A beautiful, sweet story. Loss, grief, companionship and how a love of reading manifested a wonderful connection.

Set in Wembley, England, Mukesh is a grieving widower who still misses his Naina greatly. Upon stumbling upon a copy of The Time Travelers Wife, Mukesh begins to read, hoping it will draw him closer to his departed wife. When he realizes he needs to return the book, he goes to the local library where he meets teenage librarian Aleisha. At first, she is a bit annoyed with this older man who doesn't even know how to get into the library door, but eventually they form a close bond, and through a random reading list tucked in a book, they both begin to explore the books on the list. Other characters come into play too - his 3 controlling daughters, and his sweet granddaughter Priya, who shares her grandmother's love of reading, as well as other patrons of the library. As they read the books and discuss, they realize how much the books can mean to them and to others, and how books can bring people from all walks of life together. A sweet book - a bit long in the middle, but the ending showed the necessity of those minor characters. I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was very good. Note - the book deals with mental illness and suicide, so warning if those are trigger items.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book; all opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful story about how a grieving widower tries to connect with his granddaughter through books. It is heartwarming, and I loved the characters.

This was a great quick read. Some shaky prose but overall a very laid back read if that’s what you’re looking for!

A beautiful, sweet story. Loss, grief, companionship and how a love of reading manifested a wonderful connection.

***Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this lovely, heartwarming story.

This story was practically perfect.
It's a book about books... that reading list and mystery behind it is super intriguing and cute. Most of these books I have either read, reread, or plan on reading. They evoke so much emotion that you are instantly transported to the time when you enjoyed them.
The relationship between Mukesh and Aleisha was so heartwarming and I loved that there were able to be there for each other.
It deals with some pretty heavy feelings of loss and grief. I usually steer clear of books like this because I connect too much, but this was done is such a beautiful way.
The growth of almost all of the characters was appropriate and meaningful. You were hoping for things to work out and they ended just as they should, if not how I wanted it to.

The Reading List" is a heartwarming and uplifting tale that celebrates the beauty of literature and the transformative power of human connection. It is a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of books and the infinite possibilities that lie within their pages.

“It was strange, the idea that this book wasn’t just for him, it was for everyone. All these people who had taken it out before him, people who would take it out after him. They might have read it on a beach, on the train, on the bus, in the park, in their living room. On the toilet? He hoped not! Every reader, unknowingly connected in some small way. He was about to be a part of this too.”—Sara Nisha Adams, The Reading List.

Aleisha, a teenager working as a library clerk in Wembley, North London, stumbles upon a life-changing discovery—a list of eight classic novels titled “Just in case you need it,” beginning with To Kill a Mockingbird. This leads her to connect with Mukesh Patel, a lonely widower yearning to bond with his book-loving granddaughter. As Aleisha and Mukesh share the books, a beautiful connection forms, intertwining their lives with the stories they read.

Divided into sections based on each book, the novel delves into profound themes like mental illness, grief, abandonment, and self-doubt. It's a poignant exploration of how literature can bridge the gap between people and offer solace in challenging times.

While the book starts strong, capturing the essence of its premise with warmth and depth, some readers may find that it loses momentum in the second half. Nevertheless, it's a touching debut novel that showcases Sara Nisha Adams' ability to craft heartfelt stories inspired by real-life connections.

This book is a nominee for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction (2021), and it’s clear why—it’s a story that celebrates the power of books to bring people together and provide comfort in times of need. Drawing from her own family history in Wembley, Adams infuses the novel with a personal touch that adds depth to the narrative. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

"The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams is a heartwarming and captivating novel that delves into the transformative power of books and the unexpected connections they can forge between people. Set in a suburban London community, the story revolves around the lives of two central characters, Mukesh and Aleisha, who find common ground and solace through a mysterious reading list.

Mukesh, a widower grappling with loneliness and the loss of his wife, stumbles upon his late wife's passion for reading, which brings him to a local library. Here, he meets Aleisha, a young, disenchanted library worker who is struggling with her own issues, including her brother's descent into a troubled world and her sense of aimlessness. Their lives intersect when Aleisha discovers a reading list tucked away in a returned book, a list that seems to speak directly to her and Mukesh’s unspoken needs.

Adams' writing is both gentle and poignant, beautifully capturing the essence of human emotions and the quiet moments of life. The novel is not just about the books listed but also about the stories behind each character. Through the shared journey of Mukesh and Aleisha, Adams explores themes of grief, loneliness, family dynamics, and the search for meaning.

The reading list itself becomes a character in the story, weaving through the narrative and influencing the lives of Mukesh, Aleisha, and other community members. Each book on the list serves as a catalyst for change and reflection, providing insights into the characters' lives and their personal growth.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "The Reading List" is its ability to capture the universality of human experience. Adams shows how literature can bridge generational and cultural gaps, providing a common language through which people can connect and understand each other. The novel is a celebration of the power of storytelling and its ability to bring people together.

In conclusion, "The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams is a beautifully written, uplifting novel that reminds us of the joy and comfort that books can bring to our lives. It's a story about the unlikely friendships that can emerge when we share our love for stories, and a testament to the healing and unifying power of literature. The book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of a good book to transform lives.

What a joyful reading experience reminding the reader of the power of books and how a good book can connect the most unlikely of people. It also highlights how books can help make life better and get you through those tougher days. I love the highlight of classics and the library. This would make a great book club read

Found family is one of my favorite tropes and I love books about books so this one had the ingredients for success going in. It lived up to my expectations and I loved the characters and the story and the relationships formed. Another thing I adore in books is the unlikely multi-generational friendships and this one delivered in that realm as well.
This one dealt with grief, loneliness and finding a way through the tough times.

A quote I loved: "books aren't always an escape, sometimes books teach us things. They show us the world, they don't hide it."

Read this book awhile back. Very much enjoyed. An uplifting story showing how many lives can be connected in unexpected ways

This is a lovely book about the power of reading. As someone whose earliest memories involve trips to the local library I was very moved by the story. There is an eclectic group of characters who are quirky and endearing. There’s a lot of emotional bits as well.

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams was a welcome escape from the world. A book for book lovers and those just stepping into the world between the pages. Heartily recommend.

A beautiful love letter to books and libraries and their power to meet the reader where they are in life.
Told through a mysterious list of books that pops up in a variety of locations with our two favorite recipients, teenager Aleisha and Widower Mukesh being drawn together, making life connections inspired by the books. Lovely story that any reader will appreciate.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I absolutely LOVED this book! What a truly unique, impactful story. I am gifting this to my friends, because it is just wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity to read it!

I loved The Reading List so much! This is one of my favorites. The friendship between Widower Mukesh and Aleisha was heartwarming. It made me want to leave notes in my favorite books in my public library. I would read this one again.

What a great book! I always love books about books and this one was especially endearing. I loved how the main characters found each other despite the unlikely circumstances. I, personally, have found so much comfort from reading when I'm in a time of grieving and it was nice to see these characters experience the same growth and comfort. There were portions that felt a little slow and a few characters that didn't really need to be included, but overall I found this a special read that any book lover and library fan would enjoy.

I found this book somewhat confusing at first, but gradually as I got to know the characters, it became more interesting. I especially enjoyed the chapters about the books that I have read and I must admit i skim/read the other sections just for the story. I do believe Ms. Adams captured Aleisha perfectly--from the pouty teenager just putting in time to the young adult enjoying reading--a transformation I have seen in my library!!