I can't believe how close we are to the end of the year! It's crazy! And looks like I should be finishing my resolution right on schedule! Which is super exciting!
If you need a refresher about my book reviews, you can check it out here!
With no more ado, my review of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman!
Nina Hill is fine with her books and her cat, Phil. She's okay going to work at a local bookstore, and playing pub trivia with her friends. But, when Nina finds out that the father she never knew has died, her whole life starts to change.
She learns that she now has a huge family, complete with half-siblings and nieces and nephews. But, Nina isn't sure how to interact with her new family since she likes being alone.
While at trivia, Nina realizes she might have a crush on the opposing team's captain, Tom. When he visits her at work, she chickens out of going on a date with him.
But, when they run into each other at a wedding, the pair realize there might be something there and being a relationship. While on a date, Nina's new family run into her and Tom. Unable to deal with all the changes in her formerly structured life, Nina has a panic attack and ends her relationship with Tom, leaving them both heart-broken.
Soon, the time comes to read Nina's father's will. She is shocked to learn she was left with nothing but one of her father's antique cars.
Nina goes to the garage to see the car and finds letters to all the kids tucked in the glovebox, as well as a sizable checking account left in her name.
Nina delivers the letters to the members of her new family, and begins to come to terms with having a large and complicated family.
Learning that the bookstore she works at is going out of business, Nina offers to be part-owner using the money her father left her. Nina goes to the Trivia Finals and wins back Tom. The novel ends with Nina learning to let go and be more spontaneous and open.
I loved this book! I found Nina both hysterical and heartbreaking. I saw so much of myself in Nina making her a very easy character to relate to. I felt that Waxman did a great job flushing out not only Nina's character, but the whole cast of characters that make up this novel. You feel sympathy for Nina's new family as they deal with their loss, as well as Tom getting his heart broken. Waxman did a great job making all the character's feel like fully-formed people.
The setting was okay. The novel is set in California, and this did not have a huge impact on the novel. It honestly could have happened in any city anywhere and still have been the same novel. But, it didn't bother me. I found the dialogue a little stilted at some parts, as well as some of Nina's inner thoughts, but for the most part, Nina's thoughts and feelings and speeches were hugely funny!
I really enjoyed Waman's style! She was the perfect combo of flowery and straight-forward. She was able to create a perfect blend of styles to make this an easy to read book that still kept your attention. I also found the plot to be super original. So far this year, I haven't read anything else like it! I enjoyed every page of this novel, and related to Nina so much!
I give The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman an enthusiastic 5 out of 5! I honestly enjoyed every page of this novel and really reccommend it!