Genre: Contemporary Age Range: YA Star Rating: 5 stars Series; Yes - first book
Synopsis:
Tabby Brown is tired of trying to fit in. She doesn’t want to go to parties – in fact, she would much rather snuggle up on the sofa with her favourite book.
It’s like she hasn’t found her people…
Then Tabby joins a club that promises to celebrate books. What could go wrong? EVERYTHING – especially when making new friends brings out an AWKWARD BUZZING feeling all over her body.
But Olivia, Cassie, Henry and Ed have something that makes Tabby come back. Maybe it’s the Austen-themed fancy-dress parties, or Ed’s fluffy cat Mrs Simpkins, or could it be Henry himself…
Can Tabby let her weird out AND live THE BEST BOOKISH LIFE POSSIBLE?
Synopsis taken from Goodreads. Add to your shelves here.
Thoughts:
Going in, given my track record with contemporaries, I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy THE PAPER & HEARTS SOCIETY. However, I absolutely loved it, devouring it in half a day.
A book about book lovers finding their place. What’s not to love? It’s a celebration of how books can bring people together, filled with bookish references. You could probably play bingo with it, see how many of the mentioned books (all real) you’ve read. I know want to go on a bookish road trip with my friends.
There’s also an eccentric (but all book lovers are, if we’re being honest), lovable cast of characters, who had an amazing dynamic. I was in fits of giggles throughout – at the bizarre, bookish hi-jinx and character quirks. From the Austen-themed dance to Ed’s constant food-related comments. The banter was brilliant, hinting at a long history between them but also the ease you only find between best friends.
I loved Tabby as a main character, and the struggle going on inside her head between her fears and wishes. I was rooting for her to overcome it, to let herself be the quirky, funny person underneath. Sometimes her actions didn’t make sense, but that was the point. Her anxiety felt so realistic, so visceral. Like I was experiencing the panic attack alongside her. It was so well written. It was so honest about the experience.
I’m excited to read the next book, though there’s still a year to wait.
Read my reviews of other books by Lucy Powrie:
The Paper & Hearts Society (this series):
- READ WITH PRIDE (#2)
- BOOKISHLY EVER AFTER (#3)
Sifa Elizabeth Reads 