This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 416 pages
Published: February 2026

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page was recommended to me by a dear friend who has known me a long time and understands my love of reading good books. So it’s no surprise that while I read the first 45 pages of this book slowly over three busy days, I quickly devoured it once I reached the weekend. This emotionally enriched novel follows Matilda “Tilly” Nightingale who has just lost the love of her life to a serious illness. At the book’s opening she learns that her husband, Joe, has arranged for her to receive one book per month for an entire year–a final act of love meant to guide her through her grief. What unfolds over the book’s 400+ pages is a journey of self-discovery, adventure, friendships, and healing. 

There were so many things I loved about this book. First, it’s a story about books, which is always a win for me. Part of it is told in epistolary format, which is one of my favorite literary devices. And I adored that it was centered around an independent bookshop. Let’s be honest these type of shops don’t get a lot of love in real life or fiction these days. Finally, I loved that each book Joe selected took Tilly somewhere new–either physically or emotionally–often where she experiences unforgettable meals. In that way, the novel became a delightful blend of fiction, food, and fun, which are three things that speak directly to my heart. But beyond its charming premise, Page explores deeper themes: grief, resilience, and the difficult work of creating a new life when you’ve been handed an unfair curveball. Those themes resonated with me personally this year, and the story helped me put a few things in my own life into perspective. 

Because what better place to get lost than among shelves of stories? 

As she reads about a little girl who shares her name and who loves to read, the world beyond the pages of the book disappears. And inside her a door that she thought was locked nudges open, letting in a shaft of light.

“But isn’t that one of the great things about fiction?” he says. “It’s an escape. Somewhere to go when you don’t want to be where you are.”

Crying like that had emptied her out completely. But maybe she needed to feel empty so that this moment could fill her right back up again.

“I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.”

Maybe this is what books do, she thinks, whether stories real or imagined or poems compiled in one place for people to flick through in search of what they need. They offer something universal but allow you to find your own meaning among the words. They are for everyone and yet they are for you too.

But we’re still here. And I think we owe it to him, and to ourselves, to live. Nothing can take away your memories. But it’s OK to make new ones too.”

Maybe I’ll have to take a permanent job in the future, but I like the idea of the freedom of working like this. I can do it how and when and wherever I like. And life is too short not to try.” 

***

Additionally, Page conveys the grief process with remarkable clarity. Tilly’s emotions, her numbness, her longing, and her careful steps toward hope, felt so real to me. This was one of the rare books that made me laugh, pause, and cry. Any form of art that evokes this range of emotion is doing exactly what it’s meant to do. My only criticism is the formulaic and predictable nature of the plot. Where you think it’s going is exactly where it ends up and everything ties together neatly in the end. For some readers, that’s a comfort; for me, it was simply a matter of personal preference. I think sometimes a reader needs a completely satisfying conclusion. 

Overall, this book made me feel grateful for grief because deep grief only exists where immeasurable love once lived, and I think we all deserve that kind of love. 

Recommendation: I’m grateful for friends who know me well enough to share books they believe will move me. There’s something intimate and special about someone loving a novel and knowing it will speak to you, too. I highly recommend picking up This Book Made Me Think of You–because I’m thinking you deserve a feel-good read, so this book, indeed, made me think of you. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.