I enjoyed the premise of this story; so original. I loved the characters and their interactions while trying to guess the identity of a writer of short stories with no endings. The ending totally caught me by surprise, I never would have guessed the ending at all, but it was a very satisfying one! It's not a long story, but it is a well thought out one and very enjoyable! I am looking forward to adding this one to my personal library to re-read. Wonderful story.

This had everything that I hoped for from the description and enjoyed the idea of this universe. I enjoyed that this uses the magic of books in this plot and I was invested in what was happening. I enjoyed going on this journey with Dottie and the other characters in this world. It had that charm that I was hoping for and glad it was so well done.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I usually wait a day or so after finishing a book to write a review but I am too excited to gush about how much I adored this book.

It is so thought provoking and touching. It kind of gave me "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig vibes which I also loved despite being mostly a thriller reader.

The LGBTQ themes were sweet and well done which I also loved and didn't expect.

This is such a wonderful collection of intertwining 'Bookstories' ❤️

I am definitely going to recommend this to everyone and fully i tend to purchase the paperback version to add to my book collection.

Bookstories is written as separate stories with subtle links and like an onion, layers are revealed slowly to connect all the characters together. You will be surprised and uplifted by this book. This is by far one of the most creatively organized and written books I've read in a while. All the characters in very unique ways are driven by their undying passion for books.

Bookstories is set in New York, but Sarah Tollok's New York is not the glamourous lives of the Upper West Side. Each chapter is a different "story" and is not divided by numbers. How the stories come together gives the reader a wow or an aha moment.

Bookstores is about dreaming and networking and showing kindness to others to help make your dreams come true. The characters live on the streets, couch surf, rely on the kindness of strangers and discover themselves and find their own tribe. This book will uplift you and deepen your appreciation of people for who they are and where they are in their lives.

I will not forget Fred the homeless man who gives so much to his library friends and he becomes a hero to them. My favorite characters are Jim and Dottie. Jim shows a little kindness, when as her downstairs neighbor, he hears a thud and checks on her to see if she's okay. His simple kindness changes both of their lives and then all of the other characters lives branch out and return full circle to these two and are blessed and have their lives enriched through their connection. The character of Elise and her journeys around the world could be developed into a book itself. The character Becky attempts to answer how people can become homeless and how they must work hard to get out of it.

This book will poetically challenge your thinking and has beautiful respectful treatment of the homeless, the poor, LBGTQ folks and the elderly. This book could also be a mini-series reminiscent of Armistead Maupin's Tales of City, except set in New York. Thanks to Sarah Tollok and SFWA for giving me an ARC of this book for my honest review.

This book was a lovely read for people who love being part of the book world. I think it was a little too 'sweet' for my personal taste, though I really liked the splash of magical realism and the feelings of connectivity that were found throughout.

I'd probably recommend this to readers who are looking for something heartwarming and relaxing, but not if you're looking for some serious drama.

A magical story about books and the world of books. Well plotted and intriguing. It kept me reading and loved it.
I want to read other books by this author
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Bookstories by Sarah Tollok is a delightful read for anyone who is a fan of stories such as the lost book shop or No Two Person's: a novel.. This is a particularly quick read perfect for relaxing and reading on breaks.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Bookstories by Sarah Tollok.

A beautifully written book with a characters I wish I could spend time with in real life.

Anyone who loves stories, who has a love of the written word, will fall in love with this book.

"Bookstories" is a captivating novel that immerses us in an intriguing journey through the publishing world, from 1960s New York to the present. Following Dottie Barber's search for the enigmatic author of unnamed short stories, the story leads us to reflect on identity, the passion for books and the importance of community. With evocative prose, the author creates a plot full of mystery and emotion that grips the reader from the first page. A must read for lovers of literature and stories that connect hearts and minds.
It is a perfect read for anyone who loves everything to do with reading.