Can enthusiasm and passion trump technique and discipline?
Today is FA Cup 3rd round day, the day in the football calendar when the Minnows come up against the Pike – these are the David & Goliath games, can the lowly beat the mighty? Can enthusiasm and passion trump technique and discipline? That we live in a world in which the small guys get an opportunity at glory is a wonderful thing – the independent family-owned bakery and florist and optician and ladies outfitter and coffee shop and grocer and stationer and jeweller, and of course the bookshop. Surviving, and thriving, in the shadow of huge corporates is testament to the power of enthusiasm – Davids, when given an opportunity, can sometimes come out on top.
The following is extracted from an advert, broadcast a few years ago and created by talented advertiser Ed Morris for a small mobile phone company (albeit one owned by a much larger organisation), it’s a simple and beautiful manifesto for all the little guys.
Small vs. Big …
Big’s a big wig in a big leather chair
Small sits on a stool. Small’s nobody’s fool.
Big’s an opinion
Small is a hunch
Big’s at a corporate lunch. Small has a sandwich
Small holds your hand
Small’s your biggest fan
Small whispers
Small listens
Says thank you
Says please.
While Big’s bigging it up like a big cheese
Small’s light on its feet
Small knows the street
Small’s where it’s at
Small’s got your back
Big’s all small print
All routine
Big’s all wafer and no ice cream
Small stands by
Small waves ‘hi’
Say hey, come round and play
Stay, because you want to stay.
The kit is freshly laundered, the laces are tied, the muscles are warmed – we’re ready to go – to us every day feels like FA Cup 3rd round day.
If it’s eating less meat or enjoying more sunshine, our two top picks this week will be perfect for achieving those resolutions. In Vegan Chinese Food, founders of the popular blog littlericenoodle will help you discover tasty recipes that are completely plant-based. From sticky tofu to spicy vegetables, there’s something for everyone. For little adventurers, Tree Explorer illustrates 60 trees to be spotted out in the wild, with information on how they change throughout the seasons.
In fiction, two great crime novels cause a stir. Simon Mason, who we’ll be welcoming into the shop for February’s book club choice A Killing in November, has released another DI Wilkins mystery – in this latest instalment, a missing celebrity draws the attention of the media in Oxford, a city with a great class divide, and combative duo DI Ray Wilkins and DI Ryan Wilkins are out of their depth. Araminta Hall’s One of the Good Guys leads us along a murder mystery with Mr-Nice-Guy Cole; there must have been a reason his wife left him that perhaps Lennie is about to find out, as they become entangled in a police investigation. The retelling of Greek myths continues to be popular and this month, Jennifer Saint’s Atlanta, a tale of the only female Argonaut, is out in paperback. If you’d like a dose of horror in your reading, House Woman by Adorah Nworah is a debut novel with thrill. After being moved from Lagos to Houston with the promise of family, education, and freedom, Ikemefuna finds herself in a suffocatingly volatile household.
In non-fiction, The Far Land by Brandon Presser chronicles the dramatic true story of a ship lost in the South Pacific and the troubles experienced by the island’s new civilisation after that fateful event. The exploration continues in 45 Ways to Live Like an Italian; take a stroll through any Italian city and you’ll see people living la dolce vita. From passionate relationships to a nationwide love of food, they really do know how to live the sweet life. Lastly in non-fiction, comedian Fern Brady explores her autism diagnosis and how it has impacted her, especially as a working-class woman who defies expectations.
Finally, children will be fascinated by Roman Soldiers, a brilliant guide to life in the Roman army. No stone is left unturned as we learn about their weapons, medicines, and sieges.
As always, if there’s something you need help with, or a book you need ordering, please call or email us!
From Sophie
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