A Novel Bookstore

#AboutABook Day 29: This #EuropaCollective title last December 2023 is #SetInBookshop. Read it while I was in Manila last December and paired it with bibingka and a delicious coffee banana rhum cocktail that was delicious.

Eggs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

charl08 Love this pairing 😍 Have yet to get my hands on this one. 4mo

Eggs Beautifully done 👏🏻👏🏻 4mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Gorgeous 💛 4mo

50 likes3 comments

CSeydel

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

so-so

I found this pretty dull, unfortunately. It began well, with a series of mysterious, menacing acts. The bulk of the story concerns the events leading up to the attacks: the birth of the bookstore and a tepid love triangle.

I didn‘t mind the slow build, but it frustrated me that the book never grapples directly with its central question: why are popular books not necessarily quality books? Can there be an objective definition of “a good novel”?

CSeydel #EuropaCollective 12mo

AnnR That's a great question but unfortunately, I'm not sure how to answer it, especially when it comes to historical fiction. It's like The Nightingale vs Wolf Hall. I've probably just offended some readers and I apologize, but arguably one is a better quality historical book overall. Not that there is anything wrong with liking K. Hannah historical fiction. Read what you love. Reading diversity is what it's all about here on Litsy. 12mo

CSeydel Found this line in a review and it definitely reflects how I felt reading this: “Though A Novel Bookstore is charming and compelling and very readable, it has neither the depth nor the beauty of the great books that it dedicates itself to. It makes one wonder if the time might not be better spent reading the greats themselves, rather than this tribute.” 12mo

CSeydel @AnnR I don‘t know how to answer it either. I think the “soil” of my mental & emotional state and my life situation deeply affects how I receive any given book. For instance, I am certain I got a lot more out of The Thursday Murder Club because I happened to read it right after Being Mortal. I was emotionally primed to connect with the elderly characters on a deeper level. A Novel Bookstore treats books as finite objects rather than ideas. 12mo

AnnR @CSeydel I understand what you are saying and very much agree. My emotional, physical state and even age, definitely influences my reaction to a story. I suspect that's true of most readers. 12mo

56 likes5 comments

lauraisntwilder

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

70+ pages in, we're finally getting to the bookstore, and it's all wrong. Unless the French book industry is drastically different from the American one, bookstores aren't getting boxes of books automatically from publishers. What publishers are indifferent to sales? And what rare books are even still in print that the publisher is who you'd call? This was 2001, so he should've been looking online.

I'm going to bail if this doesn't get better.

19 likes

Adventures_of_a_French_Reader

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

pick

#europacollective

I read it in French, not in English. Now, I have a reading list of mostly French books to read, yeah! Did the translator chose mostly English books? I see myself borrowing the book at my local library just to get the list of books, haha.

Loved the questions this book is asking: how would you curate your ideal bookstore? What constitutes a good book?

jlhammar Fabulous review! Wow, so cool that you read the French edition. Great cover. I think that the English translation kept all the same titles and authors. Lots of titles discussed were in French. 12mo

24 likes1 comment

mcctrish

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

pick

A mystery involving a bookstore that sells only good novels
I loved the setting, some characters more than others and the fact that Colleen Hoover would never be sold in The Good Novel 🤣🤣 but neither would a lot more of what I read 🤷🏻‍♀️
I loved parts of this a lot, the ending seemed odd and heartbreaking. I bet this would be amazing as a movie ( get rid of some of the blah, blah, blah 🤣) #europacollective

Tamra 😂😂 Blah Blah …. Yes there is a wee bit of that going on. 12mo

mcctrish @Tamra I needed less blah blah 🤣 12mo

jlhammar 😆 Great review! 12mo

36 likes3 comments

mcctrish

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Finally starting this. Merry Christmas Eve Littens

dabbe You, too! 💙❄️💙 12mo

38 likes1 stack add1 comment

squirrelbrain

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

pick

Finally got time to catch up with reviews from the past few weeks….

#europacollective

I liked, but didn‘t love this one. It was really hard to get into with trying to understand the seemingly random characters, but once the main players were established and they started to tell their story to the gendarme then I became more interested.

I also found the ending a bit weak, so still a pick but not a strong one.

mcctrish, GatheringBooks, kspenmoll, Gleefulreader, LeahBergen, TheBookDream, DrexEdit, Sapphire, TheKidUpstairs, Aimeesue, Deblovestoread, charl08, Adventures_of_a_French_Reader, Tamra, lauraisntwilder, Chelsea.Poole, Cathythoughts, BarbaraBB, jlhammar, CSeydel, Sparklemn, JuniperWilde, julieclair, AllDebooks

Tamra Agreed, the ending was weak. It was puzzling as to why Cosse decided to wrap or unwrap it that way. (edited) 12mo

Gleefulreader I‘m about 70% through this and I‘m struggling a little bit with both the premise and how the characters related to each other, which I‘m finding frustrating because I *should* love a book about a bookstore and a love of literature. 12mo

Sapphire I agree, I didn‘t care for the ending. I expected more of a surprise on who the narrator is and the voice‘s perspective didn‘t line up with the other characters description of that person with out explanation (edited) 12mo

See All 9 Comments

squirrelbrain @Gleefulreader - I think many of us thought the same, that it *had* to be good. 🤔 12mo

jlhammar Yes, agree about the start being hard to get into and the lackluster ending. Overall I really enjoyed it, but completely understand the criticisms and mixed feelings. Looking forward to The Postcard in March! 12mo

erzascarletbookgasm What a shame. I like the cover 😊 12mo

GatheringBooks I was surprised at who the narrator was towards the end. I was amused (borderline annoyed but more entertained) by how elitist the crew of The Good Novel was. I still furiously tried to list down the titles they mentioned though. Does anyone from our tiny book club have a list? 12mo

Aimeesue I was very confused by the beginning of the book. At first, I thought that there was something wrong with the ebook 😂 12mo

Adventures_of_a_French_Reader @GatheringBooks I read it in French, and I need to finish the list on List Challenge before publishing it. But from reading reviews, I guess the list of books have been adapted to an English readership. Would be curious to see it. As for them being “elitists“ I guess it has everything to do with how each of us defines what constitutes a good novel. Pretty sure I would fall in the elitist group (so many pet peeves when it comes to book marketing) 12mo

72 likes1 stack add9 comments

GatheringBooks

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

#DecemberDreams Day 21: #WinterSolstice in our part of the world in Manila is often marked by Simbang Gabi or Midnight Mass (Misa de Aguinaldo) - a 9-day Novena leading up to Christmas Eve. It is typically paired with native delicacies such as puto bumbong (in the photo) and bibingka (in a different photo that is forthcoming) and native hot chocolate. 💕 Also paired with the #EuropaCollective pick for December. Nearly done with the book! 💕

Eggs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, jlhammar

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Looks delicious 😋 12mo

Eggs Looks and sounds sumptuous !

Blackmail and Bibingka

12mo

40 likes1 stack add2 comments

TheKidUpstairs

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

bailed

Even though parts work well, this one's just not for me. Time to #HailtheBail!

squirrelbrain Well done for bailing! 👏 12mo

TheKidUpstairs @squirrelbrain it's hard to do when you've gotten that far into it! 12mo

Tamra On to the next! 12mo

BarbaraBB I understand. I didn‘t even start it 🤦🏻‍♀️ 12mo

67 likes4 comments

TheKidUpstairs

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

To bail or not to bail?

Parts in enjoying, but others are really not working for me. I've made it over half way, is it worth sticking with it?

I find I enjoy the parts about the committee members, but I find Van completely insufferable. And I really don't like his obsession/relationship with Anis.

But so far it's at 100% on Litsy! It's there something in the second half that's worth sticking around for? Anyone else having similar thoughts?

TheKidUpstairs I do find it interesting that when #EuropaCollective titles were selected, this is the one I was MOST looking forward to. And I'm rather meh on it. But Our Fathers, which I was not overly interested in, was one of the best books I read in 2023. 12mo

Tamra It was an overall soft pick for me, but it is definitely flawed. I too could have done without the ridiculous love interest. I enjoyed the discussion about the book selections most. I would go with your gut - you don‘t want to feel like you wasted precious reading time if that is your inclination. IMHO, there isn‘t a big climax that is going to rock your world. (edited) 12mo

squirrelbrain I thought about bailing but now I‘m rather liking it, once they started to tell the story to the policeman. I‘m about halfway too, though, so can‘t advise on what comes next! 😃 12mo

See All 18 Comments

jlhammar The bookstore planning and literature discussions, how it made me think about my own reading (what I might like more or less of, those truly exceptional reading experiences that standout in my memory, etc.) were what really made this book for me. If that stuff isn't doing it for you, bailing might be a good choice. I agree about the Van/Anis relationship. 12mo

Chelsea.Poole I had planned to read this but can‘t get ahold of a copy…seeing this I‘m not so sad about that now. 12mo

TheKidUpstairs @Tamra thank you! I was wondering if there was going to be some big moment in the second half that would turn things around, and worried I wasn't giving it enough of a chance. Glad to know there's no big moment. I agree though, it is fun to think about what books I'd put on my list for the store and why! 12mo

TheKidUpstairs @squirrelbrain interestingly, that's where it really started to lose me! I liked the committee members, and the strange men in black suits being shady over "good" books. But Van and Anis and Francesca and the store just aren't working for me. Glad it's picking up for you! 12mo

TheKidUpstairs @jlhammar it's definitely interesting to think what I'd put on my list for the store. I like that as a thought experiment, and thinking about what it is that draws me back to certain bookstores over others. But I don't think I need another 200 pages of it. 12mo

Hooked_on_books When everyone on Litsy is loving a book but it isn‘t working for me, I usually go to Goodreads and see if people who had the same issue as me saw it continue through the book. There is invariably at least one person who will have discussed the issue I‘m having. (It‘s pretty much the only way I use Goodreads reviews.) 12mo

TheKidUpstairs @Chelsea.Poole not working for me, but if you're interested in trying it I'm happy to send you my copy! 12mo

Tamra @TheKidUpstairs for me, the premise of the novel was really fun - as you say the thought experiment. 😁 12mo

TheKidUpstairs @Hooked_on_books looking more deeply at the reviews I see that although it's a pick for people, most people seem to call it a low or soft pick, and definitely acknowledge similar issues with it. 12mo

TheKidUpstairs @Tamra that part is definitely fun! Tell me (because I've decided to bail - too many books too little time), is Van's attitude and obsession with Anis ever acknowledged as problematic? Or does it continue in the same vein? 12mo

Tamra @TheKidUpstairs not that I recall. It was a distracting superfluous storyline, so I didn‘t pay particularly close attention to it. 12mo

Chelsea.Poole Thank you for the kind offer! I‘m also drowning in books over here so I‘m going to let this one pass me by, based on your experience with it. 12mo

CSeydel I‘m struggling with this one too. I‘m at 45% according to my kindle and it‘s not engaging at all. I don‘t care about the bookstore, and I‘m definitely not enjoying the weird “romance” between Van and Anis. Francesca just makes me sad. I‘m just gritting my teeth until the story gets back around to figuring out who is behind the attacks on the committee. But it‘s slow going 12mo

TheKidUpstairs @CSeydel glad to hear it's not just me. I ended up bailing. 12mo

Adventures_of_a_French_Reader @jlhammar I 100% agree with your comment! I liked wondering what would constitute for me a good novel, and I found really interesting all the discussions around books. 12mo

53 likes18 comments

GatheringBooks

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

#DecemberDreams Day 16: There is an #Angel benefactor in this #EuropaCollective December title in the form of a wealthy Italian heiress whose bookish heart is patterned after my own heart. Tagging our #EuropaCollective folks as well. 💕💕

Eggs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, jlhammar

Eggs Perfection!! 12mo

marleed Your drink looks fantastic! 12mo

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Yum 😋 12mo

49 likes3 comments

TheKidUpstairs

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

"You have almost no chance."

"It's the almost that fascinates us."

56 likes

TheKidUpstairs

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

I've got guests for tonight's #HyggeHour - they're sweet and cuddly and, thankfully, QUIET 🤫

#NaturaLitsy #MidwinterSolace @AllDebooks

TheBookHippie Awe. ♥️ 13mo

AllDebooks Cuteness overload 😍🐾🐾🐾😍 12mo

69 likes2 comments

Aimeesue

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

pick

A bookstore that only sells “good novels,” selected by a secret roster of authors who are even unknown to each other.
I should‘ve been way more interested in this than I was, but honestly, I find it hard to care what “good” literature is, and found the whole conceit snobby, and just . . .why?? Who cares what other people read? And to harrass & assault people over it? I found the whole conflict odd. Pick, but a low one.

#EuropaCollective

Aimeesue @mcctrish @GatheringBooks @kspenmoll @Gleefulreader @LeahBergen @TheBookDream @DrexEdit @Sapphire @TheKidUpstairs @Deblovestoread @charl08 @Adventures-of-a-French-Reader @Tamra @lauraisntwilder @Chelsea.Poole @squirrelbrain @Cathythoughts @BarbaraBB @CSeydel @Ruthiella @Sparklemn @JuniperWilde @julieclair @AllDebooks (edited) 13mo

mcctrish I‘m still waiting for my copy to come in the mail 🙏🏻 13mo

Tamra I thought the prompt to think about what I would select to include was fun and daunting. 😅 “Good” of course is entirely subjective! 13mo

See All 15 Comments

Aimeesue @mcctrish Hope it arrives soon! 13mo

Aimeesue @Tamra Right? It‘s super subjective. I wouldn‘t want to shop there often though; I need a variety of reading material, from challenging "good" books to enjoyable brain candy. I‘m a really moody reader. 13mo

BarbaraBB I am on the fence about it. Your review mirrors what I‘ve been afraid of. 13mo

Aimeesue @BarbaraBB If nothing else, it certainly raises a lot of good questions about what "good" lit is, why people feel the need to attack things that absolutely have no impact on them, crowd-sourcing and manipulating umbrage and anger, and the power of capitalism and big business to influence taste. It was ell written too. I‘ll be thinking about this one for a while. 13mo

jlhammar Oh, interesting, I didn't take it so much as book snobbery as wanting to create a place for like-minded readers, where the books that they most want to read are in stock/on the shelves. Many of those being books that don't really get championed in today's book world and are under threat of being forgotten. I'm actually so glad that you chose this one because it had been languishing on my shelves for years! Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy it more. 13mo

TheKidUpstairs I'm about 150 pages in, and so far, I agree with your review. The writing is wonderful, but I really don't like Van as a character, and Francesca's not that great either. The snobbishness is off-putting (and Van's obsession with Anis). I find I'm enjoying it most when the narrative follows the committee members - they're the most interesting part for me. 13mo

Aimeesue @jlhammar 1/2 I didn‘t hate it, but the central issue was very us/them, in/out, good/bad which I loathe and which is what drives the cries of "coastal elitism" in the US, which is what drove the violence in the book, I guess. All independent bookstores curate their stock to some extent (a used bookstore refused to take one of my books because the shelf of that letter (by name) was full ?) but to set yourself up in opposition to all the other 13mo

Aimeesue @jlhammar 2/2 bookstores seems unnecessary. There are ways to build a community of like-minded readers -and I‘m all for that, Litsy!- but it probably can be done without all the secrecy and culture wars. 13mo

Aimeesue @TheKidUpstairs yeah, the Van/Anis thing was a bit creepy. 13mo

Tamra Now that I reflect more on it, the premise is the best part of the novel. It‘s execution was “meh” in many parts. 12mo

Aimeesue @Tamra Yeah, I think so too. There was just so much going on and it never really coalesced into what I‘d hoped for. Felt like I was chasing something that wasn‘t really there, in about 20 different directions at once. Whew! 12mo

Tamra @Aimeesue well said! 12mo

44 likes15 comments

jlhammar

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

pick

“At The Good Novel, we sell good novels, nothing else.”

It took me a good fifty pages or so to really get into this, but once I did I enjoyed it immensely. The mystery was fun, but it was the intriguing and passionate endeavor to open this special bookstore that captivated me. All the details, discussions, debates - I couldn‘t get enough!

#EuropaCollective
#CloakandDaggerChristmas Prompt: Feliz Navidad - read a mystery in translation

mcctrish, GatheringBooks, kspenmoll, Gleefulreader, LeahBergen, TheBookDream, DrexEdit, Sapphire, TheKidUpstairs, Aimeesue, Deblovestoread, charl08, Adventures_of_a_French_Reader, Tamra, lauraisntwilder, Chelsea.Poole, squirrelbrain, Cathythoughts, BarbaraBB, CSeydel, Ruthiella, Sparklemn, JuniperWilde, julieclair, AllDebooks

Tamra It was fun to think about which books would be on my list. 😄 13mo

Ruthiella Nice! Sounds like it‘s a gentle mystery. 13mo

squirrelbrain I‘ve only just started it, so don‘t think I‘ve got to that 50 page mark yet…. 13mo

Tamra @squirrelbrain it is a slow start. 13mo

67 likes3 stack adds4 comments

jlhammar

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

“You‘ve just chosen the three finest novels in the store.”
“I‘m willing to believe that,” she said with a smile.
She had just read his first two, All the Pretty Horses and The Crossing, and was eager to read the third one and then share the trilogy with the people around her. She blessed the sky that augured bad weather: by this evening she‘d have finished Cities of the Plain. She knew she was about to spend an unforgettable day.
#EuropaCollective

mcctrish, GatheringBooks, kspenmoll, Gleefulreader, LeahBergen, TheBookDream, DrexEdit, Sapphire, TheKidUpstairs, Aimeesue, Deblovestoread, charl08, Adventures_of_a_French_Reader, Tamra, lauraisntwilder, Chelsea.Poole, squirrelbrain, Cathythoughts, BarbaraBB, CSeydel, Sparklemn, JuniperWilde, julieclair, AllDebooks

jlhammar Not only did this remind me that I'd like to read McCarthy's Border Trilogy in 2024, but I just loved how it captured that feeling of having the whole day ahead of you to read a book you know is going to be amazing. 13mo

AllDebooks Beautiful ❤️ 13mo

squirrelbrain Lovely! And a gorgeous pic as well. 13mo

See All 9 Comments

LeahBergen I‘ve been wanting to read The Border Trilogy, too! 13mo

Tamra Ahhhh, those beautiful days! 13mo

Billypar I'd love to re-read The Crossing and Cities of the Plain - they're two of my all-time favorites (but I'm also terrible at re-reading) 13mo

jlhammar @Billypar That‘s great to hear! I fully expect to love them. I really get on with his writing. And I‘m right there with you when it comes to re-reading. 13mo

Hooked_on_books I could stare at that picture all day! 13mo

GatheringBooks Wonderful quote!! My reading of the book has stalled somewhat because of our travels, but excited to go back to it soonest. 💕 13mo

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Tamra

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

pick

A book about book snobbery? Not everything worked for me, but it was still “good” literary fun!

The question I have is whether any of the Committee members would have selected this work for The Good Novel. 😉

#Europacollective @jlhammar

jlhammar Oh wow, you finished already! I was not pleased with the very limited reading time I had this past weekend. I had hoped to read most if not all, but barely made a dent! Your review has me eager to get back to it. 13mo

Tamra The mystery fizzled out at the end? 😕 Did I miss something? I really wanted more of it! (edited) 13mo

Tamra @jlhammar I started it earlier in the week and had to power thru the first few chapters for it to gain traction. Once it got going I didn‘t want to interrupt the momentum! (I‘ve been distracted too.) (edited) 13mo

See All 8 Comments

Tamra I should add it has a terrific defense of literature as a reflection of life. 13mo

BarbaraBB Great review. I need to start it soon too. 13mo

Aimeesue I had the same question! And although I enjoyed it overall, I dare say probably not. 😄 13mo

Aimeesue @Tamra I thought it fizzled out too. People in the hospital and moving because of the attacks and then nothin‘??? 13mo

Tamra @Aimeesue right?! I thought the mystery had such potential and kept me reading. 13mo

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TheKidUpstairs

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Nothing cozier than reading by the Christmas Tree lights, with a warm fire in the background!

#HyggeHour is such a lovely way to end the weekend, and get ready for the next week with calm, peaceful, cozy energy!

#MidwinterSolace @AllDebooks

JamieArc Yes, it is a wonderful way to end the week in preparation for another! 13mo

BarbaraBB How is the book? 13mo

TheKidUpstairs @BarbaraBB I'm enjoying it so far. It feels very French, in a really lovely way, and the story is interesting so far. I'm not overly fond of any of the characters, but I'm not yet sure if you're meant to be. So it could go either way, but so far it's engaging and fun! 13mo

61 likes3 comments

Tamra

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Today I‘m going to properly luxuriate in this novel. (Says I now - hopefully nobody else has plans for me.) #Europacollective

Ruthiella Good luck! 😃 13mo

50 likes1 comment

Sapphire

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

#europacollective

jlhammar

jlhammar Great quote! 13mo

23 likes1 comment

Sapphire

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

“Don‘t you think that in France, at every meal, in every restaurant, there is at least one table where people are talking about literature?” #europacollective

jlhammar

Dilara Ha - if only! 😂 😂 13mo

Sapphire Maybe in 2004 when the character says it - before smart phones! But I remain hopeful. Look how many of us found Litsy! 13mo

jlhammar Wow, looks like the perfect meal to accompany this book! 13mo

Sapphire @jlhammar for as many restaurants they meet in, at least in the first half of there is very little description of the food. Much description of scenery. Interesting choices. I am loving this book. But yes, a French brasserie on my travels this week did seem appropriate to the quote. And the onion soup was very good. The book is better 😎 13mo

16 likes4 comments

GatheringBooks

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

#HumbleHarvest Day 30: Started slowly #FallingInLove with our #EuropaCollective pick for December which I began reading while in Bologna last week. It is a slow burn and I struggled with the first few pages. Paired tagged book with al dente pasta from Italia. Yum. Chilly dining outdoors but the tobacco smoke was what really got to me way more than the chill. 🥶🚬

Eggs, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, jlhammar

Eggs Lovely 🥰 ugh I hate smoke 💨 13mo

jlhammar Good to know about the slow burn! Plan to start this weekend. 13mo

39 likes2 comments

Sapphire

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Getting a jump on and digging in to my December read on my work trip to Philadelphia this week. #Europacollective

jlhammar

Tamra Such a prettier cover than mine! 13mo

jlhammar Yay, so looking forward to this! Have a good trip! 13mo

22 likes2 comments

LitsyEvents

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Reposting for @jlhammar
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2667805

jlhammar Our December read for #EuropaCollective. All are welcome to join us! 13mo

LitsyEvents #BuddyRead 13mo

48 likes2 comments

jlhammar

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

#EuropaCollective ✨December 2023✨ REMINDER

Bonjour Collective!

Our next pick takes us to a bookstore in the City of Light. “A Europa classic about love, deceit, Paris, and books!”

Read the book sometime in December, post your review &/or any thoughts along the way and be sure to tag the group.

All are welcome!

mcctrish, GatheringBooks, kspenmoll, Gleefulreader, LeahBergen, TheBookDream, DrexEdit, Sapphire, TheKidUpstairs, Aimeesue, Deblovestoread, charl08, Adventures_of_a_French_Reader, Tamra, lauraisntwilder, Chelsea.Poole, squirrelbrain, Cathythoughts, BarbaraBB, CSeydel, Sparklemn, JuniperWilde, julieclair, AllDebooks

jlhammar @LitsyEvents Please repost. Thanks! 13mo

Sapphire Thank you for the reminder!!! 13mo

Gleefulreader I am so excited for this! It has been on my TBR for ages! 13mo

See All 9 Comments

Tamra I might not be able to wait for the calendar to change! 😁 13mo

mcctrish Thanks for the reminder, I just ordered this in print and it won‘t arrive until December 5th. Last time I read on my kindle but I love these books so much I want physical copies 13mo

Deblovestoread Happy to be reading this soon! Yay #EuropaCollective! 13mo

squirrelbrain Really looking forward to this - I got my copy the other day. 13mo

julieclair Looking forward to this! 13mo

BarbaraBB My copy is Europa Editions too but not as attractive as yours! 13mo

62 likes9 comments

TheKidUpstairs

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Picked up December's #EuropaCollective book today! So excited for this one!!!

Tamra Me too! 😃 13mo

BarbaraBB Me too!! 13mo

jlhammar Yay! 13mo

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LitsyEvents

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

repost for @jlhammar:

Our first six reads for #EuropaCollective! Thanks to everyone who helped with the selection process this week. It was so fun and I can‘t wait to read all of these with you!

SEPT23 Our Fathers - R. Wait
DEC23 A Novel Bookstore - L. Cossé
MAR24 The Postcard - A. Berest
JUN24 The Road to Dalton - S. Bowring
SEPT24 A Long Way From Verona - J. Gardam
DEC24 Belle Greene - A. Lapierre

I‘ll post reminders. All are welcome.

LitsyEvents #BuddyRead

Original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2586809 2y

Gleefulreader Very excited to join this! 1y

49 likes2 comments

LitsyEvents

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

repost for @Aimeesue:

December picks for the #EuropaCollective. Links to descriptions in comments. Go vote!
All are welcome to join in! Let me know if you‘d like to be tagged.

#Buddyread

vote on the original post:
https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2585627

34 likes1 stack add

TheSpineView

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

#SavvySettings @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs
#Bookstore

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Cute cover ❤️📚 3y

Eggs Perfect 🙌🏻 3y

TheSpineView @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs 👍📗 3y

73 likes1 stack add3 comments

Sharpeipup

Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

We‘ve all been there, right? 😂
#bookstoredisplays

Photo credit: unknown

tpixie lol 😂 5y

33 likes1 comment

LitDrivenGirl

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

This books is full 'yasss' moments 😍!

9 likes

LitDrivenGirl

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

"She had discovered this through experience: the moment she climbed in behind the wheel, provided she was alone, and did not have any children to pick up at the other end of the ride, she broke off with life, with its obligations, its ties. Ideas came to her. She had an urgent desire to write. Nothing else mattered but that desire. Anne-Marie parked her car wherever she could-- (continued in comments)

LitDrivenGirl Anne-Marie parked her car wherever she could--anywhere at all, off to the side, on the shoulder, beneath a tree, at the edge of a cornfield. She'd made it a habit. The moment she switched off the engine, all she had to do was jot down the words, words that I ask for nothing more." (continued in next comment) 6y

LitDrivenGirl Page spent the morning in a frazzled state because she couldn't be outside helping with yard work. Then she got a long walk and now Page is settled in for cuddles and vicarious reading 😅...because the magic of Page Turner is she reads in her sleep. No wonder she sleeps so much 🤔😂!? 6y

JoScho 💗💗💗 6y

11 likes3 comments

casvelyn

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

pick

Absolutely a perfect book about a perfect bookstore. The whole novel is beautifully written and the story is amazing. Perfect for anyone who loves GOOD books.

3 likes

Nute

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Several hours later: tired feet, aching shoulders, empty wallet and a deep craving for uncrowded spaces, BUT there are books. Yay!
I never came across an Independent Bookstore Tote Bag.🙁 I really wanted one of those.😞 It was neat to see so many people hanging out in their favorite bookstores. Every spot was wall-to-wall folks. I feel like I saw a gazillion people today. Readers were out en masse representing an undying passion. Hooray for us!

Nute #independentbookstoreday 6y

rather_be_reading thats great to hear! 6y

Jee_HookedOnBookz Me too :( no tote bags 😭😭 6y

98 likes3 comments

Nute

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

🎶Just got paid, Friday night
‘At the bookstore,‘ Place is right
‘Books on shelves,‘ all around
‘Spendin‘ dollars,‘ gettin' down🎶

Updated lyrics for this occasion.
I‘m in my happy place!

This photo is from a few weeks ago. The Poppy War released in paperback this week and that is the book that I came to purchase. Since tomorrow is Independent Bookstore Day, I am desperately trying not to spend any more money at B&N tonight. Still having fun!

SW-T 🤣🤣🤣🤣 6y

91 likes1 comment

HotCocoaReads

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

pick

This book has such an interesting concept—two bibliophiles create a bookshop in Paris that only includes “good novels.” There‘s a secret committee of writers who are behind the lists of books included that are eventually targeted and even hurt. The story focuses on trying to find out who is behind these attacks. An interesting concept but I felt the ending was a little weak. Great book for bibliophiles!

17 likes

Mitch

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Well I didn‘t plan that very well... closed on Tuesday ( and Monday and Wednesday and Thursday and Sunday!).

AlaMich This is probably the cutest thing I have see in a few days! 😊 6y

Mitch @AlaMich I loved the sign! Made up for it being closed! 6y

LeahBergen Oh no! 6y

See All 7 Comments

Andrew65 Hope you didn‘t climb that hill to find It closed. Reminds me of the hovis add. (edited) 6y

CouronneDhiver & Daughters ... love that! 6y

erzascarletbookgasm No!!😕 6y

Mitch @CouronneDhiver perfect isn‘t it?! 6y

113 likes7 comments

Cortg

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

I finally made it into the library near Grand Central and a visit to The Strand bookstore yesterday. These are my purchases! NYC

Suet624 👏🏼👏🏼 6y

BethM Oh my gosh I‘m in love with that bag! 6y

j9brown Love the Strand, it's one of my favorite places in the whole city ❤️ 6y

61 likes3 comments

ValerieAndBooks

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

The guys are away on a Boy Scouts trip this weekend 😊. Stopped at the library and the 4 books on left were on the resale shelf. And I couldn‘t say no to Girl Scouts cookies! 📚 🍺 🍪

alisiakae Those are the two best cookie flavors! 😃 6y

valeriegeary 🤤🤤🤤 6y

LeahBergen I really liked

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession

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QuintusMarcus Big yes on the Thin Mints! 6y

saresmoore How fun! I agree with @4thhouseontheleft that you picked the best cookies. 6y

ValerieAndBooks @4thhouseontheleft @valeriegeary @QuintusMarcus @saresmoore the cookies were fun while they lasted 🤤!! 6y

ValerieAndBooks @LeahBergen if you liked it, I‘m sure I will too! The title definitely caught my eye. Surprised it only has a 50% on Litsy though! 6y

90 likes7 comments

Blueberry

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

#QuotsyDec18 #shopping @TK-421

Texreader This is awesome!!! 6y

Texreader Reminds me of my visit to The Strand this summer. Each parent had a kid tagging along to ensure we didn‘t go overboard. I did anyway, thanks very much. 6y

Blueberry @Texreader I had to Google The Strand. It sounds awesome. 6y

Savedbygrace So true! 😅 6y

79 likes4 comments

catebutler

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

It‘s cold, & overcast today, so hot drinks & a fat book are in order. At one of the bookstores we visited recently, I stumbled across the pictured book. It was a staff recommendation, which I always like to glance at. This one, appears to revolve around a mystery, as well as the idea of what classifies as literature & what it means to be a literary connoisseur, & the trouble this may cause when one is a book snob. Intriguing don‘t you think?

HotCocoaReads Have you read it yet? I just finished it last week 6y

40 likes1 comment

Sharpeipup

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Spotted this at the airport this morning.
#bookstore

33 likes

emtobiasz

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Home for a family wedding this weekend and stopped by a favorite book store in Webster Groves, MO. Wasn‘t around when I lived here but I love stopping by now when I visit. I‘ll have to post my haul too 😊 #stlreads

BookishMarginalia Enjoy! 6y

Sace Looks like a fun place! 6y

saresmoore How cute! 6y

See All 6 Comments

rather_be_reading love it! 😍😍 6y

Rcoco I need to find this place! Old orchard? 6y

emtobiasz @Rcoco that‘s the place! On Big Bend 6y

86 likes6 comments

BookMaven407

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Went antique shopping and stumbled upon a beautiful bookstore inside one of the shops.

BeansPage Love when that happens ❤️💕 6y

102 likes1 comment

drbethandherkindle

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

It was a beautiful day to drool over this new releases display 😍😍. I‘ll take one of each, please and thank you! #STLReads

Pamwurtzler

Pamwurtzler Indeed it was! 7y

40 likes1 comment

WanderingBookaneer

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

To buy or not to buy? That is the question.

Melissa_J The answer is always buy 🤣 7y

MelissaSue81 I like this cover. My gut tells me the story is probably disappointing.. but... the cover pulls me in. 7y

Victoriahoperose Now I want to buy it 😂😂😂 7y

115 likes7 stack adds3 comments

robinb

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Congratulations @vivastory and thanks for hosting such a wonderful #vivabookstore giveaway!!!

For used books, I ❤️ McKay‘s in Nashville!

Andrew65 Wow! 7y

BarbaraTheBibliophage I am DEF going there next time I‘m in Nashville! 7y

jwashreads I go to their Knoxville location--I love McKays! Most of my books have their sticker on them 😊 7y

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MicheleinPhilly 😮 *starts planning trip to Nashville* 7y

robinb @Andrew65 , @BarbaraTheBibliophage , @MicheleinPhilly I know, isn‘t it amazing?! Nothing fancy, just basically a big warehouse of books, and the second floor is everything used music, movies, electronics, games, musical instruments, and collectibles. The selection of books is amazing, and the prices are good. I have only been to the one in Nashville once (I was 🤤), but would also like to visit the ones in Chattanooga & Knoxville. Also two in NC. 7y

robinb @jwashreads Would ❤️ to visit that location as well as the one in Chattanooga! 7y

britt_brooke YES! I‘ve somehow only been there once, but definitely going back soon! 7y

robinb @britt_brooke I‘ve only been once as well, but I was sold! 😊 I need to grab some girlfriends and go back...unfortunately no one in my family is as interested in books as I am. 😢 7y

60 likes8 comments

Jas16

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

Right around the corner is Ulysses Rare Books which has a first edition of Ulysses right in the window. I had a really beautiful edition of Bleak House in my hand that could have been mine for only €250 but with Christmas shopping only barely begun I couldn‘t let myself do it (even without Christmas coming I wouldn‘t do it but it is fun to think I might). I did take a book mark with their website just in case my fortunes change.

Tamra May you win the lottery! 🤞🏾 7y

GlassAsDiamonds Ooohhh.... ❤️❤️❤️ Those Yeats as well!!! 7y

OrangeMooseReads 😍 7y

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Jas16 @Tamra if I do I will share! 7y

Jas16 @GlassAsDiamonds There were so many treasures. 7y

Leftcoastzen Love Joyce and your photo!I had a first of Bleak House in my hands today .. sigh 7y

batsy Oh wow 😍 7y

DivineDiana This post reminds me of the book that I am currently reading. It involves the collection of first editions. Fascinating.

Camino Island

68 likes8 comments

Jas16

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

My last day in Dublin and I took @BookishTrish ‘s wise advice and visited Hodges Figgis. Limited myself to one book because of packing limitations but i had a great time browsing.

GlassAsDiamonds 😊😊😊 have just done this (packing limitations!). I can never lift my luggage if I‘ve gone anywhere near a bookstore!). 7y

Jas16 @GlassAsDiamonds it is so hard! I can tell there will be a good sized Book Depository order in my future 7y

EvieBee Thank you for sharing!! I‘ll be there in April and wanted to know where to get book souvenirs (for myself of course)! 7y

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Jas16 @EvieBee You are going to have a great time. There are a lot of bookshops to explore. 7y

Leftcoastzen I went there, bought 2 books! 7y

BookishTrish @EvieBee Can't wait to see your photos! 7y

BookishTrish I LOVE Hodges Figges. It was such fun bringing my kids there this summer. 7y

BookishTrish So glad you liked it! 7y

EvieBee @BookishTrish Yay! I‘ll be sure to post. 7y

76 likes9 comments

Jas16

A Novel Bookstore | Laurence Cosse

I can get into a lot of trouble while here in Dublin.

398.2 This place looks perfect. 😍 7y

Kaye Looks like fun ! 7y

Rachbb3 ❤❤ 7y

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JazzFeathers If you are on Dublin, go to Chapters. My absolute favourite bookstore 😍 And think of me. I haven't been there for tso years 😭😭😭😭 7y

Jas16 @JazzFeathers I will look it up right away and tell them you said hello (edited) 7y

JazzFeathers @Jas16 😊 Enjoy! 7y

BookishTrish And you must go to Hodges Figges too! 7y

Jas16 @BookishTrish adding it to my itinerary. Thanks! 7y

JaclynW 😍😍😍 7y

79 likes9 comments

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