The In-Between Bookstore

A Novel

De: Edward Underhill

Narrado por: Shaan Dasani

“What would you tell your teen self if you could go back in time? Underhill’s tender, innovative debut is the smartest take on this trope I’ve ever read. . . and for the record, I read it in a single sitting. A beautiful, thoughtful study of how we find our truest selves, and whom we choose to trust with that gift.” — Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

A poignant and enchanting novel about a magical bookstore that transports a trans man through time and brings him face-to-face with his teenage self, offering him the chance of a lifetime to examine his life and identity to find a new beginning.

When Darby finds himself unemployed and in need of a fresh start, he moves back to the small Illinois town he left behind. But Oak Falls has changed almost as much as he has since he left.

One thing is familiar: In Between Books, Darby’s refuge growing up and eventual high school job. When he walks into the bookstore now, Darby feels an eerie sense of déjà vu—everything is exactly the same. Even the newspapers are dated 2009. And behind the register is a teen who looks a lot like Darby did at sixteen. . . who just might give Darby the opportunity to change his own present for the better—if he can figure out how before his connection to the past vanishes forever.

The In-Between Bookstore is a stunning novel of love, self-discovery, and the choices that come with both, for anyone who has ever wondered what their life might be like if they had the chance to go back and take a bigger, braver risk.

moving & delightful story

going on this journey with Darby was wonderful. The self-discovery and exploration of that relationship with our younger selves are such poignant themes that have made me reflect on my own self. While the interpersonal relationships were frustrating at times, they were well-written and realistic, mirroring that poor communication we can all tend to have, especially when we are so boxed in by our own struggles and failing to see how others may also be hurting. Highly recommend to anyone, trans or not, who enjoys a bit of grounded fantasy and might benefit from reflecting on connecting with their younger self.

Story drags, narrator is too slow

This book has a lot of things I love- queer identities centered, bookstores, figuring out who you are, an old dog, trans narrator voicing a trans character. But I just can’t get into it. The narration is off putting- it’s read like it’s a children’s book and is out too slow and drawn out. And the story takes way too long to get going. 2 hours into a 9 hour book and the story is only starting to really have action - but even that’s fumbled up by a too easily befuddled main character. Like any book nerd (whose childhood best friend loved comics) wouldn’t have a basic understanding of time travel? Lost me at this point, and I can’t manage to keep slogging through this.

I want so badly to love this book, and I want to support queer stories. I’ll hold on to it in case next time I’m sick I need some thing slow and easy, so disappointing.

Meh

I really wanted to like this book because the premise was genuinely intriguing. Unfortunately, the story never fully connected with me, largely because I found Darby to be a difficult protagonist to root for.

I understand that Darby is meant to reflect the self-centered perspective many teenagers have, often unaware of what’s happening around them or how their actions affect others. However, when they return later in the story, I found their reactions frustrating rather than relatable. Many of the changes they encountered seemed positive—particularly the ways their hometown had become more progressive and accepting—yet Darby often responded with resistance and resentment. Instead of feeling sympathetic, I was left feeling annoyed by their tendency to overreact to situations that appeared to be improvements.

While the concept behind the story was compelling, my inability to connect with the main character made it difficult to fully enjoy the book.

On & On

The main character goes on & on about the past until you don’t give a care about the conclusion of the book.