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Smiling Shelves

Lego: A Love Story [Review]

1/18/2014

4 Comments

 
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Nostalgia. That’s probably the one word that sums up this book for me. Sitting on my bedroom floor surrounded by Legos, carefully studying each step in the instruction book, feeling that satisfying click as the pieces snapped together. I enjoyed playing with Legos as a kid, but I was not nearly as obsessed as my younger brother (or my husband, it turns out).

Lego: A Love Story describes Jonathan Bender’s journey into the world of AFOLs – Adult Fans of Lego (and yes, this book is full of acronyms). There are fan clubs, conventions, websites, and stores dedicated solely to Lego which are not run by the Lego Company. Hundreds of grown men and women are just as obsessed with Lego today as they were as a child. Over the course of a year, Bender follows them down this path. Along the way, he researches the history of the Lego Company, visits the Lego headquarters in Denmark, and comes to some very personal discoveries about his life and family. This book is the perfect mix of facts and narrative, nostalgia and looking to the future. If you have ever loved Legos or have anyone in your life that loves Legos, then this book is highly recommended.

And I’ll warn you in advice that your Lego cravings will return. My husband read this book after I was finished with it, and before I knew it, he was carrying tubs upon tubs of his childhood Legos into our spare bedroom (I’m quite certain his parents were glad to finally see them go). We spent one glorious Sunday afternoon rediscovering the joys of playing with Legos. I also discovered that my Lego building skills were far below my husband’s. That’s really not that surprising, considering he grew up to be an engineer.

Here’s what I built:

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And here’s what my husband built:
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That’s right. He built a model of our house. I was lucky I came away with a decent-looking pyramid. But I certainly had fun playing with Legos, and in the end, that’s all that matters.
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4 Comments
Joyful Reader link
1/18/2014 04:36:08 am

Oh my! Our 15 (almost 16) year old son has an extreme obsession with Legos. We only recently started limiting his time with them because his studies were suffering. He would rush through his school work to get to Lego time. {{sigh}} doesn't sound like I should hold out much hope of this obsession going away! LOL!

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Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
1/18/2014 10:22:51 am

I sometimes rush through my work to get to reading time. :) It seems like once the obsession with Legos is there, it stays. There are some jobs out there for Lego lovers and builders, though!

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Monika link
1/18/2014 06:02:05 am

How cool! I didn't play with Lego much as a kid, but I'm discovering the fun now with my 4yo. Loved you guys' creations!

Reply
Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
1/18/2014 10:23:59 am

Thanks! We had a lot of fun building them. I'm sure it's fun building with a kid, although it would be a different kind of fun. :)

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    My name is Julie, and I own a lot of books. As in, they are stacked on the floor because I've run out of room on the shelves. And those shelves? There are so many books on them that they smile -- not sag; smile. This blog will cover book reviews and all manner of other bookish things.

    You can contact me at julie@smilingshelves.com.

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