by Eliana H.

Those of us who work in libraries know that books contain a special kind of magic. Even the most ordinary books can hold the key to something extraordinary for the right reader. This past summer, I read a story about a book with a different kind of magic. 

The Book of Doors introduces us to Cassie Andrews. She lives in New York City with her roommate and best friend, Izzy, and works at a bookstore that she loves. Although she lost the grandfather who raised her as a teenager and traveled abroad before settling in the city, no one would call Cassie’s life particularly exceptional.

All that changes, though, when one of her favorite customers dies in front of her at the bookstore and Cassie finds a worn-looking old book that he seems to have left behind for her. When she opens it, Cassie discovers The Book of Doors, which contains confusing drawings and strange writing. It also promises that any door is every door. Soon, Cassie learns exactly what this means. She and Izzy explore the limits of the book, and before long, they draw the notice of a mysterious man. His name is Drummond Fox, and as he explains once he approaches them, the Book of Doors is one of a set of unique books. He is the caretaker of the Fox Library, and he watches over those volumes that he’s managed to gather and protects them from nefarious collectors who seek to use the books to do harm. Cassie has to decide if she can trust Fox and where her responsibility lies in all of this. 

Soon, Cassie finds herself caught up in an adventure she never imagined, learning about the books and their history as well as her own, while trying to prevent unimaginable disaster.

To warn sensitive readers: there are some quite difficult and gruesome scenes, but the story is creative and compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope to read more from this debut author soon! 

The Book of Doors is available from HCLS in print and as an e-book and e-audiobook from Libby.

Eliana is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Elkridge Branch and co-chair of the HCLS Equity Committee. She loves reading, even if she’s slow at it, and especially enjoys helping people find books that make them light up. She also loves being outside and spending time with friends and family (when it’s safe).