The Lions of Fifth Avenue: A GMA Book Club Pick (A Novel)

The book was interesting but more for the history of the library than the actual story of the characters. Our club found the characters to be self indulgent and selfish. We were not sure if this is what the author intended.

Everyone has their own reasons for rating a book 5 stars. Mine tend to be either the book made me feel strong emotions... whether I laughed a lot or cried a lot or just FELT while reading. This book did not do that. It was fine...a decent story, but when big things happened, the way they were written didn't feel emotional. Even the ending didn't make me happy or sad. The book just ended.

Lions of Fifth Avenue had great potential and could’ve been a remarkable story the likes of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, but character and plot development was hugely inadequate. We needed more description of the sights, sounds and smells of 1913 NYC: the clothes, food, means of cooking and doing dishes. We’re barely told what our characters looked like. The author used terms that wouldn’t have existed in 1913. Harry running with a gang at 11 was im...read more

I loved learning some of the history about the NYPL as well as historical writings of authors and how they are protected and preserved. The mystery was beautifully layered and complex, the characters were solid, and the engaging story moved at a good pace. Many meaningful themes are addressed in the story, making it a good book club choice that could drive a lively discussion.

Fantastic Read. 4.5 Stars. Loved {almost} every second of it!

My only complaint is that it felt a little preachy sometimes. Otherwise, Love It!!