84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of 84, Charing Cross Road
Book Review: Books & London
Summary: 5 Stars
The first time I found this book I was 16. Just like Helene Hanff I wanted to go to London, to walk down Charing Cross Road, to see these book stores, to hold these books. The letters are remarkable. Helene talked about books like they were old friends and Frank appeared to have the same friends. Soon Helene was sending food packages to celebrate special occasions with the people in the shop and they were sending her secret thank you notes so Frank would not find out. Helene made plans to come to London, but something would always happen to delay the trip. She had wanted to go to London to see the coronation, but found that the only crowning she would be attending involved teeth. London changed from the time just after the war to the Beatles. London was still there, but the people she had wanted to see and who would have made the visit special drifted away. Helene said in the book that someone told her London existed in exactly the way you wanted to find it. She said she wanted the literary London and he told her it was there. I found Helene's London. I did walk down Charing Cross Road and into the shops. I found the books and the people who are selling them. I still believe this is one of my favorate books.Book Review: Break out the hankies...but prepare to hold your sides, too!
Summary: 5 Stars
A gem of a book, this is one to keep...but to pass along,too. A true story that strikes a nodding-your-head-along-with-the-writer chord, then hits you square in the heart. For those who- like myself- are part of the dying breed of letter writers, this book does double duty: as a how-to fascinate on paper, and also as a companionable example of how the written word can move mountains. I have been known to dole this one out to particularly deserving souls. Who then become devotees. Read it, read it, read it!Book Review: Charing Cross road has lost its most revered shop.
Summary: 5 Stars
I still have the hardback, first edition of 84, Charing Cross Road that I bought after reading the Readers Digest condensation. I've read it several times, and have lent it to countless friends to read. Last month while in London, I walked up Charing Cross Road to find the bookstore that Helene had so longed to see. Sadly, I found the old shop closed and empty, the name removed from the front. You could still read "Marks &" in the faded paint. I stared in for a moment or two, trying to visualize what it would have looked like filled with books and people. As I began to walk away, I noticed the brass plaque mounted at the side of the building identifying the site of the bookstore that had been made famous throughout the world because of the book written by Helene Hanff. This had become her monument.Book Review: Charming
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a true story about a friendship that bloomed between a woman in New York who loved books and the entire staff of a used bookstore in London. After reading 84, CHARING CROSS ROAD I went in search of Helene's other 5 books. I loved each of them and I plan on reading them all again someday! I recommend all of her books to you if you liked this one.Book Review: Charming Charing Cross . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow. The exquisite relationship between the author and a bookseller in England and how it transforms both of their lives, and the lives of those around them is a testament to humanity. The meticulous and slowly crafted relationship that formed over several years through letters and packages,is nothing short of beautiful. On top of that, it is a joy to read. Funny, touching, and in weird way kind made me feel kind of snoopish for reading their letters. But I loved it. So much said in so few words, especially at the start of their correspondance. After reading this book, I ordered every Helene Hanff book and devoured them (with the exception of her children's books). She's just the kind of person you hope to be like, or you hope to have as a friend.
A great book for book lovers, anglophiles, New York lovers . . .and anyone looking for a very quick and charming read.