I want to say, “argh you’ve got to read Circe it’s incredible” but I know that the more someone is told that, the less likely they are to do it. So...don’t read it. Really. Don’t. Seriously.
😊 people kept banging on about Circe to me and I was like, there’s no way it’s as good as everyone is saying. I’ll probably hate it (added to this, my novels are about greek mythology so I was primed to be jealous 🤣)
I honestly thought it would be one of those high literary fiction novels that I would hate because it made me feel stupid and I’d want to throw it across the room (which I did with Atonement, which I’m not sorry for and probably means I’m basic). But it so unexpectedly sucked me in.
Yes it’s interesting the assumptions we make isn’t it? I recently read yellowface and for some reason had assumed it would be very literary and maybe a bit dry so was delighted at how gossipy and addictive it was - beautifully and cleverly written but not trying hard to be high brow
A lovely post, but I think you should bring back the selfie shot. It makes it easier to relate to being bundled up against the breeze from the open door.
I was trying to remember how I found you and remembered it was because I didn't have my glasses on and thought your publication title was 'Terrible at Titties' and I laughed my head off and clicked thinking I HAVE to read that!
I so enjoyed reading this today. On a terribly cold day in New Jersey (US), I felt transported to your cozy shop...even with the door open, it sounded lovely. The chocolates certainly help. Truly loved hearing about the new books - so glad I found your substack. I finally got around to Circe and couldn't put it down.
Re The Smile Stealers on your stack - I was in a coffee shop writing a few months ago and there was a guy on the row of tables in front of me (so I could easily see his laptop screen) watching instructional dentistry videos. 😧
Re pie books -my dad is mad for pies and I got him the more recent PieMinister cookbook for his birthday, which was very well received!
We sell this book quite often!! A lot of people know dentists and want to buy them grisly pressies. Good shout on the pieminster - I did see that one in our catalogue. Now I can recommend it on your behalf. Thank you! 😊
Congratulations on being the 7th best bookshop in the UK! Being voted for by your customers totally counts - maybe even more than an “official” list. Is CH the same as Lemon Cake? Or do you have multiple wonderful customers? *adds Waiting for Froggo to book wishlist*
Re picture books, we recently acquired Dazzlehands, about a pig who won't oink but will, well, do dazzlehands, and I can't recommend it enough. Shout out to Chicken & Frog children's bookshop in Featherston, New Zealand (your own book is well-read in our local Lower Hutt library too, Katie, makes me think happily of this substack whenever I catch a glimpse ❤️)
You know I’m in solidarity with the “Are you not freezing?” customer. Only, I’d come in and buy more books than I meant to after perhaps touching too many items in the store and browsing for a slightly too-long time. It’s just, I love physical books so much. Happy weekend!
I want to say, “argh you’ve got to read Circe it’s incredible” but I know that the more someone is told that, the less likely they are to do it. So...don’t read it. Really. Don’t. Seriously.
She absolutely should not read Circe. Never.
Ha ha! And certainly shouldn’t read it in awe, wishing she’d written it herself 🤣
Hehe this is genuinely the way to tempt me!! I am so basic.
😊 people kept banging on about Circe to me and I was like, there’s no way it’s as good as everyone is saying. I’ll probably hate it (added to this, my novels are about greek mythology so I was primed to be jealous 🤣)
But I read it and fell in love.
I honestly thought it would be one of those high literary fiction novels that I would hate because it made me feel stupid and I’d want to throw it across the room (which I did with Atonement, which I’m not sorry for and probably means I’m basic). But it so unexpectedly sucked me in.
Yes it’s interesting the assumptions we make isn’t it? I recently read yellowface and for some reason had assumed it would be very literary and maybe a bit dry so was delighted at how gossipy and addictive it was - beautifully and cleverly written but not trying hard to be high brow
A lovely post, but I think you should bring back the selfie shot. It makes it easier to relate to being bundled up against the breeze from the open door.
I was trying to remember how I found you and remembered it was because I didn't have my glasses on and thought your publication title was 'Terrible at Titties' and I laughed my head off and clicked thinking I HAVE to read that!
My emails used to be sent out as 'Katie Clapham is Terrible at Tit' because that's where the address preview cut out. I've amended it now!
I'd have kept that, just shows how childish I am!
I misread receipt as recipe and that got me clicking through - a recipe from a bookshop? how delightful! But yours is better...
The happiest accident!!! Welcome Jenny.
Oh that’s fabulous Jenny, love it
Rating chocolate over WhatsApp is the way forward 👌
an unusual past-time.
I so enjoyed reading this today. On a terribly cold day in New Jersey (US), I felt transported to your cozy shop...even with the door open, it sounded lovely. The chocolates certainly help. Truly loved hearing about the new books - so glad I found your substack. I finally got around to Circe and couldn't put it down.
Thank you so much, Elana!
You may be happy or mortified to know that I shared that article today 😂🙈
🤣 I'm both
Re The Smile Stealers on your stack - I was in a coffee shop writing a few months ago and there was a guy on the row of tables in front of me (so I could easily see his laptop screen) watching instructional dentistry videos. 😧
Re pie books -my dad is mad for pies and I got him the more recent PieMinister cookbook for his birthday, which was very well received!
We sell this book quite often!! A lot of people know dentists and want to buy them grisly pressies. Good shout on the pieminster - I did see that one in our catalogue. Now I can recommend it on your behalf. Thank you! 😊
Hope the headache is clearing. The book group book looks good! Love the book links. My books to read list is growing
Thanks CH!!
Busted!
Congratulations on being the 7th best bookshop in the UK! Being voted for by your customers totally counts - maybe even more than an “official” list. Is CH the same as Lemon Cake? Or do you have multiple wonderful customers? *adds Waiting for Froggo to book wishlist*
CH is NOT Mrs Lemon Cake! We have many many tremendous customers!
Ennui. In St Annes? Surely not.
That's what I was thinking. It is.
Those chocolates look like tiny delicious planets! 😮 not weird at all. Sweet -- in every sense of the word.
Exacccctly
Congratulations on making The Times list! Being nominated by a customer is arguably lovelier than some unknown person. Either way go you and BM!
Yes you're totally right!
Seventy-two likes! I remember when all this was fields...
You're right you're right... I know you're right.
But how does one go about acquiring the mug from the photo???
Ah hah! Good question. The answer is that you can't, but I'll explain it more in next week's letter. X
Re picture books, we recently acquired Dazzlehands, about a pig who won't oink but will, well, do dazzlehands, and I can't recommend it enough. Shout out to Chicken & Frog children's bookshop in Featherston, New Zealand (your own book is well-read in our local Lower Hutt library too, Katie, makes me think happily of this substack whenever I catch a glimpse ❤️)
Ah this is so lovely, thank you Stephanie I love to imagine my book on the other side of the world!!! And Dazzlehands sounds so cute.
You know I’m in solidarity with the “Are you not freezing?” customer. Only, I’d come in and buy more books than I meant to after perhaps touching too many items in the store and browsing for a slightly too-long time. It’s just, I love physical books so much. Happy weekend!
Thanks Rebecca, you'd be welcome ant time.
Agree about physical books. I can't read them on a kindle or other device... I must have paper and print.