Reviewed by Christine
TITLE: The Little Library
AUTHOR: Kim Fielding
NARRATOR: Andrew McFerrin
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 8 hours; 3 minutes
RELEASE DATE: May 17, 2018
BLURB:
Elliott Thompson was once a historian with a promising academic future, but his involvement in a scandal meant a lost job, public shame, and a ruined love life. He took shelter in his rural California hometown, where he teaches online classes, hoards books, and despairs of his future.
Simon Odisho has lost a job as well – to a bullet that sidelined his career in law enforcement. While his shattered knee recovers, he rethinks his job prospects and searches for the courage to come out to his close-knit but conservative extended family.
In an attempt to manage his overflowing book collection, Elliott builds a miniature neighborhood library in his front yard. The project puts him in touch with his neighbors – for better and worse – and introduces him to handsome, charming Simon.
While romance blooms quickly between them, Elliott’s not willing to live in the closet, and his best career prospects might take him far away. His books have plenty to tell him about history, but they give him no clues about a future with Simon.
REVIEW:
Elliott Thompson thought he had it all until his criminal ex cost him everything. Slinking back to Modesto, California, he tries to rebuild his life while harboring nearly debilitating self-doubt and little hope for a successful future. When he meets former police officer Simon Odisho via the little library he establishes in his front yard, things begin to look up. However, past hurts, Simon’s closeted sexuality, and a possible new career provide obstacles that may be too difficult to overcome.
There is so much to like about this little gem of a romance, and the characters are a good place to start. I loved the unconventionality of both Elliott and Simon. Elliott’s past is what has shaped his present situation, and he struggles with trusting others and his own ability to make solid life decisions. His internal conflicts are not over-played, nor do they bog down the story; rather, they come in to play with subtlety and authenticity. He is particularly relatable in his self-doubt and subsequently his self-soothing technique of extensive book purchases. Book lovers will be especially drawn to this aspect of his personality, as his “addiction” may sound quite familiar to many. The method to relieving his burgeoning collection through the establishment of the little library in his yard is a lovely part of this story and serves to further the plot while also introducing the other main character, Simon. Though the story is told exclusively from Elliott’s third person POV, Simon is fully fleshed and entirely sympathetic. His intentions and own conflicts are developed in a realistic way, and the development of his relationship with Elliott is organic and appealing. An Assyrian-American, he must face the realities his family traditions impose upon his sexuality, and the resulting conflict between him and Elliott is portrayed with sensitivity and honesty. Overall, Simon and Elliott are likable, realistic characters with realistic issues, and their scenes together are engaging, intelligent, and sweetly romantic.
The setting of this lovely little romance speaks to the small town California girl residing in my heart. Having been born in Modesto and raised a short distance away, I recognize every single location Ms. Fielding weaves into the story. Her love for the region is apparent, and her appreciation for its rich history is evident on each page. From the gorgeous Pacific Coast to the Gold Country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the central California plays a major part in the story and is a character in and of itself. It is heartwarming to see such affection for my home threaded throughout Elliott and Simon’s journey, and I know readers from all over the globe would enjoy it as well.
I highly recommend The Little Library. Its nod to tender m/m romance, the adoration of books and history, and its unique setting and characters all give it undeniable appeal and charm.
NARRATION REVIEW:
I believe this is the first Andrew McFerrin audiobook I have enjoyed. Although his delivery of the narration is sometimes a bit stilted, his performance of the character voices was very good, overall. I would definitely like to hear more of his work in the future.
RATING: 
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