This is a very accomplished YA novel for a debut. The author is only 19 years old but the quality of this post-apocalyptic novel is excellent, although it does require a suspension of disbelief to accept the nature of the first catastrophic storm, to be followed by a second one.
Liz survived the first storm but lost her family. She has taken up residence in the damaged bookshop where she used to work and survives by exchanging books for supplies. However, a year afterwards, other survivors are becoming desperate and violent. Maeve breaks into Liz’s store intent on stealing what she can. She ends up staying and her maintenance and survival skills prove invaluable. She and Liz look out for each other when some people they had previously known seek revenge.
The last Bookstore on Earth‘s storyline is interspersed with flashbacks to scenes which took place before the first storm and with survivors’ stories. There is violence and hatred but also kindness and love, with Liz and Maeve falling for each other and determining to build a future together in a decimated world.
Reviewed by Lynne Babbage
Age Guide 12+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lily is currently a junior at Smith College studying English. When she isn’t writing, she can be found working at her local independent bookstore or daydreaming about living in outer space. At Smith, she enjoys playing trombone in her school’s wind ensemble and hosting a late-night radio show. The Last Bookstore on Earth is her debut novel.
Likes: mint tea, coke slushies, rainy afternoons, New Jersey, musicals
Dislikes: yogurt, early mornings, physics, humid weather, fire alarms
Favorites:
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Books: Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel, This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future by AS King, The Girl Who Played With Fire by Steig Larson
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Movies: Paddington 2, Juno, Frances Ha, Bottoms, Zombieland
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Artists: Woodkid, Alanis Morissette, The Antlers, Harvey Danger, Julien Baker
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Musicals: Spring Awakening, Hair, Sweeney Todd, Jesus Christ Superstar
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TV Shows: Orphan Black, The 100, The Haunting of Hill House, Criminal Minds
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