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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Not a full-length exposé but an amusing case study of bookshop 'types'.
It'll probably annoy a few that see themselves in Shaun's lists, but really this is a light-hearted chuckle, exposing the stereotypes of the typical bookshop visitors, from the tutters and those haggling over prices to the exhausted parents trying to get a moment to themselves, with an embarrassed secret-erotic reader thrown in there for good measure.
Split into subsections with literary Latin titles, it's smile-inducing and wryly funny. As a library worker, I can relate to a lot of the categories. But hopefully not see myself in any of them!
Enjoyed listening to this, an easy and short listen that usefully set itself into chunks and was very easy to follow. A chatty tone suited the audiobook.
I also liked hearing snippets about the author, who now has a young family, and little clues about how the world of the bookshop is doing in the last couple of years. Nice to hear that Bythell isn't averse to lampooning his own staff too - I trust they got their own back at some point!
Pleasant way to spend a few hours. I look forward to a longer volume next time as we delve back into the shop shelves.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
It'll probably annoy a few that see themselves in Shaun's lists, but really this is a light-hearted chuckle, exposing the stereotypes of the typical bookshop visitors, from the tutters and those haggling over prices to the exhausted parents trying to get a moment to themselves, with an embarrassed secret-erotic reader thrown in there for good measure.
Split into subsections with literary Latin titles, it's smile-inducing and wryly funny. As a library worker, I can relate to a lot of the categories. But hopefully not see myself in any of them!
Enjoyed listening to this, an easy and short listen that usefully set itself into chunks and was very easy to follow. A chatty tone suited the audiobook.
I also liked hearing snippets about the author, who now has a young family, and little clues about how the world of the bookshop is doing in the last couple of years. Nice to hear that Bythell isn't averse to lampooning his own staff too - I trust they got their own back at some point!
Pleasant way to spend a few hours. I look forward to a longer volume next time as we delve back into the shop shelves.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
aftaerglows's review against another edition
2.0
the author of this book comes across as extremely condescending and judgemental. i thought the descriptions were going to be quirky and fun, but bythell only seems interested in telling us that most of his customers are extremely obnoxious and that owning an independent bookshop is the worst thing ever. most books like these would have an introduction that specified 'the names of the people in this book have been changed out of respect for them, and the details of their lives have been mixed with other people's, so as to make them unrecognisable out of respect for their privacy'. but why do that when you could publicly make fun of them in a book they (and probably their friends, as bythell apparently lives in a relatively small town) are going to read?
i hope he doesn't close shop, however, because i fear he would publish more books
i hope he doesn't close shop, however, because i fear he would publish more books
trippalli's review against another edition
3.0
Quirky fun and sardonic line this author's other books, a droll read but it won't change your world view or rock your conscious , cheers to that.
juniperusxx's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
3.25
This wasn't as hilarious as "The Diary of a Bookseller", which I liked a lot. Anyway I laughed aloud when reading about some personality types I've observed in my favourite bookshop in Tampere as well.
jchant's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
Quirky and fun profiles of various “types” that in my experience are not just exclusive to bookstores (libraries, universities, anyone?). A very enjoyable read
turtlekat23's review against another edition
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
Cheeky, witty, and very funny, even if it did call me out a bit. I think this may make it to shelf trophy because it warmed my book nerd heart. Quick fun little read for those who love books and can laugh at themselves about it.
ladyfernzey's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.0