As I mentioned in a previous post Richard's new blog site promoting independent book stores reminded me of a couple of local book shops that had been recommended to me. I promised to go and check them out and and give a review...Last Saturday I used the excuse of lunch out in Much Wenlock (Priory Tea Rooms) to give me the perfect opportunity of a book shop visit. I loved my visit to Wenlock Books, they have an interesting selection of new books which are displayed on the ground floor. Quite a different selection to what you would find in one of the big chains. They were also displaying a stand of classical music. Books and classical music in one place - Heaven :-)
The upper floor is reserved for second hand books and a large table and chairs to allow you to sit down and read.
The shop is also home to several reading groups and the owner also organises reading retreats, holidays and special events. I found the shop well worth the visit.
& yes I did get tempted to buy a book ;-) There was a nice selection on local authors/interests which included 'The Morville House' by Katherine Swift. Well you know how much I love gardens and the premise of the book was quite fascinating.
I did intend to visit the Abbey and share some photos with you, but the weather deteriorated and the thought of a warming cup of tea at home was far more tempting ;-)
15 comments:
Yes there is a very nice independent book shop in Newbury that I've been to a few times. And Oxfam book shops are always good. The great thing about them is you go in but you never know what you will come out with.
Sound like a pleasant place to visit Cherie. While I buy a lot of books online I still can't pass by a bookstore without popping inside.
Cherie, great post! I shall be adding Wenlock Books to the Great Bookshops Blog and linking back to you.
I love the idea of chairs to sit in while you read. . .
I was once walking past a bookshop in Leeds and saw a film crew at work. I later saw the scene in Kes.
Last Saturday I used the excuse of lunch out in Much Wenlock (Priory Tea Rooms) to give me the perfect opportunity of a book shop visit.
I'd have loved to have been with you.
I too love bookshops and never miss the opportunity to browse. Our City (Liverpool) has lost most of it's old fashioned bookshops in favour of the Coffee House Bookstores that sell all kinds of rubish and very few reference and factual books, giving way to trashy paprebacks and autobiographies of dumbo 'tv and media' stars.
There is a good bookshop on the Campus of Liverpool University that I visit from time to time.
Di.x
In Canada they had this HUGE multi level bookshop . It was like a library also, with comfy armchairs where you could read a bit of the books before committing to buying.
My favourite bookshop though was the one in our village which dealt mainly in secondhand but also rare , antigue books.
We got several first edition Shakespeare books there from the late 1800's.
I am sure the old fellow made money really,but just loved to work and live amongst dusty books.
The smell of his shop alone was worth the visit.
The old man died a couple of years ago.
That second last line should have read he made no money...
Memories of bookshops past...
funny how most of us can spend hours in a book shop ... :-)
Rob - I love bookshops where you go in and come out with an unexpected purchase. You give a review on it for Richard.
JMB - I just love the feel of books :-)
Richard - I am glad you found it interesting, that table was quite something. There is a picture of it on the Wenlock Books Website.
JHL - You should have sneaked into the bookshop, then would have been in the film too!!!
James - I know you would have loved it, maybe another time ;-) xx
Trubes - The Liverpool University bookshop sounds very intersting!
Uber - The first bookshop sounds wonderful. But I do love the sound of the second one you mention. I will let you into a secret - I have no sense of smell - so I can't even begin to wonder at the special experience you enjoyed in that bookshop.
Aileni - I do have some memories too, of such tiny bookshops with unusual selections. I enjoyed them so much and they sadly have long since gone....
Sally - Yes I can spend many a long hour in a bookshop xx
It sounds wonderful. Do you visit Hay much?
Liz - I have been once and loved it :-)
Book shops are a thing on the past in my area. There's none at all in my town or in our neighbouring town, which is much bigger.
Sadly, it's a sign of the growth of Amazon. But to me nothing beats browsing books so I have to content myself with the local library.
Darwen Reporter - It is a shame all your bookshops are gone. Browsing round a bookshop is one of my favorite pastimes :-)
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