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The Diary of a Bookseller
The Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
Shaun Bythell owns The Bookshop, Wigtown - Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop. It contains 100,000 books, spread over a mile of shelving, with twisting corridors and roaring fires, and all set in a beautiful, rural town by the edge of the sea. A book-lover's paradise? Well, almost ... In these wry and hilarious diaries, Shaun provides an inside look at the trials and tribulations of life in the book trade, from struggles with eccentric customers to wrangles with his own staff, who include the ski-suit-wearing, bin-foraging Nicky. He takes us with him on buying trips to old estates and auction houses, recommends books (both lost classics and new discoveries), introduces us to the thrill of the unexpected find, and evokes the rhythms and charms of small-town life, always with a sharp and sympathetic eye.
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kezzlou85
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Pickpick

This was an interesting read. So relatable as a reader. The section with the kindle was hilarious. Its funny and a great read for any book lover. 4*

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CoffeeNBooks
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Eggs This looks fun! Apparently I‘ve stacked it already… 2mo
51 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Ruthiella
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1. I‘d like to visit Wigtown, Scotland someday.

2. The tagged book is a memoir by a bookseller located there.

#WondrousWednesday

Thank you for the tag @Eggs and @PageShifter ☺️

Eggs Wonderful ❣️ 2mo
39 likes1 comment
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ju.ca.no
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I‘ve had worse reading views before 🤩

BookmarkTavern Gorgeous! 😍 3mo
dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 3mo
Texreader Ahhhh! So nice 3mo
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kezzlou85 So pretty. 3mo
julesG Enjoy!!! 3mo
BethM ❤️ 3mo
49 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Mrs_B
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this, I thought it worked really well as an audiobook. Shaun is grumpy but loveable bookseller, who did make me feel guilty for owning a kindle. And not so guilty about my hoard of books. He paints vivid images of his customers and staff - not always favourable but usually very humorous.

70 likes4 stack adds
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thewallflower0707
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Mehso-so

The author is a bit too negative & grumpy, and most of his co-workers behaved infuriating.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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BekaReid
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Perfect way to spend a Friday night.

dabbe Hello there, sweet floof! 🖤🐾🖤 11mo
20 likes1 comment
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TheSpineView
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Pickpick

#Rushton @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES

A fun and quirky book. I found myself laughing in more than one place. I liked the use of diary entries to tell the story. The cast of characters was very good and made the story more interesting. If you love books and ever wanted to work or own a Bookshop this book is for you. Oh the trials and tribulations are real. 4.5⭐️

Andrew65 Excellent 👏👏👏 12mo
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 12mo
65 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Adventures_of_a_French_Reader
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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Pickpick

Interesting read about the day-to-day life of a bookseller. Shaun Bythell is vocal about his frustrations - Amazon, customers who always want to lower the prices, rude customers, etc. - but often adding some humor to the mix. I liked how honest he was about his daily life, about the state of the book market. This book got me curious about his random book club, so I decided to give it a try (as my Christmas gift to myself).

jlhammar Oh cool, I hope you post about the random books you receive! Sounds like a very fun subscription. I really enjoyed this one and the follow-up, Confessions of a Bookseller. Can't wait to start 2y
28 likes2 comments
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Centique
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this because I do like a grump with a good heart. It is just a diary of day to day happenings in the store, but I found it restful be to reading vaguely grumpy takes on mundane moments of ordinary bookshop life.
I worked in a bookshop for three years myself and I have fond memories of it so it was probably a bit of a nostalgia trip too.

Cathythoughts Sounds lovely and the memories for you 🥰 3y
LeahBergen I liked this one (and it‘s grumpy tone), too. 😆 3y
82 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Shannon_McKinney
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Mehso-so

This was fine as an audiobook. However, I don‘t know that I would‘ve enjoyed physically reading it, because it is quite conversational. It was an interesting insight of a brutally honest Scottish bookseller. 3.5 🌟

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michellelav
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Pickpick

This was an entertaining audiobook but I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much in print. The book follows the owner of a book shops day to day life. I enjoyed Shaun's perspective on running the book shop. I also enjoyed his stories about customers. 😂 This was the perfect audiobook for cleaning and cooking 😊 Finished it this morning but then jumped right into another book 🤓📚

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Tamra
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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Pickpick

This was a good listen since it was sort of conversational in tone, but I would have been bored with it in print. It would be something to dip in & out of rather than read straight through. I was wishing he had written more about the books he enjoys, but alas he doesn‘t get much time to read. (Sounds familiar.☹️)

I‘d like to visit Wigtown!

rabbitprincess It is a lovely place! 3y
51 likes1 comment
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Oryx
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More Wigtown spam

Liz_M Lovely! 3y
62 likes1 comment
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Oryx
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So we had a little trip to visit Mr Oryx's parents, half way between the where we live and they live. Turns out that was right near Wigtown! I was a little excited when I realized that!! Wigtown is Scotland's "national book town". I'm in heaven. Tris is the bookshop from the tagged book.

TrishB Fantastic 😁 have fun and buy plenty! 3y
DivineDiana How wonderful! 👏🏻📚❤️ 3y
See All 12 Comments
squirrelbrain How exciting! ❤️ 3y
MicheleinPhilly That sounds like the greatest “trip to see the in-laws” EVER! 3y
Tamra Love it! 3y
youneverarrived Great read this ❤️ love the photo! 3y
Cathythoughts Brilliant pic ❤️ 3y
LeahBergen Oh, how wonderful!!! I‘m so envious! 💚💚 3y
rabbitprincess Yaaay! Loved Wigtown and would love to go back! Enjoy! 3y
Oryx @rabbitprincess it was lovely! We really liked this whole area, so hopefully I'll be back next year! 3y
JazzFeathers Is there a 'book town' in Scotland? 😱😍 3y
76 likes1 stack add12 comments
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Libby1
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Mehso-so

The book was just OK but the cover is absolutely scrumptious.

Librariana Agreed! The cover is quite delightful! 🥰 3y
charl08 Yes. Too grumpy for me, but lovely cover. 3y
51 likes1 stack add2 comments
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LeslieO
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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Thoroughly enjoyed this one! I felt like I was there in The Book Shop with all the quirky , cranky customers. I felt a bit guilty reading an ebook copy. The author, who as a book shop owner was not keen on Amazon, famously shot a Kindle, framed it and hung it in the Book Shop. #BuzzWordBookathon #bookinthetitle #bookspinbingo

Hooked_on_books Wasn‘t this one fun? I‘ve actually been in the shop and seen the kindle. I thought it was pretty funny. 3y
LeslieO @Hooked_on_books Oh so jealous! I so want to go to Wigtown. 3y
Hooked_on_books It‘s such a fun visit. I went there several years ago for their literary festival and had a fantastic time. 3y
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LeahBergen I thoroughly enjoyed this one, too! 3y
rabbitprincess Great book and the shop itself is awesome. We actually visited during the time this book was set, so when I got the book I had to check to make sure we weren‘t mentioned as annoying customers 😂 3y
LeslieO @rabbitprincess 😂😂😂 3y
42 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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Bookboss
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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Pickpick

This was a light and entertaining read that gave me some insight into the world of selling second-hand books. The book was written a few years ago, and I would be interested in an update on the author‘s struggles with Amazon. The book shop is located in Scotland, and I enjoyed the descriptions of life there. The author does not always show himself in the best light, but I thought that made him more human, not necessarily unlikable.

39 likes1 stack add
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NovelNancyM
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“A friend and I once discussed annotations and marginalia in books. Again, they are a divisive issue. We occasionally have Amazon orders returned because the recipient has discovered notes in a book, scribbled by previous readers, which we had not spotted. To me these things do not detract but are captivating additions -- a glimpse into the mind of another person who has read the same book“ (293).

13 likes1 stack add
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arlenefinnigan
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Pickpick

This is really enjoyable, perfect if you want quite a gentle read. A memoir by a bookseller could have been twee and dull, but one of the great things about this is that the author is really enjoyably curmudgeonly and at times vicious about his customers and his employees. I loved the dry humour. It's a great insight into the day-to-day experience and struggles of an independent bookseller. Very much a book lover's (and misanthrope's) book.

Cinfhen This sounds GREAT!!!! Thanks for recommendation and Hi!!!!!! Hope you‘re doing well💚💚💚 4y
arlenefinnigan @Cinfhen happy new year! 4y
Cinfhen Thanks 😊 4y
CarolynM Sounds great. Stacked. Happy New Year, Arlene. 4y
arlenefinnigan @CarolynM happy new year! 4y
38 likes5 comments
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AutumnRLS
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Book #2 of 2021. Belated Christmas gift from my husband. He ordered the British publication and it came from a shop in England so it took a little longer to arrive. I'm very excited. My husband is very supportive of my book addiction even though he's not much of a reader himself.

Nouveau Your hubby is definitely a keeper! 4y
AutumnRLS @Nouveau yes! He's a good guy. This summer will be 19 years since our first date. 🥰 4y
21 likes2 comments
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arlenefinnigan
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Next up

27 likes1 stack add
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Birdsong28
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Pickpick

Good. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and at times it got a bit repetitive so as a diary format it properly reads better as a physical book. Otherwise it was a wonderful insight into the bookselling business and as a retail worker I can sympathise with the frustration of some customers he had in his shop. Loved hearing about all the books mentioned and the wonderful world of books.

#Audible

38 likes1 stack add
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Nicki_K
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐As someone who has always dreamt of working in either a library or a bookshop, I have always enjoyed reading books about bookshops. Shaun owns a secondhand bookshop in Scotland. As the title suggests, this book is written in a series of diary entries. Shaun describes his days, the books and the customers he encounters in such a heartwarming, humourous and observant way it was an absolute delight to read. #thediaryofabookseller #shaunbythell

11 likes1 stack add
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wisherwishinguponastar
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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Is gonna knock over bookz. #catsoflitsy #nooooooo

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JamieArc
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Congratulations @Texreader for such a big milestone and thanks for passing along the Litsy love! The tagged book is one I‘ve been wanting to get my hands on for a while. Here‘s to many more years of bookish delight 🎉🎉📚#KarensGiveaway

Texreader Thanks for entering!!! 4y
35 likes1 comment
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wisherwishinguponastar
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I have long enjoyed reading, but something over the past few years has thrown a wrench in that. One would think that working in a bookstore would add fuel to the fire, but instead I found myself hating to even look at the books on my shelf. Now I am finding myself on a small adventure of my own to find my love of books again. #shelfie #tbr #iamgoingonanadventure

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beaconhillbooks
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Mehso-so

The premise is this is right up my alley but execution felt a little flat - his entries got a little repetitive for me unfortunately.

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BestDogDad
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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Pickpick

I spent most of my time listening on dog walks and found myself laughing out loud often. In his diary, Shawn Bythell, the owner of The Book Shop in Wigtwon, Scotland tells of the trials and tribulations of running a bookstore in a time dominated by Amazon in an industry increasingly becoming electronic. I felt that the book got a little repetitive towards the end and my interest started to wane. I think maybe ten hours was a bit too long.

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Lova
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Mehso-so

I really wanted to like this book but the shop owner just seemed so negative and judgmental about his customers. I still enjoyed it though. It‘s nice to imagine daily life theu someone else‘s eyes.

14 likes1 stack add
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Ncostell
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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Pickpick

This book allowed me a glimpse into the life of a second hand bookshop owner in Wigtown, Scotland. Bythell‘s diary entries detailed the encounters he had with a variety of customers and with some of his quirky staff members. He also wrote of his book buying excursions, often to people‘s homes where he would sometimes discover some rare finds. I would love to visit Wigtown, dubbed Scotland‘s National Book Town some day and see his shop myself.

69 likes1 stack add
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RoxyWilde
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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This book is having me laugh so hard. It is much needed after a couple terrible reading days.

31 likes1 stack add
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Bookish_B
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I thought I‘d be reading a lot more while being stuck in my house and all but it‘s been a slow start. Still, I read more than I thought I had! My favorites were The Girl With the Louding Voice, In Five Years and The Diary of a Bookseller ♥️ Hope you‘re all doing well and staying healthy!

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Bookish_B
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Pickpick

Loved it. Composed of daily diary entries which give a glimpse into what it‘s like running the shop. You get to see how the actual business runs which is fun if you‘ve ever thought about owning your own bookshop. You get to know the quirky employees, annoying customers; as well insights into what it is to be a lover of books, a reader, and a book buyer but told with hilarious snark. I laughed out loud quite regularly. A must for book lovers.

Hooked_on_books Yes, loved this one! Great humor. 5y
janeycanuck My sister and I went to Wigtown a few years ago (we had the bookshop Airbnb!) and this shop is AMAZING! We didn‘t get to meet Shaun but got to meet so many of the amazing residents 😊 5y
51 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Autumnscribe
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Pickpick

Entertaining and easy to read, yet still well written and even insightful at times. Definitely worth reading if you enjoy, as I do, spending hours in a second hand bookshop. It was refreshing to read a bookstore memoir that didn‘t read like the before portion of Kitchen Nightmares, I.e Shaun actually knows what he is doing most of the time.

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Autumnscribe
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12 likes1 stack add
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ephemeralwaltz
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#TBRtemptationpost for this adorable edition!

Weaponxgirl So cute 😍 5y
LeahBergen Loved this book! 5y
74 likes1 stack add2 comments
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thebluestocking
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Pickpick

An interesting look at a year of running an independent bookstore. Bythell is a bit biting but also forthright and funny. I quite enjoyed my time in Wigtown and hope to visit The Book Shop someday.

77 likes2 stack adds
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Come-read-with-me
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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Pickpick

This is a wry and insightful look into the world of an independent book seller. Set in a small town in Scotland, the author offers readers a peek at what it is like to run a traditional bookstore in the age of Amazon. The entries focus on customers, their outlandish demands, the hunt for a perfect book to add to the shop, and the relationships that form in this close-knit community. Great nonfiction! Very dry humour! I loved it! #readingeurope2020

Scochrane26 You had me at Scotland & books. 5y
Come-read-with-me It‘s a great little read. The bookseller/author really captured his life in the store. 5y
cozypunk It's been a looooong time since I delved into books about bookstores. 5y
rather_be_reading nonfiction!? def getting this one! 5y
80 likes10 stack adds4 comments
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Renee27
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
Pickpick

I found myself smiling, chuckling and sometimes rolling over with laughter all my way through this book. I like supporting bookshops and always will as long as i can afford to. Cannot recommend this book enough. :)

21 likes1 stack add
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ClarisseTonks
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#currentlyreading

The title says it all. It follows the everyday life of the owner of a bookshop in a small Scottish town. Enjoying it so far

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julesG
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#Jolabokaflod in full swing.

Look at the books I got from @Sarah83 and @RachelO - Thank you so much! ???

The "Bah! Humbug!" stack is what I got for myself this year. @thegirlwiththelibrarybag

julesG @RachelO Curiously, I was shown content on Instagram that was Anton du Beke related just yesterday. 5y
Kalalalatja Always nice to treat yourself a little! 5y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag You are my hero! Definitely adopting the idea of a bah humbug book stack for myself for Christmas 2020! Enjoy Ninth House, I surprised myself with how invested I got 🤩 5y
See All 7 Comments
julesG @thegirlwiththelibrarybag You should definitely do it. Especially when you buy books across the year and wrap them as soon as you get home. This way you can surprise yourself. 😁 5y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag @julesG, that‘s brilliant ☺️ 5y
rockpools I‘m so glad it arrived! And I dread to think what the AdB instagram stuff was - bizarrely, I‘m more of a fan of his books than his TV-personality-ness - but I do hope you enjoy it. And the bookstack is AMAZING! 5y
julesG @RachelO Nothing too bizarre, fortunately. Part of an interview at Graham Norton's but I scrolled by after a few seconds because Robbie Williams hogged this part and Henry Cavill scrunched up his nose (at Williams). There was another bit from BBC about AdB, but I was still in shock over RW and just kept scrolling. 🥴 5y
77 likes7 comments
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Bono394
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
Mehso-so

I thought this book was an interesting look into the life of a book store owner. There wasn't a ton of plot but some lovely characters.

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Bono394

"I am putting a mental jigsaw together if what a joint looks like, based on a composite of every customer I have ever sold a copy to." Hilarious!

3 likes1 stack add
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Pogue
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Pickpick

This was a charming and funny book.

14 likes1 stack add
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CaramelLunacy
Diary of a Bookseller | Shaun Bythell
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Daily notes about customers, coworkers and a kind of warm curmudgeonliness set in the author's bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland.

16 likes1 stack add
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Mandoul
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New indie bookstore joy, and right on my way home from work too! Loving the ladders, which I didn't have the courage to try this time around 😂

wanderinglynn 😍😍😍 5y
overtheedge ❤❤❤❤😍 5y
Nute Lovely!😍 5y
32 likes3 comments