ISBN-13: 9780425238714Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Published: February 2011
296 pgs
Source: Publicist
Bengali-American Jasmine Mistry isn't happy with her life. Having divorced her husband for infidelity, she has swore off love and marriage and devoted her attention into her work. When she received a letter from her beloved aunt asking her to look after her bookstore in Shelter Island, WA, she agrees. After all, she thinks it is temporary and it may serve as an escapism from her marriage woes.
When Jasmine arrives at her aunt's bookstore, she knew something is different about it. Apart that it is an old store and that it has a Victorian feel, there are spirits of the dead authors roaming about the store and Jasmine could feel them, as each trying to impart some of their wisdom to her. Through their 'voices', Jasmine is also able to read the minds of the customers and knows what they are looking for in books and has in fact, recommended a few books to them despite she hasn't been reading books for a while.
But that is not all, Jasmine also meets a handsome and enigmatic Dr. Connor Hunt who both intrigue and interest her at the same time. Through his spirited demeanour, Jasmine slowly began to walk out of her sadness and put the past behind her.
When I first read about Jasmine, to tell the truth her character doesn't sound appealing to me. She has this unhappiness and scornful vibes around her, in which I could understand given her situation but at times it took away some of my empathy towards her. That said, I had hoped that she could come around and that she could find happiness in the end.
Despite there is a paranormal element to the story, there is nothing horrific about it but is portrayed in a funny and spirited manner. Another thing which I enjoyed about this book is reading bits of Bengali culture when the author wrote about Jasmine's relationship with her family and relatives.
Haunting Jasmine is a fun, entertaining read and if you love reading books about books, the more you should pick up this book and read it!
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Oh I think I would like this -- especially the bits about Bengali culture.
What Beth F said!
I think this book sounds good. I love reading about other cultures too. The cover is really pretty as well.
WOW this sound like an interesting story! The bookstore, talking to the dead, reading books about books..etc. Glad to see you enjoyed the book :) Great review!
You got me at 'spirits of the dead authors roaming about the store'. This book sounds nice and something that I would enjoy. Glad you liked it.
Now, I'm interested in this one too!
Jasmine doesn't really impress me but I love the idea of author ghosts.
This does sound interesting, especially the part about Bengali culture and the spirits of the dead authors. Great review Mel.
This sounds like a sweet and fun read. :D I'm a sucker for any kind of ghosts in a story. :D
Melody, thank you taking time to read the book and for this lovely review. I'm giving a small gift of chocolate, autograph and tea or coffee to anyone who e-mails (or mails) me a copy of a receipt for the book through March 15.
I totally agree with you - Jasmine was difficult, but she grew on me as the story progressed. Great review!
I hope it's okay if I add a link to your review to the South Asian Review Database.
Hi everyone! Thanks so much for your comment! :)
Anjali - Thanks for visiting my blog! I look forward to reading your releases in the near future! :)
Swapna - No problem at all! :)