The Museum of Ordinary People: The uplifting new novel from the bestselling author of Half a World Away

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The Museum of Ordinary People is a heartwarming, addictive, charming story about a young museum curator and her discovery of everyday items that carry great meaning for people. Her efforts to start her museum and wade through her personal loss have the reader cheering her every move. The story also raises the interesting question about whether some truths are better left uncovered. I loved this! Highly recommend for all lovers of life. This is how she comes across the Museum of Ordinary People. Set up years ago by a man called Thomas Barley, it features a huge collection of the most varied objects that used to mean something to someone who is no longer here. Why should it only be the things from kings and queens, or artists and movie stars, of famous people in history that have to be displayed so they will never be forgotten? Why not the sewing machine your grandmother spent so many hours on creating clothes for the entire family? Why not the chessboard your grandfather used to teach you how to play the game? Sure, their names won’t be in the history books but their lives meant something too. I bet you’re sitting reading this right now, thinking of an item you would gladly have given to the museum for it to be preserved. Things that wouldn’t mean a thing to anyone, but mean the world to you. And just like that, the relatable and believable every day issues Jess is having to deal with pull you into this story and don’t let go. There is so much to identify with here. A beautiful depiction of grief, recovery and relationships. This was more of a slow-burner for me than any of Gayle's other novels, but that is not to take away from the enjoyment factor - instead it allowed me to read slowly through the book and enjoy the development of the characters and the storyline. It definitely didn't feel rushed. Mike Gayle has the most wonderful gift in that he can tap into all those things we dearly desire but rarely say out loud and he has the ability to make us feel everything that his characters are going through. He really is the master of all encompassing storytelling. Narrated by Witney White - beautiful narration that brought this story and especially Jess to life.

The master of unique stories, that have you engaged from the beginning. This one does not let it down. 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. In the last 20% of the book Mike Gayle reveals some past secrets about both Jess and the museum owner, Alex. These plot twists have enough action to get readers to stop skimming. The book would have been way more interesting if these facts were revealed 20% in and the story built from there. Then there is the underlying mystery of Alex, the current owner of the museum. He inherited the lot from the previous owner but he has no idea who Thomas Barley was or why he’d leave Alex all these things. I thought I knew why but I while I may have been slightly on the right path, I wandered off into a different direction and ended up getting it wrong. I adored Alex and rooted for him from the get-go. Mike Gayle has become an author I recommend to all readers in search of an uplifting read with plenty of heart, substance, and grit.The Museum of Ordinary People is a heartwarming, addictive, charming story about a young museum curator and her discovery of everyday items that carry great meaning for people. Her efforts to start her museum and wade through her personal loss have the reader cheering her every move. The story also raises the intere

Mike has an uncanny ability to create characters that are immediately familiar and relatable and to draw the reader into their world, ever eager to follow where they lead. The Museum of Ordinary People is a keenly observed and warm-hearted tale of how people cope with loss and keep their dreams alive against the odds. It is a delightful read." - Ruth HoganAll that being said, this process reminded me so much of this book and filled me with an intimate sense of knowing why people would want sentimental items to have a place somewhere instead of donating them to a charity shop or tossing them in the dumpster.

Jess has recently lost her mother and is struggling to cope with her grief. Her most precious possession from among her mother's belongings is a set of old encyclopaedias, but she has no place to keep them in the apartment she shares with her partner Guy. A friend tells her of an odd place named "The Museum of Ordinary People" that accepts donations of such old, valued things that people love but can't keep. When Jess visits the museum, her life changes, both personally as well as professionally.I really liked the narrator who made me hear her as Jess, who has the sole point of view in the story, but also gave strong voice to the supporting characters. I enjoyed her storytelling skills, too. Jess after losing her mum hasn't got room for the things she would like to keep and it brings her to the museum of ordinary people where they can be stored. And although the objects themselves are no replacement for the people we ache for, they are a reminder of the fact that those people were here, and they mattered and will be missed. I enjoyed getting to know Jess and everyone else in the story, she is thoroughly likable and I was rooting for her success throughout. Although it's pretty obvious from the beginning what will happen romance-wise in the book, it's still fun to watch unfold as you read.