logo

46 pages 1 hour read

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Abbi Waxman

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

333

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Written by Abbi Waxman in 2019, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill is an adult romantic comedy that follows the slow blooming of Nina Hill, a single bookseller with anxiety who undergoes a personal transformation as she discovers family she never knew she had, acquires a boyfriend, and learns that some aspects of real life can be just as rewarding as fiction.

Humorous

Contemplative

Romantic

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

115,031 ratings

67%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Nina Hill's bookish life is turned upside down in this charming, character-driven novel. The engaging plot and witty dialogue provide a delightful escape, though some may find the story predictable and slow-paced at times. Despite minor flaws, Waxman's heartwarming tale of personal growth and family connections is widely appreciated by readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Bookish Life of Nina Hill?

A fan of smart, witty fiction featuring endearing protagonists will love The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. Ideal for readers who enjoy the quirky charm of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine or the bookish delight of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, this novel delivers humor, heart, and a love for literature.

4.0

115,031 ratings

67%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Nina Hill

A thirty-year-old white, single woman living in Los Angeles, who works to maintain her emotional equilibrium through schedules and reading, and navigates life with a passion for trivia and a love of solitude.

A tall, dark-haired carpenter in his early thirties who becomes Nina's romantic interest, characterized by his calm demeanor, sports knowledge, and quick wit.

Nina’s mother, a nurturing figure despite her frequent absences, who stayed connected with her daughter through postcards and books while pursuing her career in photography.

Nina’s older niece, known for her combative, independent nature, and sharing a love for trivia and a prickly attitude with Nina, although she is more dismissive of others.

Nina’s sophisticated, outgoing nephew, who warmly welcomes her into the Reynolds family and helps her feel connected and reassured.

Nina’s brother who shares her red hair and struggles with anxiety, providing Nina with familial connection and support through new shared experiences.

Nina’s father, a posthumous presence in her life whose letters and memory influence Nina’s journey to understanding her family and herself.

Book Details
Pages

333

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.