Questers -- January 11, 2023

 

For the first Questers book discussion of 2023, we read Forgotten Bookmarks by Michael Popek. It’s a nonfiction book that a reader probably wouldn’t read cover to cover, but it provided a nice, relaxing read during what is usually a hectic December for our club members.

Michael Popek is a used bookstore owner. He noticed that as he received books that had been donated, he often found items such as bookmarks, notes, letters, and pictures that belonged to the previous owners. Some of these items were striking, transporting him to a time and place otherwise unknown, but giving him a glimpse into someone’s most poignant moments. Other items include recipes, letters to home from a World War II soldier, sheet music with notes written in pencil, and photographs that leave the story up to the reader to imagine. Popek began collecting these items, and soon realized he had the makings of a very unique book.

The Questers gave the book 2.9 stars out of 5. We all agreed it was a quick and relaxing read for the holiday season, but not something that required a lot of analysis. If you like books that help you gain insight into another person’s struggles or joys, this gives you a very quick peak, but leaves you wondering how the subjects of these unique finds continued their journey.