage for our main character Darcy Jane Wells to shine. Where Namey perfectly arranges all the lost things for us to discover. Leaving readers melting into a puddle of feels and emotions.
More Thoughts
Let’s not forget one of the best aspects of this novel: Darcy Jane Wells. Every bookish creatures dream. Like a Google search, she can instantly picture and recall her favorite scenes from a book. She can recite book quotes from memory, something all bookworms across the globe can appreciate and relate.
Adorably written, Namey writes Darcy’s bookishness as one even her best friend Marisol embraces. Calling Darcy out with the number of books she carry’s in her mind, but also the physical ones in her backpack (always in a loving and sisterly kind of way).
What I love most is how Namey weaves together Darcy’s favorite books into the beginning of each chapter. As though they are bread crumps when lost in a forest, it is a perfect touch that adds to the beauty of this enchanting book.
One Last Thought
Rich, lyrical prose, while delicately touching on mental health, and has a slow-burn romance Austen fans will adore. I highly recommend picking up Laura Taylor Namey’s debut and devouring it whole.
Happy Reading ̴ Cece
RATING: 
– Exceptionally Inked
Author: Laura Taylor Namey
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Paperback Publication Date: August, 2020
Pages: 336
ISBN-10: 1335904468
ISBN-13: 978-1335904461
Audience: 12 and up
Cover Art: Kelsey Smith
Cover Design: Gigi Lau
You can find The Library of Lost Things at Harlequin
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A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
