Gabrielle Zevin’s The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is much more than a tale about books and the quirky world of a small bookstore owner. It’s a profound exploration of love, loss, redemption, and the stories that shape our lives. At its heart, the novel offers valuable life lessons that resonate far beyond the literary world. Whether you’re an avid reader, a bookstore lover, or someone seeking wisdom about navigating life’s challenges, here are some of the key lessons we can take away from this heartwarming and thought-provoking story. Lessons We Can Learn from The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry .
1. Life is Full of Unexpected Twists
At the beginning of the novel, A.J. Fikry is a grumpy, disillusioned bookstore owner who has all but given up on life. His wife’s death, combined with the slow decline of his bookstore, has led him to a place of deep cynicism. But the arrival of an unexpected gift—a baby girl left in the bookstore—becomes a turning point for him. This twist is a stark reminder that life is full of surprises. We cannot predict what’s coming, but often, the most life-altering moments are the ones we least expect.
Takeaway: Embrace the unknown and be open to change. Even in our darkest moments, life has a way of throwing us something that can make all the difference. Sometimes, the unexpected is exactly what we need to begin again.
2. The Power of Storytelling
A.J. Fikry’s bookstore, Island Books, is more than just a place to buy novels; it’s a sanctuary for stories to come alive. Throughout the book, we see how stories—whether written or lived—help shape identity, provide comfort, and foster connection. Fikry himself, who initially appears as a solitary, detached figure, slowly opens up through the stories he shares with others.
The novel underscores the importance of storytelling in human relationships and in understanding ourselves. A great book, or a shared experience, can act as a bridge, uniting us to others and to the deepest parts of ourselves.
Takeaway: Never underestimate the power of a good story. Stories connect us, heal us, and offer perspective in ways we might not fully understand until we reflect on them. In life, we are all both storytellers and listeners.
3. The Importance of Second Chances
One of the central themes of The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is redemption and the idea that it’s never too late for a fresh start. A.J. Fikry, who starts off as a man stuck in his grief and bitterness, is given second chances—not only by life but also by those around him. Through his journey, he learns to open up to others and to allow himself to love again, especially through his relationship with Maya, the young girl who comes into his life.
This reminds us that even in the face of failure or tragedy, the opportunity for renewal is always present. Whether it’s in our relationships, our careers, or our personal growth, second chances are a gift that can shape the course of our lives in remarkable ways.
Takeaway: Life’s greatest moments often come after failure or disappointment. Never give up on yourself or others; there is always room for redemption and reinvention.
4. Love Comes in Many Forms
A.J.’s love story isn’t just about romance—it’s about the deep, unconditional love he develops for Maya, the child he comes to see as his own. It’s about the friendships he forms with his loyal customers, like the book sales rep, Amelia, and the fellow book lover, Ismay. The novel beautifully illustrates that love is not a single narrative but a complex tapestry of relationships. Love can take the form of mentorship, parenthood, friendship, and even quiet moments shared between strangers.
Takeaway: Love isn’t one-dimensional; it exists in various forms and expressions. Opening your heart to different types of love can bring unexpected joy and meaning to your life.
5. The Value of Small Moments
A.J. Fikry’s life, like so many of ours, is not defined by grand events or big accomplishments. It’s the small, often overlooked moments—like a quiet evening with a good book, a meaningful conversation, or an impromptu gesture of kindness—that truly matter. Through his relationship with Maya and his rediscovery of the joy of reading, A.J. learns to appreciate these simple pleasures.
Zevin’s novel shows us that happiness and fulfillment often lie in the small, everyday experiences that we sometimes take for granted.
Takeaway: Slow down and savor life’s small moments. They are often where the greatest joys reside, even if they don’t seem extraordinary at first glance.
6. The Healing Power of Books
For A.J., books are not just his livelihood; they are his solace, his form of therapy, and his way of connecting with others. Throughout the novel, we see how books have the power to heal, to challenge our thinking, and to provide comfort during hard times. Whether it’s a book that helps someone through grief or one that sparks a conversation between two unlikely people, books become conduits for emotional growth and healing.
Takeaway: Books have a unique ability to transform our lives. Whether through the lessons they impart or the emotions they evoke, reading can be a source of comfort, insight, and even personal growth.
7. Grief is Not Linear
A.J. Fikry’s grief over the death of his wife, Nic, is a constant presence in his life, though it evolves over time. The novel teaches us that grief is not a linear journey—it’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal. Sometimes, it resurfaces when least expected, but eventually, it gives way to acceptance, healing, and new beginnings. A.J. doesn’t “move on” from Nic’s death, but he learns to live with it, incorporating it into the fabric of his ongoing life.
Takeaway: Grief doesn’t follow a predictable timeline. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate loss, and understand that healing is a process that looks different for everyone.
8. Community and Connection Matter ( Last Lessons We Can Learn from The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry)
Finally, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry highlights the importance of community. A.J. may start off as a solitary figure, but he gradually comes to realize that he doesn’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Through his interactions with the people in his life—his customers, friends, and eventually Maya—A.J. finds that human connection is one of life’s most meaningful sources of strength.
Takeaway: Relationships and community are essential. While we may feel like loners at times, it’s the people we allow into our lives who can make all the difference in how we navigate life’s ups and downs.
Conclusion
At its core, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is a novel about transformation. It’s about how we can change, how we can choose joy over bitterness, and how we can find meaning in the simplest of moments. The lessons A.J. Fikry learns—about love, loss, storytelling, and second chances—are universal truths that can inspire us all to lead more meaningful lives. So, the next time you pick up a book or face a challenging moment in your life, remember the lessons from A.J.’s storied life, and allow yourself to find the beauty in the unexpected. I hope you enjoyed Lessons We Can Learn from The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry.
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