Thursday, May 7, 2020

Little Free Library, by Naomi Kritzer

[Single]
★★★★☆ A delightful adventure in books and revolution.

(Uncanny Horror) When Megian sets out her homemade book exchange, a mysterious neighbor starts trading objects and art for the books, but some of the items don’t seem to come from this world at all. (2,518 words; Time: 08m)

Recommended By: πŸ‘MHaskins+1 πŸ‘STomaino+1 (Q&A)


"," by (edited by Patrick Nielsen Hayden), published on by .

Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)

Review: 2020.212 (A Word for Authors)

Pro: The best part of this story is Meigan’s gradual realization that her correspondent is a not just an ordinary neighbor. Subtle hints, like the neighbor having never heard of the Lord of the Rings, then more serious ones like the leaf that’s unlike any from any known tree.

The way it escalates when she passes on a copy of Defending Your Castle is priceless. “I believed that I would never have the opportunity to avenge what was done to my family” is both funny and scary at the same time. And the little gold coin (with a bird on it) is a nice touch.

And, of course, the ending is excellent. Based on what we’ve learned of Meigan to this point, she’ll be a great caretaker for the egg.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Little Free Library” is a real organization.

Con: It’s a sweet little story, but there’s really only one character, Meigan, no actual conflict, and no real tension.

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2 comments (may contain spoilers):

  1. I'd give this story 4 1/2 stars myself.

    Well worth reading for award purposes.

    The tension is WHO is this person that Meigan is communicating with ? The reader and Meigan gradually finds out and this is where the tension and suspense is.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Now available in Spanish:
    https://www.tor.com/2021/03/31/el-nido-de-libros-naomi-kritzer/

    ReplyDelete