Oh - the - joy!!!!
It is amazing. There are really old book shelves in a really old building which used to be a railway station. There are many many books, more than you can imagine, some really old which you won't find anywhere else.
There's a children's area, and a model railway going round on a track overhead. There are many lovely seats so you can just grab a book and sit and read. Everything is really well signed so you can find the appropriate section. It's like a library, but it's better - you don't have to be silent! There was music softly playing.
Everyone there is united by one purpose - they may have an idea of what they want, or not, some may want a book on a non-fiction topic special to them, others may be there looking for their favourite fiction author - but all are there FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS!
There are quotes on overhead signs and on the walls, big things to think about, to inspire creative deep contemplation.
It was lovely just to browse and see what you discover. There's even a little cafe if you need a break from all the book browsing. I was very restrained today and managed to leave having bought only three books, but I'm sure there are more I could have purchased (I think I need to do an inventory of what I actually have!).
1. White Teeth - Zadie Smith
When it came out a few years ago, it seemed that everyone was reading it, and now, finding it cheap in a secondhand bookshop, I'm going to see what it's all about.
2. Lost in Translation
This is going to be hilarious, so much so that I'm going to spread it around, with Considerer being the first borrower - I think it will appeal to her. It's basically signs written in English in countries where the native language is not English, causing hilarity with the poor command of the nuances of the language (no one please come after me with all the mistakes I've made in German - I'm sure a book could be written about that!).
3. Ich bin ein Pariser
Yes, I found the language section. I honed in on the German shelves. I found a book that looked fairly modern. On reading the back, I understood maybe 80% and thought hey, this is about my level - so here we go, another book to practise my German with - I'll let you know how I get on!
Oh, and beneath the books, see that, that's a bookmark - it's like they KNOW you're going to want to start reading straight away!
So there we go, my delightful visit to one of the best bookshops ever. Anyone else a reader? Anyone want to visit?
I thought it would be up your street (the book) and if you're ever up here you must check it out (the store) - although I think it would be fair for you to allow for a whole day in there ;)
ReplyDeleteI want to visit!!! Darn the stupid ocean. I would seriously love to just live there. My family gets so very irritated with me when we go to antique/thrift stores and I go to the very back and insist on looking at each and every old book to see what it is, because I may need one of them. :)
ReplyDeleteYep the Pond does get in the way, but if you're ever in northern England, check it out! Ignore your family, keep looking for those old books!
DeleteThat book shop sounds just like my kind of place! My son Simon gave me Lost in Translation a few years ago as a present and it cracked me up. Hilarious!
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DeleteIt is a very good place, if you're ever up this way check it out! That answers my question then, I shan't need to put you on the borrow list if you already have it. I'm very much looking forward to reading it!
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