Once I finish reading a book I enjoyed, I sort of stroke the cover—as if to tuck it away, asleep, knowing that I won’t see it again for quite some time (if ever again). With The Ocean at the End of the Lane, I didn’t want to let go of it. This book has become a part of me and will affect the way I approach things in my life. The plot is almost impossible to describe in human words—I can only think of it in adjectives like “beautiful,” “heartbreaking,” and “leveling.” This book levels you; I promise you’ll feel things shift inside you once you read it.

—Courtney of R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison6 of 12