Thank you Atria Books for an Advanced Reader Copy of The Paris Library for an honest review. I loved loved loved this book. As badly as I didn’t want it to end, I needed to know the ending. This book had me from the beginning. The Paris Library joins the Nightingale and Lilac Girls in top historical fictions for me. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and the back and forth between Odile’s past and present story.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my review and honest opinions

The Paris Library is a dual storyline book that had be captivated from page one!
Paris 1940's: Odile is a young woman on the brink of realizing all of her dreams. She starts her dream job at The American Library in Paris, has the perfect twin brother, Remy and soon meets her dreamboy, Paul as they begin dating when WWII starts. Odile will soon realize that her dreams mean nothing in the middle of a war, as everything she loves is taken from her.

Montana 1980's: Young Lily is a teenager going through trials in life that have her feeling isolated, alone, betrayed and unloved. One day, she decides to go interview her elderly neighbor, Odile. An isolated woman who lives a very solitary life, alone from others.
Lily and Odile soon strike up an amazing relationship that goes far beyond friendship as Odile helps Lily navigate her way through life while relying on her own experience.

The Paris Library was such a captivating story. The women in the book both led very different lives, with very different experiences, but you soon learn that that doesn't mean we don't all experience the same emotions and trials, they just look a little different. As a Historical Fiction addict, I really enjoyed this story, as it was so different from any other one's I had read. most Historical Fiction books are filled with horror stories of concentration camps, abuse, torture, starvation, killings and more. And while that is the horrible truth of what the world looked like during that time period, it was extremely refreshing to read a book that had a different take on it. To read of Odile and the librarians at the Library that used books and stories as ways to escape the horrible realities of their worlds was refreshing. To read about resistance fighters, that didn't actually physically fight, but used their knowledge was so incredible. I can't recommend this book enough and can't wait to see what comes next for Ms. Charles!

Thank you to Janet Skeslien Charles and Atria books for the ARC of The Paris Library.

I am absolutely obsessed with WW2 period fiction and I’m a library nerd, so this book played in to all of my loves.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 stories interwoven between “present day (1980’s) and the war. I felt that the confusion and lack of surety the Parisienne felt was well played as it was likely that no one knew where there fidelities were. It mirrored well with a girl struggling with the loss of her mother and struggling to understand where her fidelities lay with friends and her community around her.

I loved that the Eleanor became an ally to Lily, it was refreshing to see the transformation of her feelings and that the step mother wasn’t the wicked character they are normally portrayed as.

I struggled with Odile and Paul’s relationship, as it never felt right but the ending really made me question it, as it all seemed a fool to allow for the incident to occur that would drive Odile from France, I also really struggled to understand how a woman dealing with the grief of loss of her brother would leave her parents in a flash and never look back or communicate with them ever again for no other reason than they live in the place where Paul lived and had old fashioned ideals that would ask her to consider her marriage to Paul and that abandoning it was a bit rash.

Overall an enjoyable read and amazing to imagine in the midst of so much turmoil and destruction a group of librarians brought hope, inspiration and escape to an entire city. Light within darkness.

A fabulous book about a dark time in history and how people cope to survive. I love libraries too and this story show how important they become to not only the people who work there, but also to the people who needed an escape from the horrors of the day.. It also reflects the flaws of human nature, Jealousy and fear, which make us do all sorts of sad and mean things that effects us fir the rest of our lives.
I would have love to find out what happen to Paul and Odile family.

The Paris Library *book review*
.
📚
.
I am so pleased to say that I really loved this book. I felt a little nervous going in, because I haven’t had the best reading experiences lately in this genre and time period, even though it’s my favorite. Well, that hesitation quickly disappeared within a few chapters and I was so invested in the lives of Odile and Lily. I cried the best type of tears and I was so sad when it was over. I have such joy from having read it ❤️❤️❤️
.
📚
.
Set in Paris in 1939 and throughout the war, and Montana in the 80’s, the book is based on a true story (the author worked at the American Library in Paris herself!). Odile was a librarian at the American Library in Paris, and in the 80s is the mysterious neighbor of teenaged Lily. Both Lily and Odile are desperately in need of a friend and their relationship is incredible to witness as it unfolds. Odile especially has some things to overcome, and her story back in Paris is so interesting and often heartbreaking. Lily is going through some stuff too and Odile is eventually there to teach her so much, and more importantly, to love her.
.
📚
.
I absolutely love libraries and books and all things French and Paris, so this book delighted me in so many ways. The Paris Library brings such a unique topic to World War II stories, and knowing a lot of it is true is just remarkable. Highly recommend. 5/5 stars
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to Simon and Schuster, the author, Janet Skeslien Charles, and NetGalley for the advanced eCopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

An overall great read given the circumstances during a war. This book is great and I highly recommend reading it. I enjoyed it very much.

Two of my favorite things-books and Paris! What a pleasure to see them combined so beautifully! The characters were real and believable, both in the 40’s as well as the 80’s. Historically, descriptive passages took me to a place of both beauty and disgust. I’ve been to Paris 9 times and number 10 will have me traveling to the American Library in person!!

A book has to "grab" at the beginning, make you want to read more, make you want to find out what is happening or going to happen. Agatha Christie, although a mystery writer, did that superbly, which is one reason why her books are still so popular.

This book appears uninteresting and the author proceeds to bore us with, for example, an explanation of the Dewey Decimal system.

Plus the writing is at a simplistic level..... which is a shame because I am a francophile and look forward to reading books set in Paris.

Odile a carefree, young woman who is starting her career as a librarian. She trying to find her way supporting the library’s subscribers and soldiers in a nearby hospital as World War II is being fought near surrounding countries. She is driven with this mantra, “Books the fresh air breathed in to keep the heart beating, to keep the brain imagining, to keep hope alive.” As Nazi Germany takes over Paris, Odile is forced to see the truth of the horrendous effects that comes with war and has to decide what part will she play in it.

This novel is based on the true story of librarians who worked at the American Library of Paris before and during the occupation of Paris by the Nazi. Odile obtains her ideal position as a librarian at ALP. The novel explored the patrons and staff of the library. The characters are well developed and interesting., probably because they are based on real people. The novel is set in two timeframes the second involves a lonely teenager Lily who befriends Odile when she is living in Montana as a recluse. Their friendship survives it’s ups and downs as does Odile’s relationships. The courageous librarians manage to keep the library relevant and open during the occupation sending books to soldiers at the front and to Jews who were forbidden to use the library. An interesting aspect of the novel is how the author references the Dewey decimal system throughout. The book is thoroughly researched and the author’s notes are interesting. I highly recommend this novel to everyone who enjoys historical fiction.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book, and could barely put it down. The story was beautiful, suspenseful and the flashbacks between the past and present day were seamlessly done. This provided a beautiful perspective on the role of libraries during WWII, and their little known stories. I highly recommend this amazing read.

Odile is a young lady who is a Parisian city girl. She grew up comfortably with her parents and twin brother. She is a young adult now and is ready to take on some adventure in her life, especially adventure surrounded by books. She always loved The American Library in Paris so it felt like a natural first job for her. She categorizes books in her mind according to the Dewey Decimal System and she can think of a book quote for just about any circumstance. She meets wonderful “habitues” or subscribers that frequent the library daily. She is living her dream! Before long, Paris becomes occupied by Nazi forces and life begins to change. Odile navigates falling in love, missing her brother who has gone to war, dealing with work and friend stress, and has to face harsh truths about her own father. She learns that the decisions she has made have far reaching impact and suddenly her world becomes very small. Through it all, she turns to literature for comfort and assurance that the light will endure.
Odile’s journey takes her to the United States and picks up 40 year later when she meets a neighbor girl, Lily. Lily narrates every few chapters as the scene goes back and forth between Froid, Montana and Paris. Lily and Odile strike up a beautiful friendship right when they need each other the most. Throughout the book, other characters barrage several chapters as we see the story from another perspective.
Overall, I loved this book. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I especially loved the references to other books. I have come to learn that authors who are able to write books about books have a special gift and this one is no exception. I found myself highlighting the books that are referenced so I can add them to my to read list. I really enjoyed reading about the American Library in Paris and learning about the heroics of libraries during WWII. I never thought about the need to evacuate books! I wasn’t a huge fan of the Montana story line but I understand the connection. I just wanted more of Paris! I recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction and books about books!
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC of The Paris Library. What a compelling tale.! I thought perhaps that I had read enough WWII stories lately, but this proved me wrong.
Set against the backdrop of the American Library in Paris, Odile works, loves, worries and lives through the war. We also follow her years later, living in Montana and mentoring a young neighbor, Lily.
While the Montana story was good, the characters we meet in Paris are rich and authentic- because they are real! Their quiet heroism is an untold component of the war. Perhaps only we readers understand the utter necessity of keeping books in circulation amidst troubled waters. I admired their fortitude, wept for their losses and cheered their bravery.
I look forward to sharing their story.

I want to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.
Did you know that number 822.33 of the Dewey Decimal System belongs only to Shakespeare?
The year is 1939. The Nazi’s will be advancing toward Paris. Young. Odile Souchet is hired to work at The American Library there.
The book alternates between 1939 and 1983. We find Odile is now a widow living a very solitary life in Froid, Montana where she develops a deep friendship with the little girl next door.
How the two stories finally come together makes putting down the book difficult. The camaraderie of the different characters associated with the library are truly special. And I really enjoyed all the references to the Dewey Decimal System as an integral part of this novel.
This isn’t just another WW11 book. I didn’t want it to end! I’ll never forget Odile, Margaret, Miss Reeder and Boris,among others, from the library and of course Lily from Montana.
What do you do when people you love are arresting your friends, taking everything away from them and shipping them off to a certain death?
The Paris Library is scheduled for publication in February 2021.

I received an arc from NetGalley. I have never read an books by Janet Skeslien Charles. I struggled with the first three chapters, and then I fell deeply into the lives of these characters who are so real and so richly depicted. I say I struggled with the first three chapters because if the book is slow and doesn't hook me into the first 20 pages or so I usually dnf it. Put I persisted and loved this book. I can't wait to read another book by Janet Skeslien Charles.

#The Paris Library# is by Janet Skeslien Charles. This book is an historical fiction book. This historical fiction book is a time split novel that involves the 1930-1940's and the 1980's. This book takes place during World War II in Paris , France. Odile works at the American Library in Paris. She has such a kind heart. She does everything possible to keep the library open . Lily meets Odile in Montana in the 1980's.. The library is a way to reach out to the people during the very anxious days of World War II.. American library is a refuge for those who are hurting. They can remove themselves from their stress by reading a book. The Nazi's have rules that interfere the citizens every day life. They only allow certain books to be kept in the library. The American Library did exist during the war and it did make a difference for people. Both Lily and Odile are the narrators of the book. The book gives the readers insights into the challenges of World War II. Odile and Lily develop a friendship. They connect during the 1980's. I was given this book by the publisher to read and review. The opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher, author and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Set in Paris during the late 1930s early 1940s. And set in the 1980s Froid Nebraska
Odile is a young woman in the 930s. She loves to read and studies to be come a librarian .


Although her parents would prefer her to marry, she gets a job at the American Library in Paris. It is here she meets a unique cast of characters as subscribers become anintergral part of her life.

The world begins to change when Germany occupies France.;they are not allowed to lend books to Jewish subscribers. But they find a way to do this, by smuggling books to them.


The war is over and it’s the mid 1980s . Odile is widowed and lives next to to Lilly. Lily and Odile form a unique friendship.Lily’s mother dies, and Odile helps Lily navigate school and friendships. Odile tells her story to Lilly.


Based on a true story, this story was fascinating. The characters were unique and delightful. The story is told from Odile and Lilly’s point of view. Historical fiction fans will devour this book.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles 3.5 stars

The book talks about Odile’s life around the time of WWI and the present in Montana as she befriends a girl named Lily. I enjoyed reading Odile’s love of books and the library. I was happy for her when she got the job. I love her close relationship with her twin, Remy.

Odile’s life in the past gave me a push to keep on reading. It was nice to read Lily’s life with Odile. The book is slow at times and I did skip most of the middle part of the book. I just wanted to know the outcome. I wanted to know how the past and present connects but I was disappointed. I did like learning that the Paris Library was a great help during the war. It was a bleak time and people needed some distraction.

Warning: A few sex scenes that was not important to the story. This could have been a clean library and historical read.

Thank you #netgalley and @Atriabooks for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

#historicalfiction

This book has dual timelines the first timeline is set during WWII in Paris and your following Odile. Odile has always been fascinated with the Dewey Decimal System and she always wanted to be a librarian. She ends up getting a job at the American Library in Paris and during the war they end up sending books to soldiers while they are away at war. She is also romantically involved with a police officer. In the second timeline you are following Lily a younger girl in the 1980's Montana, who desperately wants to become friends with Odile and figure out her story because she is always very isolated.

I really liked this book. I loved the dual timelines where it is set in WWII in Paris centered around the American Library. I found that very fascinating and I didn't even know there was such a library in Paris so I loved learning about that. I loved the main character Odile and how she and the other fellow librarians did everything they could to keep the library open and functioning during the war. I thought it was amazing for them that they would lend out books to soldiers while away at war. I also was invested in the romantic relationship between Odile and the police officer. The second timeline set in 1980's in Montana I really loved that setting as well because you follow Lily trying to become friends with Odile and figuring out her story. I really enjoyed both timelines and if you love reading about books and libraries I definitely recommend picking this one up.

As a lover of Paris, libraries, and historical fiction, I was drawn into The Paris Library from the beginning. And as the story developed, it did not disappoint. In fact, it did so much more than not disappoint. The alternating plot lines, characters, and messages of loss, friendship, and love immersed and moved me. I savored each page of this story. Charles is a fantastic writer!

The Paris Library has become one of my favorite reads of 2020. And when it releases next year, I will purchase a copy so I can have it permanently on my shelf and be able to re-read it whenever I choose to journey through its pages again. I'll also tell my friends and family to purchase a copy as well :-).

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the wonderful opportunity to read and review this book!