The Door-To-Door Bookstore By Carsten Henn (Review by Stacie Kitchen)

Rating: 4.5/5

The Door-To-Door Bookstore is like a warm hug. What a cute story with so much heart! Carl Kollhoff’s job is to deliver books from his old friend’s bookstore to people that cannot leave their homes. As an avid reader himself, Carl gives each of these people character names based on their personality, so we meet a whole slew of characters from Mr. Darcy to Doctor Faustus to Hercules. Carl knows the ins and outs of his customer’s preferences and brings them books every day that he knows they will enjoy.

One day a young girl stops him on his usual book delivery path to join him along his walk. Little Schascha changes Carl. She pushes the boundaries and begins to insert herself into the lives of everyone as they deliver books. At first Carl is reluctant to this change, but his customers begin to adore Schascha and look forward to seeing her every day as well. As the daughter of the bookstore owner begins to take over the bookstore, Carl learns that his job is in jeopardy. What will his clients do if he is no longer able to bring them any books? More importantly, what will he do? Carl is used to his daily routine and people depend on him.

Even though this is a short book, each character was so full of life. The theme of this book really centers on friendship and community. You have multiple generations connecting with one another truly making each other’s lives better. Carl is such an endearing elderly gentleman that it is hard not to fall fast for him. He is a character worthy of a prequel and is a character to root for. What a cute novel!