The Museum of Ordinary People

By: Mike Gayle

Narrated by: Witney White

Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

In this “brilliantly original” and warmhearted novel, an old set of encyclopedias leads a young woman to a curious museum and one profoundly moving lesson: that every life is an extraordinary life (New York Times bestselling author Claire Mackintosh).

Still reeling from the sudden death of her mother, Jess is about to do the hardest thing she's ever done: empty her childhood home so that it can be sold. As she sorts through a lifetime of memories, everything comes to a halt when she comes across something she just can’t part with: an old set of encyclopedias. To the world, the books are outdated and ready to be recycled. To Jess, they represent love and the future that her mother always wanted her to have.

In the process of finding the books a new home, Jess discovers an unusual archive of letters, photographs, and curious housed in a warehouse and known as the Museum of Ordinary People. Irresistibly drawn, she becomes the museum's unofficial custodian, along with the warehouse’s mysterious owner. As they delve into the history of objects in their care, they not only unravel heart-stirring stories that span generations and continents, but also unearth long-buried secrets that lie closer to home.

Inspired by an abandoned box of mementos, The Museum of Ordinary People is a poignant novel about memory and loss, the things we leave behind, and the future we create for ourselves.

©2023 Mike Gayle (P)2023 Grand Central Publishing

Meh. Melodramatic and Predictable

Good narrator but the best part of this book was the concept of the museum. Rather than explore that with some kind of interesting premise, most of the story is melodramatic. A bit like a soap opera. The story could’ve been told in an hour.

Lovely and touching

I enjoyed the characters and their story. Well developed. Particularly well read by the vocal actress.

Thought-provoking and heart-warming

This is a quirky, delightful and moving celebration of the road less travelling, and of perspectives less commonly considered. A poignant reminder of the importance of celebrating and commemorating the ordinary. Also a much needed antidote to the media-crazed celebrity worship and materialistic consumerism that seems to dominate the modern world. Such a refreshing listen. I absolutely loved this book!

Unique premise

This story had such a unique premise but left me wanting more in the execution. The pacing was a little slow throughout the bulk, but had a great ending. Thought-provoking overall.

Sweet Story

This is a sweet, pleasant story about good meaning ordinary people trying to find their place in life. I especially like the idea behind the museum they struggled to create and hope it inspires people to form real museums of ordinary people.

Lovely

Sweet characters. Difficult life lessons told with some mystery and twists that keep it interesting and enjoyable.

Started Nicely then Became Days of Our Lives

A nice, easy, non offensive book; nothing too cringey to read but it went flat and became soap opera-ish. It was fine. I’ll give it an okay rating with a few dopey twists towards the end.

Love the idea of this

To think about all of the items people cherish and that hold such memories -I often thought about the items I have of family members that only I really love. At the time of this listening -we had a house fire , and while we did not lose any mementos -they are all being cleaned and stored until we can move back . This book made me really remember what’s important -the love we have for our everyday life .

Wonderful story-weaver

Mike Gayle knocks it out of the park again. He tells beautifully, rich stories with characters that have such depth and different life experiences. I also really appreciate that there aren’t swear words. A perfect example that you can write an excellent book without resorting to crass language. Thank you and well-done!

Quietly Beautiful

This is a delicate, quiet story about grief, the profound meanings with which we imbue material possessions, and wrestling with the choices of career and partner in one's twenties. I enjoyed it.