I love this, you've captured that feeling of wandering into a book shop perfectly, especially the more eccentric, second hand ones. I've been to Wigtown a couple of times this year, it's a magical place! I didn't even get to all the bookshops. I bought so many books in the first few shops that I had to stop myself from visiting any more. I already have way too many books on my TBR list but always seems to find more any time I visit a book shop.
I buy all my books second-hand (sorry authors) and I never keep books I have already read. I have limited space so need to be sure I can squeeze in the next treasure I find that is calling out to come home with me.
Each time I finish a book I think about which friend or family member would enjoy it and pass it on or I donate them to charity.
Thank you Molly for your lovely writing this week about bookshops. I think with all of the books we have here at home we could actually open a wee bookshop! Reading a book is a delight, no adverts coming in or any sort of unasked for noise or distraction. 'We read to know we are not alone' C S Lewis. And a book is a companion too!
Molly what Beautifully written piece! I was so absorbed by your words that I felt that I was there with you perusing the book shelves.
On you tube when you have your book chats, I love your book recommendations !so instead of the easy option of downloading a book to my kindle, I went to my nearest bookstore I haven’t bought a book in years and oh my God, it was such a joy. The smell when you walk in the concentration from people walking around, looking for their next adventure.
I bought The Binding by Bridget Collins which I remember you saying was in your top 10 favourite books 📚 I haven’t read it yet I’m saving it for when I go on holiday in a few weeks time. I’m sure it will be an utter joy to read.
I've always loved books and bookshops so I was encouraged to hear that they are making a come back. My children, all in their twenties except for the eldest who is turning the big 30 this month, enjoy books and buy them regularly and I know many of their friends do too. So I'm pleased to think that physical books will continue to bring pleasure to generations to come
I love nothing more than having the time to properly browse a second hand bookshop. Waterstones is lovely, with its well placed lighting and it’s shiny displays, but a second hand bookshop is just something else. As you say, the sounds, the smells, the disorganisation in a lot of them, all adds to the experience. I don’t have one local but recently took a trip to Hay-on-Wye which is a book town near Hereford on the English/Welsh boarder. It was bookshop after bookshop and I couldn’t get enough!
Hope you have a wonderful week and thank you for bringing up the plight of the bookshop xx
Aren't bookshops magical! I love getting lost in them..oh the smell of books👌🏼👌🏼. The stationary shop in Tehran is a beautiful story, if you would like to read Molly. Have a good week ahead ❤️
I couldn't agree more with this post Molly. I am delighted to find some fellow readers who are passionate about physical books. I am English but living in Queensland, Australia currently where they have a marvellous fundraiser for a suicide prevention charity called Lifeline. They take over one of the huge halls at the Brisbane Convention Centre for one week each year and it is such a delight as there are tables and tables of books sorted into all types of categories. I actually bought one of those old-fashioned shopping trollies on wheels that I keep in the garage to use for carrying back my Bookfest treasures. At the last one, I bought 22 books for 52 dollars (roughly 26 pounds). I also love it that some National Trust places have secondhand book shops. The one in Nymans in East Sussex is lovely, complete with wood fire burner for extra cosiness.
I remember late nights driving to a bookshop after studio or darkroom work while I was a photography student. Felt so comfortable there. I worked in the library as a TA and recommended photo books to my peers. In grade school, it was my sanctuary as it is the only place where I can be safe and be alone.
Beautiful storytelling Molly! We are very lucky to have two here - an independent called The Accidental Bookshop and the UK’s largest second hand book store Barter Books which is an absolute treat of a place especially in term times! Happy book worming this week! ✨✨
A beautiful piece, as always, Molly. I literally have nightmares about bookshops disappearing. They give me such joy, wandering through the aisles and feeling called to certain books. I remember crying the day my closest one closed a few years ago. Now, I have to drive almost an hour to get to one. Sometimes, my husband and I will go during our daughter's nap time and take turns walking around in silence while the other waits in the car. It's our favorite.
I am not a fan of reading on screens so I always buy physical books. They’re used to be an amazing bookshop in my hometown - filled with so many amazing books and posters filling the walls. It had so much life and character but then the people who owned it retired, sold it and it’s now a gift shop and cafe. 😖 Devastating! There is another very wonderfully one a bus ride away but I really miss the one in my hometown. I am glad to hear they are on the up once again. 🖤
It’s wonderful that bookshops are on the rise in the UK! Sadly that isn’t the case in the US. The nearest independent bookshop to me is over an hour away. I would love to open one in my community, but sadly, I don’t think it would be successful. Most people here go to libraries for free books.
I adore bookshops...always thought I was a little strange when one of the first things I do with a book is smell it’s pages 😂. Such a shame that they are so much fewer and further between now than they used to be...
bookshops. libraries. books. reading. haven and refuge.
Agreed!
What Jude said... 👏🏼📚🤗
I love the sense of calm that descends when you walk into a bookshop. A physical sensation. And relax.
Very true :)
I totally agree!! Reading 📖 is therapy for the soul
I love this, you've captured that feeling of wandering into a book shop perfectly, especially the more eccentric, second hand ones. I've been to Wigtown a couple of times this year, it's a magical place! I didn't even get to all the bookshops. I bought so many books in the first few shops that I had to stop myself from visiting any more. I already have way too many books on my TBR list but always seems to find more any time I visit a book shop.
Thank you! Yes I think I will have to restrain myself!
I buy all my books second-hand (sorry authors) and I never keep books I have already read. I have limited space so need to be sure I can squeeze in the next treasure I find that is calling out to come home with me.
Each time I finish a book I think about which friend or family member would enjoy it and pass it on or I donate them to charity.
I love passing on books and have a good system going with my friends! :)
I just purchased your Books & Nature t-shirt. Even with the not so favourable currency exchange rate I couldn't resist, my 2 favourite things.
Looking forward to wearing at my September book club.☺️
Aw thank you so much lovely! I really hope you enjoy wearing it, I love mine :)
Thank you Molly for your lovely writing this week about bookshops. I think with all of the books we have here at home we could actually open a wee bookshop! Reading a book is a delight, no adverts coming in or any sort of unasked for noise or distraction. 'We read to know we are not alone' C S Lewis. And a book is a companion too!
I love that quote! Thank you for sharing :)
Molly what Beautifully written piece! I was so absorbed by your words that I felt that I was there with you perusing the book shelves.
On you tube when you have your book chats, I love your book recommendations !so instead of the easy option of downloading a book to my kindle, I went to my nearest bookstore I haven’t bought a book in years and oh my God, it was such a joy. The smell when you walk in the concentration from people walking around, looking for their next adventure.
I bought The Binding by Bridget Collins which I remember you saying was in your top 10 favourite books 📚 I haven’t read it yet I’m saving it for when I go on holiday in a few weeks time. I’m sure it will be an utter joy to read.
Thank you lovely! Oh I'm so excited for you to read The Binding. I hope you love it!
I've always loved books and bookshops so I was encouraged to hear that they are making a come back. My children, all in their twenties except for the eldest who is turning the big 30 this month, enjoy books and buy them regularly and I know many of their friends do too. So I'm pleased to think that physical books will continue to bring pleasure to generations to come
Me too :)
I love nothing more than having the time to properly browse a second hand bookshop. Waterstones is lovely, with its well placed lighting and it’s shiny displays, but a second hand bookshop is just something else. As you say, the sounds, the smells, the disorganisation in a lot of them, all adds to the experience. I don’t have one local but recently took a trip to Hay-on-Wye which is a book town near Hereford on the English/Welsh boarder. It was bookshop after bookshop and I couldn’t get enough!
Hope you have a wonderful week and thank you for bringing up the plight of the bookshop xx
Thank you for sharing lovely! I've heard Hay-on-Wye is magical for book-lovers so its on my list to visit! :)
Aren't bookshops magical! I love getting lost in them..oh the smell of books👌🏼👌🏼. The stationary shop in Tehran is a beautiful story, if you would like to read Molly. Have a good week ahead ❤️
The best smell!
I couldn't agree more with this post Molly. I am delighted to find some fellow readers who are passionate about physical books. I am English but living in Queensland, Australia currently where they have a marvellous fundraiser for a suicide prevention charity called Lifeline. They take over one of the huge halls at the Brisbane Convention Centre for one week each year and it is such a delight as there are tables and tables of books sorted into all types of categories. I actually bought one of those old-fashioned shopping trollies on wheels that I keep in the garage to use for carrying back my Bookfest treasures. At the last one, I bought 22 books for 52 dollars (roughly 26 pounds). I also love it that some National Trust places have secondhand book shops. The one in Nymans in East Sussex is lovely, complete with wood fire burner for extra cosiness.
Thank you for sharing lovely! I love the sound of your book trolly :)
I remember late nights driving to a bookshop after studio or darkroom work while I was a photography student. Felt so comfortable there. I worked in the library as a TA and recommended photo books to my peers. In grade school, it was my sanctuary as it is the only place where I can be safe and be alone.
Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful storytelling Molly! We are very lucky to have two here - an independent called The Accidental Bookshop and the UK’s largest second hand book store Barter Books which is an absolute treat of a place especially in term times! Happy book worming this week! ✨✨
Ah I'm very jealous of your bookshops! You too lovely :)
You can take the train down and visit!
A beautiful piece, as always, Molly. I literally have nightmares about bookshops disappearing. They give me such joy, wandering through the aisles and feeling called to certain books. I remember crying the day my closest one closed a few years ago. Now, I have to drive almost an hour to get to one. Sometimes, my husband and I will go during our daughter's nap time and take turns walking around in silence while the other waits in the car. It's our favorite.
Aw lovely I'm sorry to hear that! But it sounds like you have a great system going with your partner! :)
I am not a fan of reading on screens so I always buy physical books. They’re used to be an amazing bookshop in my hometown - filled with so many amazing books and posters filling the walls. It had so much life and character but then the people who owned it retired, sold it and it’s now a gift shop and cafe. 😖 Devastating! There is another very wonderfully one a bus ride away but I really miss the one in my hometown. I am glad to hear they are on the up once again. 🖤
Aw that is such a shame! I'm the same with physical books. You can't beat them! :)
It’s wonderful that bookshops are on the rise in the UK! Sadly that isn’t the case in the US. The nearest independent bookshop to me is over an hour away. I would love to open one in my community, but sadly, I don’t think it would be successful. Most people here go to libraries for free books.
I adore bookshops...always thought I was a little strange when one of the first things I do with a book is smell it’s pages 😂. Such a shame that they are so much fewer and further between now than they used to be...