We humans are social creatures, we like to interact.
‘You look as though you work here – do you mind if I ask you something?’ and so a conversation started about an overgrown garden and tarot cards. One of which I knew a little about, the other nothing at all, but the result was a lovely conversation with one of our older visitors to the bookshop. Interestingly, that lovely chat was hardly about books – it was just two people having a natter. Last Thursday evening was Book Club in the shop, I was working upstairs and so wasn’t directly involved in the conversations, but the sounds rising up to the Gallery above were warm, humorous and full of life. Of course, that was mostly about a particular book, but there was also a lot of other stuff being chatted about too – a room full of folk, coming together for a common purpose, but then finding plenty else in common to talk about. Added to all this nattering and chattering, there’s been plenty in the newspapers recently about the Northwest supermarket chain Booths removing self-service checkouts and returning to real people serving real people. We humans are social creatures, we like to interact, and for many, particularly those who live on their own, a trip to the shops might be the only opportunity they get to have a chat with someone. And the result of a good natter? – a warm glow, and in my case, a whole load about the world of Tarot.
The relentless march of the machines in our neighbouring supermarket is making for a soulless experience, and so we tip our cap to Booths and say ‘nice work, when are you coming to Bicester?’.
The Thought-Fox by Ted Hughes
I imagine this midnight moment’s forest:
Something else is alive
Beside the clock’s loneliness
And this blank page where my fingers move.
Through the window I see no star:
Something more near
Though deeper within darkness
Is entering the loneliness:
Cold, delicately as the dark snow
A fox’s nose touches twig, leaf;
Two eyes serve a movement, that now
And again now, and now, and now
Sets neat prints into the snow
Between trees, and warily a lame
Shadow lags by stump and in hollow
Of a body that is bold to come
Across clearings, an eye,
A widening deepening greenness,
Brilliantly, concentratedly,
Coming about its own business
Till, with a sudden sharp hot stink of fox
It enters the dark hole of the head.
The window is starless still; the clock ticks,
The page is printed.
J.R.R. Tolkien is not Father Christmas, but in this illustrated edition of Letters from Father Christmas, he certainly could be mistaken for the man with the striking beard and red cloak. In loving letters written for his children many years ago, the esteemed author imagines what life at the North Pole must be like, from unruly reindeer to flying mishaps! Another favourite this week is Istanbul Cult Recipes, a mini cookbook that celebrates the incredible world of food from Instanbul. With the hottest restaurants mapped out by food critic Pomme Larmoyer, introductions to the city’s most exciting chefs, and a host of Turkish recipes packed with bold flavours, this is the perfect addition to any kitchen.
In fiction, Dolly Alderton has been sitting at the top of the Indie charts for a few weeks with Good Material. Alderton’s writing is always a raw and characterful glimpse into the haze of youth, perfect for anyone who spent their adolescence absorbing every British rom-com they could find. This latest novel is no exception, as Andy reckons with a heart-wrenching break up, on top of a myriad of modern life’s pitfalls. Inspired by true events, in Fanatic Heart, Thomas Keneally tells a tale of Irish independence – how one controversial figure with a wish to end the Great Famine might have done more harm than good. A ghost story with unexpected twists graces the shelves of fantasy this week. If you could see ghosts, what would you do? For Beatrice Bird, she flees; however, her paranormal gift is the antidote for a new friend.
In poetry, The Forward Book of Poetry 2024 is a fantastic anthology that showcases the best new work from the UK and Ireland. This highlights the poetry scene today, common themes and fun takes on language and form, all in one impactful collection. In biography, the 12th Duke of Beaufort details his eccentric life as both rocker and royal; and Helena Kelly rips up the Dickens-approved biography from 150 years ago. With a fresh perspective, we can learn a lot about one of our most beloved novelists: plagiarism, denial, and outright lies about his family. Finally, winter brings with its dark evenings an appreciation of that which warms us; woolly jumpers and cosy socks can be fashioned with 52 Weeks of Easy Knits and drinks can be sipped in style with Grant Reynolds’ The Wine List, a sommelier’s guide to all things wine.
For younger readers, Casey McQuiston’s One Last Stop is now available in a special collector’s edition; from the author of Red, White & Royal Blue, this YA romance is a playful tale of a seemingly inconsequential crush that turns out to be the start of a magical adventure. In Juniper’s Christmas, Juniper Lane must find her mother and bring the festive spirit back to North London, helped along the way by Niko and his flying reindeer.
As always, if there’s something you need help with, or a book you need ordering, please call or email us!
From Sophie
Click on any of the book covers below for more info.
The full newsletter with links to books – including this week’s Signed Editions – can be found HERE
