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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
I think all lovers of bookshops will enjoy this book. It is written by a bookseller in Wigtown, which is a lovely book town in Scotland. He is rather grumpy and often rude to his customers. However, he is funny and it is the book's humour that keeps you reading. Also amusing are the stories of his quirky shop assistants and eccentric customers. However, be careful if you visit the shop, as you might end up in one of his books, or on his Facebook page.
The author's love of books us evident, and he tells of finding some wonderful rare volumes when he buys his collections of second hand books from a variety of interesting people. He warns of his fears for the future of independent bookshops, and, if you are like me, you will be taken by a sudden desire to visit a dusty, eclectic second hand bookshop, to look for some hidden treasures, supporting smaller book retailers while you do it.
If you ever get the chance to visit his bookshop, then do so. In spite of its rather bad tempered owner, it is a delightful place.
The author's love of books us evident, and he tells of finding some wonderful rare volumes when he buys his collections of second hand books from a variety of interesting people. He warns of his fears for the future of independent bookshops, and, if you are like me, you will be taken by a sudden desire to visit a dusty, eclectic second hand bookshop, to look for some hidden treasures, supporting smaller book retailers while you do it.
If you ever get the chance to visit his bookshop, then do so. In spite of its rather bad tempered owner, it is a delightful place.
Also bought a signed copy of this one even though I already owned the book. Reading Shaun's diary just calms me down. It also reminds me of the stories my dad told me from his time as a second hand bookseller. Having been to Wigtown several times, the book also makes me want to travel back there but alas I cannot. I just enjoyed this. Book of course not for everyone, especially Shaun's dry sense of humour might confuse people. Having dealt with customers in previous jobs as well, I can just relate to his attitude, really.
I am hesitant to write an honest review as my words may be likewise turned into a scathing journal entry - but overall (though many sections of the book were enjoyable), I found the author arrogant and unfair in his appraisal and judgement of others, particularly customers. Though I thoroughly understand how arrogant customers can be (worked in food service and retail for almost the past 10 years), this form of bitterness only begets bitterness. Sure, blast the truly mean ones, but you don’t have to make fun of customers who are well meaning and don’t know better.
Someone suggested this as a cozy read - and although I can agree with that by half, I felt uncomfortable (the far opposite of cozy) far too often. Perhaps therapy rather than a journal would’ve been a more worthwhile endeavor, so the author could relate more positively to his surroundings.
Someone suggested this as a cozy read - and although I can agree with that by half, I felt uncomfortable (the far opposite of cozy) far too often. Perhaps therapy rather than a journal would’ve been a more worthwhile endeavor, so the author could relate more positively to his surroundings.
I am hesitant to write an honest review as my words may be likewise turned into a scathing journal entry - but overall (though many sections of the book were enjoyable), I found the author arrogant and unfair in his appraisal and judgement of others, particularly customers. Though I thoroughly understand how arrogant customers can be (worked in food service and retail for almost the past 10 years), this form of bitterness only begets bitterness. Sure, blast the truly mean ones, but you don’t have to make fun of customers who are well meaning and don’t know better.
Someone suggested this as a cozy read - and although I can agree with that by half, I felt uncomfortable (the far opposite of cozy) far too often. Perhaps therapy rather than a journal would’ve been a more worthwhile endeavor, so the author could relate more positively to his surroundings.
Someone suggested this as a cozy read - and although I can agree with that by half, I felt uncomfortable (the far opposite of cozy) far too often. Perhaps therapy rather than a journal would’ve been a more worthwhile endeavor, so the author could relate more positively to his surroundings.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Stories from a bookseller in Scotland and the customers who frequent his shop. Charming and funny. He's living my dream!
Loved this book! Never identified with a book more than this one (I'm a former bookseller)!
slow-paced