The bookish life of Nina Hill

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Varies, see individual formats and editions
Publication Date
2019.
Language
English
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Instant USA Today bestseller!“Abbi Waxman is both irreverent and thoughtful.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin“Meet our bookish millennial heroine—a modern-day Elizabeth Bennet, if you will… Waxman’s wit and wry humor stand out. She is funny and imaginative, and “Bookish” lands a step above run-of-the-mill romantic comedy fare.”—The Washington Post“Abbi Waxman offers up a quirky, eccentric romance that will charm any bookworm…. For anyone who’s ever wondered if their greatest romance might come between the pages of books they read, Waxman offers a heartwarming tribute to that possibility.”--Entertainment WeeklyThe author of Other People’s Houses and The Garden of Small Beginnings delivers a quirky and charming novel chronicling the life of confirmed introvert Nina Hill as she does her best to fly under everyone's radar.   Meet Nina Hill: A young woman supremely confident in her own...shell.   The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book.   When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They're all—or mostly all—excited to meet her! She'll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It's a disaster! And as if that wasn't enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn't he realize what a terrible idea that is?   Nina considers her options. 1. Completely change her name and appearance. (Too drastic, plus she likes her hair.) 2. Flee to a deserted island. (Hard pass, see: coffee). 3. Hide in a corner of her apartment and rock back and forth. (Already doing it.)   It's time for Nina to come out of her comfortable shell, but she isn't convinced real life could ever live up to fiction. It's going to take a brand-new family, a persistent suitor, and the combined effects of ice cream and trivia to make her turn her own fresh page.

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Contributors
Rankin, Emily Narrator
Waxman, Abbi Author
ISBN
9780451491879
9781984883148
9780451491886
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Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the genre "relationship fiction"; the subjects "life change events," "introverts," and "bookstores"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These books have the appeal factors sardonic and witty, and they have the theme "bouncing back"; the genre "relationship fiction"; the subjects "life change events," "family relationships," and "self-discovery"; and characters that are "sympathetic characters" and "sarcastic characters."
In these funny and character-driven relationship fiction novels, likeable and snarky women unexpectedly find romance and community after the death of their father. -- Laura Cohen
Though living on opposite coasts (Bookish in L.A., Storied in Massachusetts), the curmudgeonly witty booksellers who star in these engaging novels are the heart of their well-drawn bookish communities, jolted from their safe routines by the arrival of unexpected family. -- Donna Matturri
These charming, California-set novels will appeal to readers who love books about books. Both stories are engaging, character-driven, and feature likeable, bookish women whose lives are upended by an unexpected death in the family. -- Catherine Coles
Likeable bibliophile heroines find their lives upended in these charming relationship fiction novels about unexpected connections and new possibilities. -- Kaitlin Conner
These books have the appeal factors sardonic and witty, and they have the subjects "life change events" and "middle-aged women"; and characters that are "sympathetic characters," "sarcastic characters," and "authentic characters."
These books have the appeal factors sardonic and character-driven, and they have the genres "relationship fiction" and "mainstream fiction"; the subject "life change events"; and characters that are "sympathetic characters" and "sarcastic characters."
The orderly lives of the likeable protagonists in both character-driven relationship novels are turned upside down when they take on a new client (Clover) or discover a previously unknown family (Nina Hill). -- Halle Carlson
Snarky, introverted, and decidedly bookish women star in these engaging stories about self-fulfillment and the complicated nature of families. Both novels are partially set in delightfully cozy bookshops. -- Catherine Coles
While Nina Hill is a bookish introvert and Agatha Arch an anxious one, both find their lives in upheaval, leading them to make unexpected personal connections. Snarky humor abounds. -- Shauna Griffin
Both humorous novels with romantic subplots are about flawed young women who find their lives upended by family drama and big life changes -- divorce and selling a childhood home in Party Crasher; a death and surprise inheritance in Bookish Life. -- Tirzah Price

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Abbi Waxman and Liza Palmer write engaging fiction about relatable women struggling with everyday issues -- job woes, complicated relationships, and romance dilemmas -- while also tackling big themes like grief, body image, and long-term happiness. Both balance more serious subjects with plenty of humor to keep things from becoming maudlin. -- Halle Carlson
Abbi Waxman and Laurie Frankel blend engaging writing, touches of humor, and sparkling dialogue in order to create moving stories about women navigating the highs and lows of life. Both authors are known for their authentic, likeable characters and their thoughtful treatment of complex issues like grief and marital strife. -- Catherine Coles
Both authors write moving relationship fiction in which characters face family issues, living with dissatisfaction, and questions of self-discovery with humor and heart. While Jennifer Weiner has written for both older kids and adults, Abbi Waxman primarily writes for adults. -- CJ Connor
Amy Poeppel and Abbi Waxman craft heartwarming and upbeat relationship fiction starring likeable characters who tackle what life throws at them with good humor and resolve. Often the protagonists are surrounded by a cast of quirky, but well-developed and supportive secondary characters who contribute their own stories to the plots. -- Halle Carlson
Abbi Waxman readers who enjoy engaging mainstream novels that approach life's challenges with sardonic humor should pick up Maria Semple's books. While both authors tend to feature fun, quirky characters and witty dialogue, neither hesitates to pull at readers' heartstrings from time to time. -- Catherine Coles
Readers of Abbi Waxman's heartwarming, engaging novels may enjoy Kristan Higgins' fiction about women's lives and relationships. Both authors delve into issues such as loss, grief, infidelity, and heartache, but temper the seriousness with lots of humor, upbeat moments, and characters to root for. -- Halle Carlson
Both authors write leisurely paced, heartwarming relationship fiction about women who find self-discovery and fulfillment while navigating challenges like loneliness, grief, and complex family dynamics. The books of both authors often include romantic plots or subplots. Susan Wiggs also writes historical fiction, while Abbi Waxman mainly writes contemporary fiction. -- CJ Connor
Abbi Waxman and Katherine Center create absorbing, highly readable stories about relatable women grappling with the everyday problems modern women face. Whether connecting with a distant daughter or trying to be taken seriously at work, the heroines work through their issues to become more confident and satisfied with their lives. -- Halle Carlson
Both Abbi Waxman and Katherine Heiny craft stories about relatable women handling life's uncertainties with humor, from the mundane to the life-changing. Full of well-rounded characters, their novels explore the ways in which relationships, both romantic and platonic, shape the trajectories of the protagonists' journeys. -- Halle Carlson
These authors' works have the genre "relationship fiction"; the subjects "single mothers," "women," and "life change events"; and characters that are "sympathetic characters," "authentic characters," and "introspective characters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors sardonic, witty, and multiple perspectives, and they have the genres "relationship fiction" and "mainstream fiction"; the subjects "life change events," "married people," and "women authors"; and characters that are "sarcastic characters," "likeable characters," and "sympathetic characters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors sardonic, intensifying, and multiple perspectives, and they have the genre "relationship fiction"; the subjects "life change events," "coping," and "married people"; and characters that are "sympathetic characters" and "authentic characters."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Book nerds will feel strong kinship with the engaging, introverted Nina Hill, who works in a bookstore, plays pub trivia, and loves office supplies. As long as she's got her book clubs and her daily planner, she's happy and confident and hardly ever has panic attacks anymore. Quite satisfied with her life, Nina is thrown for a loop when her father dies (especially since she never knew him) and she discovers she's inherited a family she's not sure she wants. It doesn't help that the best-looking guy she's met in a while is her biggest rival on the trivia competition circuit, and Tom is appealing for more than just his sports knowledge. Readers will be captivated by Nina's droll sense of humor and sympathize with her tendency towards anxiety. But Nina's no wallflower, and they'll cheer her on as she stands up to her new family and steps into a new relationship with Tom. Waxman's (Other People's Houses, 2018) perspective includes a wry narration of Nina's life as well as getting into Nina's head, and it's this style that will continue to build her deserved readership.--Tracy Babiasz Copyright 2019 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

In this love letter to book nerds, Waxman (The Garden of Small Beginnings) introduces the extraordinary introvert Nina Hill. Nina, who grew up on the east side of L.A. in Larchmont, Calif., has never wanted to leave her hometown. She loves her apartment, with its shelves of books; her cat; and her job as a clerk at a book shop. Filling her time with trivia nights, movies, book club, yoga class, and, of course, reading, she feels she has the perfect life. Then, one day at work, a lawyer shows up and tells her of the death of the father she never knew and the existence of his huge extended family. As Nina gets to know her newfound relatives, who all live in Southern California, she also notices a handsome and charming trivia rival, Tom, who seems to be taking an equal interest in Nina. With witty dialogue and a running sarcastic inner monologue ("Moms of a certain age know dozens of people through various channels, so they have to perform this human form of canine butt sniffing all the goddamn time"), Waxman brings Nina to vibrant life as she upends her introverted routine and become part of the family. Fans of Jojo Moyes will love this. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

Bookstore employee Nina Hill likes to read-a lot. She also enjoys keeping an uber-detailed planner and not digressing from her schedule, even if it involves doing nothing. Similar to Greta Garbo, she wants to be left alone-by most people. She likes her quirky coworkers, her trivia team members, and her cat, Phil. She doesn't want anything to do with her newly discovered family or Tom, the good-looking sports buff on a rival trivia team. Now seems like a perfect time for Nina to come out of her shell, but is she ready or even able? Waxman's third novel (The Garden of Small Beginnings) is full of pop culture references (bonus points for readers who catch the Men at Work one), and the handwritten planner entries are reminiscent of those in Bridget Jones's diary. However, the third-person narration doesn't really work here-Nina would tell her story better-and the occasional sexual references don't fit the book's innocent tone. VERDICT Will appeal to chick lit fans who enjoy copious rapid-fire dialog. [See Prepub Alert, 1/23/19.]-Samantha Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

Introverted Nina Hill, the only child of a single mother, is pulledboth kicking and screaming and passive-aggressively resistinginto a new family and a new relationship.Nina likes "pinning things down," being prepared in advance, and making a daily schedule. After working in the bookstore, she goes home to her cat, Phil, where she reads and bones up for her next trivia contest. Her static, well-regulated life is turned upside down when a lawyer contacts her with news about her father, though her mother had always claimed not to know who he was. Turns out he was wealthy, and he's left her something in his will. At the lawyer's office, she meets the rest of the family, her half-aunts, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, some welcoming and others decidedly not. Nina wants no part of this family. Who cares what her father might have left her? No thanks! And then another intrusion appears in the form of a handsome man, captain of a rival trivia team. He's too showy for Nina, and besides, he knows all the sports category answers, so she pegs him as a nonreader, a big turnoff. Nina wants only to be left alone. But Nina is not all rules and solitude. She has a spark, an imagination, and a sense of humor that make you want to sit with her and observe people over a cappuccino and pastry...while making wisecracks. She of course grows and opens her life to new experiencesher new family and, maybe, the trivia guy. Waxman (Other People's Houses, 2018, etc.) skillfully shows Nina's changing mindset in the hilarious schedules, complete with meal plans and shopping lists, she makes each day. If you love writing plans and sticking to them, you'll love Nina Hill. If you roll your eyes at people who make daily schedules, you'll love Nina Hill, too.Waxman has created a thoroughly engaging character in this bookish, contemplative, set-in-her-ways woman. Be prepared to chuckle. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* Book nerds will feel strong kinship with the engaging, introverted Nina Hill, who works in a bookstore, plays pub trivia, and loves office supplies. As long as she's got her book clubs and her daily planner, she's happy and confident and hardly ever has panic attacks anymore. Quite satisfied with her life, Nina is thrown for a loop when her father dies (especially since she never knew him) and she discovers she's inherited a family she's not sure she wants. It doesn't help that the best-looking guy she's met in a while is her biggest rival on the trivia competition circuit, and Tom is appealing for more than just his sports knowledge. Readers will be captivated by Nina's droll sense of humor and sympathize with her tendency towards anxiety. But Nina's no wallflower, and they'll cheer her on as she stands up to her new family and steps into a new relationship with Tom. Waxman's (Other People's Houses, 2018) perspective includes a wry narration of Nina's life as well as getting into Nina's head, and it's this style that will continue to build her deserved readership. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

Bookstore employee Nina Hill likes to read—a lot. She also enjoys keeping an uberdetailed planner and not digressing from her schedule, even if it involves doing nothing. Similar to Greta Garbo, she wants to be left alone—by most people. She likes her quirky coworkers, her trivia team members, and her cat, Phil. She doesn't want anything to do with her newly discovered family or Tom, the good-looking sports buff on a rival trivia team. Now seems like a perfect time for Nina to come out of her shell, but is she ready or even able? Waxman's third novel (The Garden of Small Beginnings) is full of pop culture references (bonus points for readers who catch the Men at Work one), and the handwritten planner entries are reminiscent of those in Bridget Jones's diary. However, the third-person narration doesn't really work here—Nina would tell her story better—and the occasional sexual references don't fit the book's innocent tone. VERDICT Will appeal to chick lit fans who enjoy copious rapid-fire dialog. [See Prepub Alert, 1/23/19.]—Samantha Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY

Copyright 2019 Library Journal.

Copyright 2019 Library Journal.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

In this love letter to book nerds, Waxman (The Garden of Small Beginnings) introduces the extraordinary introvert Nina Hill. Nina, who grew up on the east side of L.A. in Larchmont, Calif., has never wanted to leave her hometown. She loves her apartment, with its shelves of books; her cat; and her job as a clerk at a book shop. Filling her time with trivia nights, movies, book club, yoga class, and, of course, reading, she feels she has the perfect life. Then, one day at work, a lawyer shows up and tells her of the death of the father she never knew and the existence of his huge extended family. As Nina gets to know her newfound relatives, who all live in Southern California, she also notices a handsome and charming trivia rival, Tom, who seems to be taking an equal interest in Nina. With witty dialogue and a running sarcastic inner monologue ("Moms of a certain age know dozens of people through various channels, so they have to perform this human form of canine butt sniffing all the goddamn time"), Waxman brings Nina to vibrant life as she upends her introverted routine and become part of the family. Fans of Jojo Moyes will love this. (July)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly.

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly.
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