The Museum of Ordinary People

By: Mike Gayle

Narrated by: Witney White

In this “brilliantly original” and warmhearted novel, an old set of encyclopedias leads a young woman to a curious museum and one profoundly moving lesson: that every life is an extraordinary life (New York Times bestselling author Claire Mackintosh).

Still reeling from the sudden death of her mother, Jess is about to do the hardest thing she's ever done: empty her childhood home so that it can be sold. As she sorts through a lifetime of memories, everything comes to a halt when she comes across something she just can’t part with: an old set of encyclopedias. To the world, the books are outdated and ready to be recycled. To Jess, they represent love and the future that her mother always wanted her to have.

In the process of finding the books a new home, Jess discovers an unusual archive of letters, photographs, and curious housed in a warehouse and known as the Museum of Ordinary People. Irresistibly drawn, she becomes the museum's unofficial custodian, along with the warehouse’s mysterious owner. As they delve into the history of objects in their care, they not only unravel heart-stirring stories that span generations and continents, but also unearth long-buried secrets that lie closer to home.

Inspired by an abandoned box of mementos, The Museum of Ordinary People is a poignant novel about memory and loss, the things we leave behind, and the future we create for ourselves.

©2023 Mike Gayle (P)2023 Grand Central Publishing

Meh. Melodramatic and Predictable

Good narrator but the best part of this book was the concept of the museum. Rather than explore that with some kind of interesting premise, most of the story is melodramatic. A bit like a soap opera. The story could’ve been told in an hour.

Unique premise

This story had such a unique premise but left me wanting more in the execution. The pacing was a little slow throughout the bulk, but had a great ending. Thought-provoking overall.

Lovely and touching

I enjoyed the characters and their story. Well developed. Particularly well read by the vocal actress.

Thought-provoking and heart-warming

This is a quirky, delightful and moving celebration of the road less travelling, and of perspectives less commonly considered. A poignant reminder of the importance of celebrating and commemorating the ordinary. Also a much needed antidote to the media-crazed celebrity worship and materialistic consumerism that seems to dominate the modern world. Such a refreshing listen. I absolutely loved this book!

Sweet Story

This is a sweet, pleasant story about good meaning ordinary people trying to find their place in life. I especially like the idea behind the museum they struggled to create and hope it inspires people to form real museums of ordinary people.

Just so so.

I might have liked this book more if I had read it. The narrator is good I suppose, but to me very monotonous. I loved his other books on Audible. This was just a bore.

Charming!

This book has a warehouse full of charm. It’s a deep dive into grief and compassion that feels uplifting without being stodgy. I love the narration. This author is hitting his stride!

Too many stupid choices

A good performance, and it started out okay, but the main character is SO self-righteous— while making one stupid decision after another. I expected more vignettes about the “ordinary people”. I simply cannot bother finishing.

He does it again!

I did not want this one to end. It was as beautifully written as any other by Mike Gayle, with an extra dose of all that is both achingly sad and truly beautiful about the world. 5 stars doesn’t seem enough!

Love the premise

Having had to clean out my parents’ home and disposing of cherished items brings home this story. Sweet romance albeit with great drama. I would recommend.