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The Forgotten Book Club

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The Forgotten Book Club

By: Kate Storey
Narrated by: Sherry Baines
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About this listen

‘Beautiful and emotional’ Sue Moorcroft

‘A moving, warm and comforting read’ Jennie Godfrey

‘Tender and moving, The Forgotten Book Club is one to treasure’ Celia Anderson

‘A wonderfully uplifting celebration of community and the joy of books’ Annie Lyons

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Life can begin with a single story. You just have to Bring Your Own Book…

For three decades, Grace supported her husband Frank’s passion for books, despite not being a reader herself. Since his passing, their shelves echo longingly, and Grace’s heartache has only grown.

When Grace’s grandson suggests joining Frank’s old book club to feel closer to him again, Grace reluctantly agrees. Yet, upon arrival, she discovers this isn’t a typical book club: here, members settle in for an hour of reading… in silence.

Disappointed by the sparse attendance and confused by the lack of chatter, Grace flees. But when fellow member, Annie, convinces her to stay, Grace is determined to ensure that neither Frank – nor his beloved book club – are forgotten.

And as she breathes new life into the group, Grace might just find this is where she truly belongs. Because this next chapter of life could just be the beginning of her story…

The perfect story for book lovers everywhere. Ideal for fans of Sally Page and Evie Woods.

Readers and authors have fallen in love with Kate Storey:

‘A gorgeous story full of emotion and a very special library.’ – Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop

'An absolute joy to read. Uplifting, beautiful, and perfect for any book lovers!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A lovely story that celebrates books, family and kindness. Touching and beautiful.' – Hazel Prior, bestselling author of Away with the Penguins

'The Memory Library delivers on its promise of hope, friendship and second chances. It's a love letter to the written word.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The Memory Library is so joyful. Kate Storey writes from the heart and the gut about mistakes and how we can learn from them. Great characters and a truly heartwarming story – I loved it!' – Laura Pearson, author of #1 Kindle bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont

‘A powerful and poignant story. There were tears shed.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A gorgeous novel that pairs my (and many people’s) perennial love for books about books with themes of family – and just how complex they can be.' – Platinum

‘I laughed out loud and had more than one glassy eye!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An utterly gorgeous page turner about the power of books, family and forgiveness.' – Phaedra Patrick, The Library of Lost and Found

‘A real treasure for booklovers everywhere who completely appreciate the joy, knowledge and healing that books can bring.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Memory Library is a magical story…It’s a magnificent celebration of the wonderful world of books and libraries – one to treasure and re-read over and over again!’ – Celia Anderson, author of USA Today bestseller 59 Memory Lane

‘There’s page after page of wonderful wisdom in this novel.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A beautiful, poignant tale of family, friendship and the power of books. I was completely swept away.’ – Kindle bestseller Annie Lyons

©2025 Lisa Timoney (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers
Contemporary Family Life Friendship Genre Fiction Grief & Loss Personal Development Relationships Women's Fiction Emotions Feel-Good Heartfelt

Critic reviews

PRAISE FOR THE FORGOTTEN BOOK CLUB:

'With kindness, community and tolerance at its heart, The Forgotten Book Club is a moving, warm and comforting read' Jennie Godfrey, no.1 Sunday Times bestseller of The List of Suspicious Things

'I love this warm and welcoming book. Full of hope and community spirit, it features a wonderfully diverse cast of characters including a literary cat. The story not only celebrates the power of reading; it enriches our understanding of ourselves and others. A real life-affirmer.' Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins

'Beautiful and emotional' Sue Moorcroft, bestselling author of the Skye Sisters series

‘The Forgotten Book Club is a gem of a story that draws you in like a warm cup of tea shared among friends.’ Carolyn Brown , New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

’A wonderful cast of characters who found their way into my heart straight away.’ Eva Glyn, author of The Dubrovnik Book Club

Kate Storey has done it again – vivid, lively characters and a heartwarming plot that never crosses the line into saccharine. There's even a cat. And more importantly, it's about books and reading. What more could you ask for?’ Laura Pearson, author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont

Tender and moving, The Forgotten Book Club is one to treasure. A beautiful story of love, loneliness and the endless power of friendship. Community gold at its best. – Celia Anderson, author of 59 Memory Lane

‘Books about books are always the best but add in an emotional plot and a heartwarming ending and this is a must read! A gorgeous story full of community, love and the power of books.’ Annabel French, author of Wedding at the Chateau

All stars
Most relevant
This book was an emotional and uplifting read for me. We meet Grace, whose larger-than-life husband Frank passes away. Frank had a huge passion for books, while Grace, although supporting her husband’s passion, wasn’t much of a reader herself. Her passion lay with antique furniture.

Frank’s passing was 18 months ago, but Grace couldn’t find a way to live without him. Frank started a silent book club, and encouraged by her grandson, he suggests she join. Reluctantly, Grace agrees, unaware that the people she meets will become the tonic she needs to start living again.

Grace happens upon Frank’s journal and gains insight into how he was feeling. Although emotional, the story is beautifully written. It explores a deep friendship between people from different backgrounds who come together when one of their own has a personal crisis. Grace, spurred on with a new lease of life, is determined to ensure that what Frank started isn’t forgotten.

It’s a wonderful journey of hard work and determination as Grace and her group pull out all the stops to get their group on the map and encourage other groups to start up around the country.

I love books about books because they attract all types of readers and offer something for everyone. Plus, the idea of this particular group being silent takes the pressure off reading to a timeframe. People can pick what they like, and others may venture into a genre they’d never thought of before, just like reading reviews here is for me.

*Unexpected Friendships*

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I really enjoyed this book I recommend you to read it it made me laugh and cry it was Brilliant

the forgotten book club

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It started a bit slowly and as my first ever audio book I was impatient to get going. The reader was a little bit slowly for me initially but I learned how to speed her up a bit.
Was great to be able to harvest my tomatoes, make soup, water my 20 pot plants, track my grand daughter on a Medivac flight to the UK and still read this book.
A great first experience!

The storyline I had no idea about neurodiversity

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I chose this book when I wanted something lighter and relatively easy-going. I first thought that it might be a kind of average, fine in the moment but not that memorable experience, but I was proved very much wrong!

There's some effective writing, believable characters and accurate research that all contributed to creating an emotional and heartwarming read. People who enjoy themes of overcoming loss, grief, loneliness and mental health issues will appreciate this story, and the care that's gone into its details. the narrator for the audiobook is also well chosen, providing a realistic voice for the protagonist, and doing great accents for other characters. Plus, who doesn't love a book that celebrates a love of books? Very well written!

Exceeded my expectations

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While at first I disliked the narrator’s voice, I soon appreciated and admired how well she impersonates the various characters. This turned listening to the book a super enjoyable experience.

The storyline is touching and thought provoking.

Great narrator, interesting story line

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