I feel incredibly gushy about your Substack today. It feels like you're writing it, especially for me. That is a unique skill—I’m confident I am not the only reader who feels this way.
On the one hand, I can fantasize about having my bookshop. On the other hand, it makes me very nostalgic for a bookstore I used to go to in the ‘80s on the coast here (in Half Moon Bay, California.)
The store owner would make recommendations to me from the new crop of fiction hardcovers. We would talk about the books we were reading—it was just a lovely oasis for me.
Re the Mark Billingham book, I was tickled when I read this blurb:
'Readers rejoice! A captivating new series from Mark Billingham, the very best in the business' --- RICHARD OSMAN
Richard Osman hosts The Rest Is Entertainment podcast with Marina Hyde and recently they answered a question about blurbs on books. He admitted that semi recently he hadn’t had time to read a new Mark Billingham book that he’d been asked to blurb but had told the publishers they could use ‘the very best in the business’ (and presumably the rest of that quote above!) as a blurb from him rather than something specific to the book.
Wow, thanks very much for the mention - what an honour - the first time I’ve ever appeared (so to speak) in a Substack post! Hope you’ll be free of covert rain this weekend! 🌧
I can't believe a teacher had time to come collect her book order before school started! She must be a much more organized morning person-teacher than I. I ran out the door with my hair half done and made it to school just as the busses were dropping off the last of the students. I'll do my book shopping after school today :)
I had a chocolate cornflake bun from Costa the other week – I don’t want to tell you how much I paid for it because it was upsetting – and it was the most delicious thing ever. I felt such a rush of nostalgia for those manky versions we used to do in ‘cookery’ classes when I was about 7. The high street coffee shops are nailing the whole Proustian kiddie baking trend right now.
Reading this today your writing/voice really reminded me of Louise Rennison and I just loved her and her books and I hope you take this as the major compliment I mean it to be! 🤍
Oh I just loved your article for The Bookseller. Falling back in love with something that you used to love so much is such a powerful thing 🥰 Glad you’ve found that renewed love through Substack too. I definitely fell back in love with writing through Substack. In the week of love long may it continue…🩷🩷🩷
I feel like you should know that I save your receipts to read on Mondays because they're such a treat! I read it with a cup of coffee as I ease into my work day. (I'm a book editor!) Today happens to be my "Monday" because yesterday was a holiday here in America.
This is all just… delicious. I feel like I’m snugged up in the corner of your shop, your words whispered in my ear as I watch and feel and smell and giggle. Just // transportive. Love your writing SO damn much!
I am so sad that Booksellers.org doesn't ship outside the UK. I tried. I am redirected to the US site .. and while I'm happy to support our local shop, I'd really love for you to get the full credit - because without your inspiring suggestions I might never have known about or bought these books. Thanks for sharing! May all your customers be engaging, amusing or noteworthy (and all buy books, of course) ... And may some of them come with treats.
I feel incredibly gushy about your Substack today. It feels like you're writing it, especially for me. That is a unique skill—I’m confident I am not the only reader who feels this way.
On the one hand, I can fantasize about having my bookshop. On the other hand, it makes me very nostalgic for a bookstore I used to go to in the ‘80s on the coast here (in Half Moon Bay, California.)
The store owner would make recommendations to me from the new crop of fiction hardcovers. We would talk about the books we were reading—it was just a lovely oasis for me.
Re the Mark Billingham book, I was tickled when I read this blurb:
'Readers rejoice! A captivating new series from Mark Billingham, the very best in the business' --- RICHARD OSMAN
Richard Osman hosts The Rest Is Entertainment podcast with Marina Hyde and recently they answered a question about blurbs on books. He admitted that semi recently he hadn’t had time to read a new Mark Billingham book that he’d been asked to blurb but had told the publishers they could use ‘the very best in the business’ (and presumably the rest of that quote above!) as a blurb from him rather than something specific to the book.
And there it is, spotted in the wild!!
Paying for something with cash always makes it feel free. 💸
Wow, thanks very much for the mention - what an honour - the first time I’ve ever appeared (so to speak) in a Substack post! Hope you’ll be free of covert rain this weekend! 🌧
I can't believe a teacher had time to come collect her book order before school started! She must be a much more organized morning person-teacher than I. I ran out the door with my hair half done and made it to school just as the busses were dropping off the last of the students. I'll do my book shopping after school today :)
We’re friends… just so you know. I am whole heartedly skipping to the book shop with you & our twinning pastry dessert every Friday.
I had a chocolate cornflake bun from Costa the other week – I don’t want to tell you how much I paid for it because it was upsetting – and it was the most delicious thing ever. I felt such a rush of nostalgia for those manky versions we used to do in ‘cookery’ classes when I was about 7. The high street coffee shops are nailing the whole Proustian kiddie baking trend right now.
Reading this today your writing/voice really reminded me of Louise Rennison and I just loved her and her books and I hope you take this as the major compliment I mean it to be! 🤍
That was a surprise - I assumed that dancing detective was going to be the latest from Anton du Beke!
Laird Hunt is new to me. Looking forward to this discovery.
Oh I just loved your article for The Bookseller. Falling back in love with something that you used to love so much is such a powerful thing 🥰 Glad you’ve found that renewed love through Substack too. I definitely fell back in love with writing through Substack. In the week of love long may it continue…🩷🩷🩷
I feel like you should know that I save your receipts to read on Mondays because they're such a treat! I read it with a cup of coffee as I ease into my work day. (I'm a book editor!) Today happens to be my "Monday" because yesterday was a holiday here in America.
P.S. Will have to check out The Last Dance!
This is all just… delicious. I feel like I’m snugged up in the corner of your shop, your words whispered in my ear as I watch and feel and smell and giggle. Just // transportive. Love your writing SO damn much!
I am so sad that Booksellers.org doesn't ship outside the UK. I tried. I am redirected to the US site .. and while I'm happy to support our local shop, I'd really love for you to get the full credit - because without your inspiring suggestions I might never have known about or bought these books. Thanks for sharing! May all your customers be engaging, amusing or noteworthy (and all buy books, of course) ... And may some of them come with treats.
Your covert rain is known as "peasant soaker" in Tuscany. If you're out in it all day toiling in the fields you will be soaked...
OMG! Reagan-era Indiana?!? That’s so very MY LIFE! 🤣
I cannot possibly keep up with all of your delicious book titles!
Heart shaped brownies? Maracas? BM?
Thank you from the bottom of my midwestern heart