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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
I think I’m in the minority with this one…
The Diary of a Bookseller gives a raw and fairly cynical glimpse into the life of a second-hand bookseller in Wigtown, Scotland. I like the format and writing style for this particular book, which made the pacing one of the book’s strengths (along with Captain the cat). Captain’s sporadic presence added some lightness to an otherwise bleak account of used book-selling, along with the author including their own periodic reading updates.
Bythell does not shy away from sharing his dislike for Amazon and the challenges posed by them (directly and indirectly), but I was confused by the ‘trophy Kindle’. The effect of Amazon on the book industry is a prominent discussion in the Bookstagram sphere, so it wasn’t a shock to see this appear in this book. However, I didn’t enjoy reading a book about books/booklovers that almost shames those that use e-readers.
Overall, there is some humour in here but the whole way through this book, I kept thinking about how I would be described by this person if I walked into this shop. The book does become repetitive and while it is a quick read, it can start to feel a bit samey chapter after chapter.
If there is a book that more precisely describes the content already in the title, please let me know. It is a diary of a real bookseller from Wigtown, Scotland, introducing us to the realities of managing a bookshop that deals in second-hand books. I'll admit that I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would. Maybe because I already knew the more interesting bits from the reviews of my book club buddies. Maybe because I'm in a bit of a reading slump, and a book with no real storyline wasn't going to cut it. Or maybe because I simply didn't find it that original (you get weird customers everywhere, trust me). The writing was witty but not hilarious. I gave up on trying to follow all the friends' names around the middle of the book because we will never get to know more about them. I sacked Nicky in my mind about a hundred times, at least. But I'm sure I'll visit the place and buy some books when I finally get around to going to Scotland (or going anywhere abroad for that matter). I'm also putting some new books on my TBR list (e.g., Jose Saramago's Blindness). So, it's all good in the end.
The Book Nook’s Book Club selection for November 2022.
Totally loved it. Sarcastic, witty, and had a few moments where I laughed out loud. Really makes me appreciate second hand & independent bookstores, even more than I already did.
I have been to Wigtown but I’m unsure if I ever went into The Book Shop? I will next time.
Totally loved it. Sarcastic, witty, and had a few moments where I laughed out loud. Really makes me appreciate second hand & independent bookstores, even more than I already did.
I have been to Wigtown but I’m unsure if I ever went into The Book Shop? I will next time.
"If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you're the asshole."
I think I did this book a disservice by reading it in two sittings, I should have read it in short increments. I would have avoided finding it somewhat repetitious. I also bet that Shaun is probably a bit misunderstood by some reviewers. I wasn't surprised to read a review from someone who met him and found him very likable. A dark and droll sense of humor frequently comes off on paper as simply rude, I should know, having been misunderstood enough times myself. (the job recommendation for Sara could have almost been written by me) And as anyone who has ever worked with the public (or had employees) knows, a snide word here and there might be a mild substitute for the smack in the jaw they actually had coming. I too, could write a book. Maybe I will.......
I've always been curious about the life of a bookseller.
So, when I came across this book, I had to take this opportunity.
I've never really read a book in a diary format, but it was a nice change of pace!
I may not work in a bookshop, but there were so many relatable moments regarding customer interactions that I recognize from my own job in retail. It is nice to know that customers can be just as weird, rude, and funny all over the world ;)
My favourite part was getting to know the owner of the bookshop, his employees, customers and the bookshop itself. It was magical to experience a year of bookselling and all that comes with it <3
There were also quite a lot of different book titles mentioned, which I will look up! Perhaps I will find one of my next reads in there.
I just loved it! I could continue to write about it for a very long time.
So, when I came across this book, I had to take this opportunity.
I've never really read a book in a diary format, but it was a nice change of pace!
I may not work in a bookshop, but there were so many relatable moments regarding customer interactions that I recognize from my own job in retail. It is nice to know that customers can be just as weird, rude, and funny all over the world ;)
My favourite part was getting to know the owner of the bookshop, his employees, customers and the bookshop itself. It was magical to experience a year of bookselling and all that comes with it <3
There were also quite a lot of different book titles mentioned, which I will look up! Perhaps I will find one of my next reads in there.
I just loved it! I could continue to write about it for a very long time.
You will like this book if:
you’ve ever thought of running a bookshop
you love buying books
you’re a reseller
you believe books are superior to kindles
I laughed out loud and was entranced by this every day account of a small bookshop in Scotland. I love rooting for the little guy - especially when the little guy competes with Amazon. I can relate to lost inventory, return requests, and shop reviews.
I’m excited there is 2 more sequels, this author just makes me happy.
you’ve ever thought of running a bookshop
you love buying books
you’re a reseller
you believe books are superior to kindles
I laughed out loud and was entranced by this every day account of a small bookshop in Scotland. I love rooting for the little guy - especially when the little guy competes with Amazon. I can relate to lost inventory, return requests, and shop reviews.
I’m excited there is 2 more sequels, this author just makes me happy.
Για κάποιο λόγο στην αρχή με δυσκόλεψε και πίστεψα ότι μέχρι το τέλος θα το έχω μισήσει, αλλά εν τέλει κατέληξα να το διαβάζω πολύ ευχάριστα!