Welcome to the world of Lucy Powrie, a safe, supportive, bookish haven where everyone can be their truest self. I first came across 'The Paper and Hearts Society' trilogy a couple of years ago, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. I read all three books in one go during summer; they allowed me to reconnect with my most authentic self (and love of books!) in an uplifting yet profound manner- I felt like I had finally been seen. This author spotlight is my (slightly) younger self's 'thank you' letter to Lucy Powrie for writing books that let me know that being a neurodivergent bookish misfit is okay.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with her work, Lucy Powrie is the author of 'The Paper and Hearts Society' books, which follow the adventures of a teen book club as they navigate life, love and friendship; each book has a main focus on one of the characters, but all of The Paper and Hearts Society members appear in every instalment. She is currently working on a new YA novel, as well as an adult romance book which is the first in a series of modern re-workings of Jane Austen's novels. (I usually avoid retellings of classic fiction, apart from those based around Greek mythology, however Lucy Powrie is one of the few authors I trust to do Jane Austen justice!) She has also been the Bronte Society's Young Ambassador (dream job!!!), sharing her love for the Bronte sisters' work. Lucy's aim as a writer is to fill bookshelves with stories featuring neurodivergent protagonists like herself, as well as to pass on her passion for classics and romance books.
I can remember the exact moment that I fell in love with this trilogy. On page eight of the eponymous first book in the series, Tabby seeks refuge in the library after a friendship fiasco. She searches for a copy of the book which has become her lifeline, Sylvia Plath's 'The Bell Jar', and tucked inside, she finds a flyer asking for new members to join a local book club, where she ends up finding the people who finally accept her. I've always felt that books will help lead you to wherever you need to go in life, so seeing that moment written down felt both serendipitous and viscerally hopeful for the me who was at that time painfully lonely. For me, this scene was a tangible manifestation of the power of books to change people's lives, and to make them feel understood when no other words can capture what they feel inside. I'd never read such a bookish book; all of the conversations I had with myself in my head about the books I loved were written out on the pages before me- watching Tabby's journey of growth as she takes the scars from her past and uses them to grow into her full potential as person felt like a sign from the universe, pointing me towards a more confident, unmasked version of myself.
The literary road trip was one of the most fun plot points I think I will ever come across- 'The Paper and Hearts Society' is a book lover's dream, as you get to experience the homes of Shakespeare, Austen and the Bronte sisters through the pages of a book. What more could any bookworm want? The sensitive but humanly messy way in which the characters get to know each other is really heart-warming, and the last few chapters of this book will make many people feel seen.
'The Paper and Hearts Society' is followed up by the equally amazing 'Read with Pride.' The plot for this book centres around the friends' 'ReadWithPride' campaign, which they launch to boycott the school library's new policy that restricts student access to LGBTQ+ books.
There are so many moments in this book which take all of the raw shame, discomfort and discrimination the characters face and turn them into one of the most beautiful celebrations of authentic queer stories. Each and every protagonist gets their moment to shine, and to express their inner voice. 'Read with Pride' not only acknowledges that everyone's personal story is unique, but champions this in the most bookish, unassuming way. The poster drop scene was amazing to read; personally, I loved the chapters that described the 'ReadWithPride' gang gathering up their own LGBTQ+ books and leaving them dotted around the school for those who needed them but were unable to access that genre of fiction any other way. This novel epitomises books as beacons of hope, and vessels of positive future change; it is one of my favourite depictions of how the power of books can present in everyday life. The discussions around burn out perfectly capture the sentiment of advocating hard for what matters the most to you, but also reaching out for help when you need it, both to amplify your voice and keep you well enough to continue campaigning. To me, it felt like Pride Month in book form!
As much as I enjoyed 'Read with Pride', my personal favourite of the trilogy is its conclusion in 'Bookishly ever after.' For me, this book was the perfect end to the series, leaving the characters in a place where they could continue to grow and share their love of books. The plot focuses on Ed, who has just started his dream job at local independent bookshop 'Woolf and Wilde.' There, he starts to form a connection with colleague Hannah, and the book documents their journey as they become more comfortable in themselves, and with each other.
I actually found out about the whole trilogy through seeing this final instalment advertised. Reading about Hannah, another autistic girl living her best life as a blogger and bookseller made me feel like it was possible for me to have a future where I would be accepted for who I was, doing what I loved most. It is so important for neurodivergent stories to be told, especially by authors like Lucy Powrie who have lived experience. 'Bookishly ever after' taught me that I could still be the main character in my own story, even post-diagnosis; all of the discussions around neurodivergence felt so effortless, the furthest removed from the awkward and misunderstood autistic 'coming out' stories that you hear so much about. Hannah taught me not to be afraid to take up space in the world, and that finding your inner confidence through books is the best way to get there.
All of the characters seem to gain a certain maturity in this book; it is reflective and neatly tied up without feeling too forced, allowing the friends some stability and solidarity before they continue on their own paths. 'Bookishly ever after' encapsulates what it is to be a bookworm, and lets readers know that doing things differently, and taking things slowly, is valid.
'The Paper and Hearts Society' trilogy gently encourages you to be your most authentic self, and reassures you that you will find your people and your place in the world, even if it takes a bit of time. The series is a book enthusiast's dream- if you love the Bronte sisters, book clubs and a healthy dash of romance, then these are the books for you. These novels helped me reconnect with myself when I felt lost or unsure- they amplify the power of young people's stories to fuel meaningful connection, whether that's with yourself, or the people around you. In three words, this trilogy is empathetic, empowering and heart-warming; give it a go, and live your best bookish life!
What I think the characters' response to the trilogy would be!
If you want to find out more about Lucy Powrie, visit her website at lucythereader.com
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