Review: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

This book is amazing! It is the best book I have read in a long time! The book tells the story of Odile - in Paris during World War II and in small town Montana in the 1980's - and Lily, who is Odile's neighbor in Montana. The book moves seamlessly between war-torn Paris and the same old, same old of Froid, Montana. 

In Paris (from 1939 until the end of the war) Odile works at the American Library in Paris. She LOVES books and knows the Dewey Decimal system by heart. She has a twin brother named Remy who is very politically inclined and disenchanted with the path their father wants him to take in life. In Froid (in the 1980's) Odile is alone but befriends Lily and has a second chance at life.. Through the book the two parts of Odile's life are told in a way that is so smartly done. 

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslian Charles is heart-warming, heart-wrenching at times, a story about family, true friendships (through good times and bad!) and an absolute love story to books! I loved this SO MUCH! All through the book there are quotes and lines that are so good and heartfelt and so true! Yes, they are quotes but in my opinion they are also TRUE! For example, "Libraries are lungs. Books the fresh air breathed in to keep the heart beating, to keep the brain imagining, to keep hope alive."

If you like books that tell stories of World War II, have dual timelines, are well-written and show an obvious love for books and the people stories touch - then read The Paris Library. I have a feeling you'll be happy you did.