Author: Sarah Jio
Genre: Historical/Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: 27th May 2014
Pages: 320
Book Source: Penguin Group Plume & NetGalley
Synopsis: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (Goodnight Songs) is an adored childhood classic, but its real origins are lost to history. In Goodnight June, Sarah Jio offers a suspenseful and heartfelt take on how the “great green room” might have come to be.
June Andersen is professionally successful, but her personal life is marred by unhappiness. Unexpectedly, she is called to settle her great-aunt Ruby’s estate and determine the fate of Bluebird Books, the children’s bookstore Ruby founded in the 1940s. Amidst the store’s papers, June stumbles upon letters between her great-aunt and the late Margaret Wise Brown—and steps into the pages of American literature.
My Thoughts:
I loved The Bungalow & Morning Glory but with Goodnight June Sarah
Jio catapults straight onto my favourite author list. As a book lover and
unabashed re-reader of childhood favourites, I adored Goodnight June.
June inherits Bluebird Books after the death of her great aunt Ruby and
it was that quaint bookstore, holding so much history, memories and secrets that
held me captivated. Then June discovers the letters of friendship and
support between Ruby and Brownie (children's author Margaret Wise Brown) and I
was mesmerised ... what a joy to read, sincere and heartwarming.
Sarah Jio blends the past and present seamlessly with these letters and
I had a hard time remembering that it was in fact, fiction ... that the origin and inspiration for Goodnight Moon was a wonderful imagining.
Goodnight Moon is a childhood classic near and dear to my heart, not so
much for the story now but the memories it evokes. Read to me by my mum, the
soothing rhythm, bunny's bedtime routine and effort to delay sleep holds
universal appeal, and I have my mum's old copy which makes it extra
special.
It took me a while to warm to June, hardened by her profession and
success, but as she reevaluated her life and realised the importance of family
and forgiveness she won me over. And all that professional knowledge proved
useful in her fight to save her bookstore from foreclosure. I think I
fell in love with Italian restaurant owner Gavin before June did ... he makes a pasta for every occasion and emotion ... what's not to love??
Goodnight
June is a little bit romantic and a whole lot of love, it's warm and comforting
and couldn't have come at a more perfect
time in my life. Slipping into its pages was time spent in Bluebird Books, which felt like coming home.
and PS seeing
it coming didn't
lessen my enjoyment of the story ... not one little bit.
I rarely reread books unless they're children's books but Goodnight June
will be one I will, time and again. It's a keeper on my bookshelf and earns a
special place in my heart.
Oh!!! This sounds WONDERFUL!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFavourite this year Julie, you would love it!!!
DeleteFantastic review, and the best review I've read about this book. I felt the same way when I read it and adored it. It was my favorite book read last month and may be my favorite book for awhile. I just felt so content and happy reading it because it was so good. Lovely review and so glad to see someone else who loved it as much as I did.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Brandie, when you love a book you want everyone to love it just as much as you do. I'm coming by to check out your review :)
DeleteI do hear it's awesome ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, Yes, Yes ... read it B :)
DeleteAgree, it was a great read and what a great review you give it. I actually do not remember Goodnight Moon but I do remember some of her others and did love them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathryn, glad you loved it too. I've also got some of MWB's golden books, cute stories to pass on to my new grandchild.
DeleteThanks for your great review. I've seen this book on blogs a lot lately and just added it to my 'To Read' list.
ReplyDeleteYay Pat, I'll keep an eye out for your thoughts.
DeleteI read Goodnight Moon to all of my children, and it was a favorite or maybe as you said, it is the memories it evokes. I can smell my children's freshly bathed hair, see them dressed in their pajamas and curled in my lap. Goodnight June sounds delightful Teddylee, I want to spend time in the Italian restaurant and get to know Gavin.
ReplyDeletethat's exactly what I meant ... aren't those memories just precious! I want Gavin to cook me pasta ;)
DeleteI haven't heard of this book or the author, but your review definitely has me curious! And confession, I've never read Goodnight Moon so I feel a bit out of place ;) This sounds like a great read though, and I love the sound of a warm, comforting book.
ReplyDeletethis is a book for all book lovers Alise, I hope you pick up a copy and fall in love
DeleteA 5??? I need to look at this one!
ReplyDeletethis is a booklover's dream book Sheila, hope you pick up a copy.
DeleteOk then. This title is going on my buy list! Loved your review.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, I can't wait to hear if you love it as much as I did!
DeleteA 5 from you makes this definitely a book to read. I don't recall Goodnight Moon so I'm keen to look for this story because I'm sure my daughter would love it.
ReplyDeleteGoodnight Moon is sweet and a little silly but I have such fond memories of it. I'd be really surprised if you didn't love Goodnight June ... let me know :)
DeleteStop writing such good reviews. This book sounds delightful. I will keep my eye open for it.
ReplyDeleteLOL Mandy, I love being an enabler ;)
DeleteI have this book on Sparky....and I'm planning to read it next week! Unless I toss aside my review books and grab it now...I do love this author and this one sounds like a winner. I'm drooling at the image of Gavin's pasta! Thanks, Teddyree!
ReplyDelete