I just finished reading *The Giver of Stars* by Jojo Moyes, and wow—what a ride. This book isn’t just about delivering books; it’s about delivering hope, courage, and a sense of belonging. Set in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression, the story follows a group of women who brave rough terrain and societal resistance to bring books to isolated communities. I could almost feel the dust on my hands as I turned the pages.

The characters are what truly shine. Alice, an Englishwoman trapped in a stifling marriage, finds purpose in the library project. Margery, the fearless leader, is someone I wish I could meet in real life—her grit and independence are contagious. Their friendship felt so real that I found myself rooting for them like they were my own friends.

Sure, some plot twists were predictable, but that didn’t dampen my enjoyment. The themes of empowerment and the transformative power of books hit hard—especially in today’s world where libraries still fight for relevance. There’s a scene where Alice defends a banned book that gave me chills; it felt eerily timely.

If you love historical fiction with strong female leads and a dash of rebellion, this is your next read. Just don’t start it before bed—I stayed up way too late because I couldn’t put it down.