The Giver of Stars: A Novel

I loved this book. I came here to write a review and I was shocked to see all the negative reviews because there was a similar book out there. If you look into the timing, no one plagiarized anyone. It’s also a historical book so the packhorse library existed. This is like saying one titanic author copied another one. That’s ridiculous. That being said because so many of these reviews are saying they felt this was taken from the other one, or the other one is better, I have now read them both. I couldn’t stand the other one. I’m not gonna go and spew venom on her book review page. I’ll give it a two star review and move on. I’m disappointed in the women here who think it’s OK to sit here and trash another novel. After reading both of them, this one is the far superior book. It is better written it’s a better story and it’s a better love story for sure. I also prefer the female camaraderie that is laced from beginning to end in this book. There was barely any female bonding in the other book and when there was, the person either died or left. I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship of the women in this book. The other one was just so canned it was ridiculous. So if you’re reading this and you’re trying to decide which of these books to read, this is the book to read. I really do not see the value in reading the other one at all.

I absolutely loved this book. I was born and raised in Kentucky so I was a little skeptical of the story line and details. Most of the times the little inaccuracies cause me to be distracted from the story and kind of leave a bad taste. But they were on point. After finishing the book, I ordered another copy and sent it to my mom (who still lives in Kentucky) to read. I think I will add this book to my collection of books I can read multiple times.

I don't write lengthy reviews, giving away the story. Read it for yourself and make your own judgement. I judge it a great book and I thoroughly enjoyed most of it! Part of it was difficult to hang in there, but I did hang and so will you. Saw Holly Furticks book club discussion on YouTube and that was all I needed to get me started!

I read reviews that complained about this book being similar to another book they had read so I was hesitant on purchasing, let me just say if you have not read the other book pick this one up. This is a great read! With everything happening today women need a reminder of how powerful they are in this world and this book captures that spirit well.

I have not allowed myself the privilege and luxury of doing nothing other than read for a whole day in a VERY long time, yet THE GIVER OF STARS captured my attention and imagination for many nights and this whole past day. For me, it was a compelling, heartwarming and interesting story. Thank you, JoJo Moyes!

Loved this book!! Hoping, like how the book, Where the Crawford Sing, was made into a movie by Reese, this book will be made into one also. I enjoyed every page, and have passed the title on to several others.

This is the first Kindle book I’ve given five stars to - you have to hold a bit in reserve waiting for that one book which really deserves it. And this is the one. What a story! The hardships of women in rural Kentucky in the 1930s are told through the activities of the packhorse library. The story is based on an actual horse-mounted mobile library that gave comfort and education to mountain families that had no real knowledge of the outside world. I enjoyed this story more than most others I’ve read in the last 5 years. Read it!

Expertly written. The drama is tempered by rich comedic relief. Loved every minute of this book, and some would classify it as a "chick" book. Not as far as I'm concerned.

Blimey! I was tearful by the end of the author's note at the beginning! I loved the literary references and passages quoted throughout - so much so that I ended up down a Lloyd C Douglas rabbithole which culminated in me reading an eBook version of "The Robe", then scouring eBay and purchasing a hard copy from 1947! In "The Giver Of Stars", Jojo Moyes has given us something magical. The book is beautifully written and meticulously researched. As a library campaigner and community activist, the story hit me right in the feels. Everything about it is wonderful! The characters are so lifelike that I feel I know them personally. This is a novel to cherish, read again and again and gift to everyone you know. I've already ordered a hardback version for my friend's birthday. This book is very special indeed. There are insufficient stars in the Universe to give it a high enough rating. A first class piece of work from an author at the very top of her game. Stunning!

Alice married to get away from her life in England, only to find herself in a cold relationship in America far from everything that she knows and understands, until one day she volunteers to join the newly established 'travelling library'. Here she finds the oddballs of her small town and they form an unlikely friendship group; their library opens a new world and a appreciation of reading to the children of the town and the people living in the surrounding area.The book explores a host of subjects; (love and finding your "tribe" through genuine friendship.It also highlights how reading affects people in a positive way: giving hope, comfort and the power to make informed decisions) it was a privilege to read.- my full review is on goodreads

I have loved so many of Jojo Moyes books and was looking forward to getting stuck into this one. I found it difficult to get into and more difficult to continue with... such a disappointment. The writing seemed tedious and the story and characters did not hold any interest for me. Not being one to give up on a book, especially one by an author I have loved in the past, I speed-read it to the end but was relieved to finish it. Hope this is a temporary blip.

I pre-ordered this book and was eagerly anticipating beginning to read it, envious of those who read it before me. I can't remember looking forward as much to a book since years ago waiting for the postman to deliver the latest Harry Potter into my hands. This had the same sort of vibe about it for me. The scene setting took a while, but once the story took off, I loved it. JoJo Moyes is one of the few writers I will jettison a current read for and I have loved almost everything she has written. I would say it does, thankfully, live up to the hype and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would say, yes it is timeless and peopled with great, interesting and feisty women all of whose stories and journeys are meaningful. Baileyville in Kentucky and the scenery and mountains are vividly drawn. I enjoyed too the little snatches of poetry and quotes from other books threaded through a story about bringing joy through the written word. Clever, compelling and, above all, so accessible and readable. I can already see the film in my imagination. Great story telling. Thank you SO much!

I believe that this could truly be one of the best, if not the best book I have read. It transported me to the mountains, it took me into the small town and I felt like I was involved in a western film! A remarkable departure from previous material. Jo-Jo Moyes is extremely gifted author. I am sleep deprived and red eyed as I cried with emotion and was compelled to finish it in 2 nights!