The Book Swap is the poignant story of a unique, ongoing book swap with “You’ve Got Mail” vibes.
The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Romance, Books About Books, Grief, Friendship
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My Summary of The Book Swap:
Thanks #NetGalley @HTP_Books #GraydonHouse for a complimentary e ARC of #TheBookSwap upon my request. All opinions are my own.
The story begins as Erin is sorting through her possessions and decides to donate a stack of books to the small community library. Later, she realizes that she has accidentally donated a book where she had placed a precious note written by her best friend who recently died. She rushes back to the library to retrieve the book but it’s not there. She returns to the library again and again hoping that whoever borrowed the book will return it with her note inside. When the book is returned, she is relieved to find her note but also intrigued by the note that the borrower leaves for her. This leads to an anonymous exchange of book recs and notes and a growing friendship. Will Erin and the Mystery Man meet?
My Thoughts:
A Romance, yes but…
The Book Swap is promoted as a romance, but the content is heavier than you might expect in a romance (and what the cover implies). We do get our HEA, but it’s a long road to get there. I do like the aspect of a friendship growing into love more than insta-love, so that’s refreshing for the genre! I also love that the story is told from a dual perspective and we hear from both main characters in his or her own words.
Grief and Bullying
The heaviest themes involve Grief and Bullying. Erin struggles with the loss of her dear, best friend to cancer. It affects every aspect of her life and has caused some mental health issues (her best friend appears in her room and they carry on conversations). James has been a victim of extreme bullying by classmates in the past and was also emotionally abused (abandoned/cut off) by his parents as a child and older adolescent. Both Erin and James are stuck in life….in relationships and in pursuing their dreams.
Book About Books
This story centers around a small community library and a love of books. With “You’ve Got Mail” vibes, Erin and James leave book recs and margin notes to each other (many classics are mentioned) before their identities are eventually known to one another. A literary friendship and book talk is a fun part of the story for book nerds!
Themes
In addition to heavier themes such as bullying, grief and loss, guilt, and emotional abuse, there are some lighter and more hopeful themes such as second chance (slow burn) romance, new beginnings, friendship, book love, and finding your path/following your dreams. I need to note that I especially appreciated the friendship between James and his best friend, and the emphasis on men being real with each other and sharing from their hearts about their lives.
Content Consideration: cancer, death, grief, bullying, neglect/abandonment, mention of suicide
Recommending The Book Swap
If you’re OK with heavier themes and appreciate multi-layered plots, I recommend The Book Swap for fans of books about books. I enjoyed the dual perspectives which helped to fully develop each main character.
Related: You might enjoy other books about books here and here.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Meet the Author of The Book Swap, Tessa Bickers
Tessa Bickers studied journalism at Bournemouth university, and went on to co-present a breakfast radio show in the South West. Moving into celebrity news, she’s interviewed some of the biggest names in show business, including Leonardo DiCaprio and the cast of Sex and the City. Tess started her creative career as a singer-songwriter and after a few failed X Factor auditions she went on to perform at Glastonbury Festival, and Secret Garden Party with her band Tess and the Tellers. These days she’s replaced her guitar with a keyboard, and songs for books. THE BOOK SWAP is her debut novel, published in 2024.
QOTD:
Do you love books about books and debut authors?
Happy Reading Book Friends!
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All books I review are purchased or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that the book is free (arc).
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I’ve read a few books recently where the covers seem to indicate a light-hearted read, but it has been so much more involved and heavier than it appeared. I’m glad this was a reasonably balanced read and that you enjoyed it. 💖📚
Sometimes the covers and/ blurbs are misleading. 😔
They sure are, Carol. 🤷♀️💖📚
Glad you enjoyed this one Carol, even though there were some heavy themes.
Bordering on too many!
I am replying again as I got this message the first time: Nonce verification failed.
I do love books about books, as well as heavier issues that I read between my lighter stories. Excellent review, Carol. The cover didn’t call to me when I saw this originally, but your review has convinced me to try it. My library has a copy, so I am adding it to my list.
So frustrating about the comments glitch you’re experiencing. Sorry!
It’s okay. I copy my comment before I click send. I know the second time it goes through. Very weird.