This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page: A Review

Some books feel like a hand on your shoulder. This is one of them. Libby Page's new novel is about grief, books and a little London bookshop, and it is the kind of story you finish and immediately want to hand to someone you love.

What is This Book Made Me Think of You about?

Tilly Nightingale is a book editor in London. Six months after she loses her husband, Joe, a bookseller named Alfie calls her. Before he died, Joe chose twelve books for her, one for every month of the year. Each one comes with a handwritten note. They aren't goodbyes. They're small nudges to go outside, try something new, say yes again and live.

I loved the idea from the first page, and the book kept that promise. It's about grief, but it isn't heavy. Each month and each book opens a little door, and Tilly walks through, sometimes slowly and sometimes in tears. The story also takes her out of London, and I'll let you find out where on your own. There's a love story too, and it's gentle and believable. I laughed in places and cried in others.

The bookshop at the heart of it

The bookshop is my favorite part. Alfie's little shop feels like the kind of place we all wish we had around the corner. It's a reminder of why independent booksellers matter, and of how the right book at the right moment can carry you through a hard season.

About the author, Libby Page

Libby Page is a British writer who lives in Somerset, England, with her husband and young son. Before writing novels she worked as a journalist at the Guardian and then in marketing. Her first novel, The Lido (published in the US as Mornings with Rosemary), was about a fight to save a community swimming pool. Every book since has been about the places that bring people together. She has also written The 24-Hour Café, The Island Home, The Vintage Shop of Second Chances and The Lifeline. Next on my list: The Lido.

Who it's for

Anyone who loves books about books. Anyone who has lost someone. Anyone who needs a gentle push to start living again. It also makes a beautiful gift, and the title says exactly what you'd want to say when you hand it over.

Have you read This Book Made Me Think of You, or is it on your list? Leave a comment and tell us which book made you think of someone you love.

Find it here: This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page.

More reading notes from South Nook, a little corner for curated books, on Instagram at @southnook.

#ad · This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.