Review Detail

THE LIBRARY OF LOST THINGS is a lovely coming-of-age story with love messages to literature. Darcy Wells lives with her mother in an apartment she is afraid to lose. Her mother is a compulsive shopper and hoarder, and their apartment is filled with the things she has purchased. Darcy's room is her safe space, and she keeps her books there. The only person Darcy has allowed to see the house is her BFF Marisol, although they mostly hang out at a table outside of her house.

Darcy and Marisol will soon be turning 18, and things are changing. The new property manager could refuse to renew her and her mother's lease, and Darcy is worried about keeping him out. Darcy works at a bookstore, and she has started running in to Asher, who recently graduated from high school and who had a terrible car accident that changed his entire future. Asher brings up new feelings, but connecting to him would mean letting him in to her messy life.

Darcy's talent is remembering the books she has read, but her life has also been lived a lot within the pages of books. As she starts to branch out, she must figure out herself and what she wants her own story to be.

What I loved: Darcy is a beautifully crafted character, and it is easy to slip into her life. Her worries and fears are easily translated off the page into a three-dimensional character and world. The places where she works- the bookstore and wigshop next door- are amazingly well described, and places most readers would love to visit. In terms of her development, it was fantastic to watch, as Darcy navigates her delicate world and comes into her own through the book. The romance was also nicely, slowly built and easy to cheer for. I loved it all- the characters, the friendships, the romance, and the literature references.

Final verdict: Gorgeously written, Darcy's story is a beautiful coming-of-age story with Shakespeare, romance, and amazing friendships. Highly recommend for anyone looking for something unique in YA contemporary romance.