The Bookshop Strikes Back by Ann Patchett

Bloomsbury Paperbacks, August 2013.

A sweet little book that shows us the value of a book shop.

Ann Patchett is the author of six novels and three works of non-fiction. She was very unhappy when she realised that there were no longer any more bookshops in her home town of Nashville, Tennessee. When she released her next novel after the last shop closed, she realised that the only place she could sell her book in her home town was in the local Framing shop. She met her business partner, Karen Hayes and Parnassus Books is now a thriving independent bookshop. This book chronicles the idea and eventual opening of the shop.
This book is only about twenty pages long but it was such a great thing to read. I will admit, I do have a kindle but I love going into book shops, browsing the shelves, picking up the book and flicking through – something you can’t do when buying a e-book or buying online.
In the current economy, bookshops have not escaped being a casualty but this book reminded me of how important book shops are – what they provide. There was a very nice message at the end of this book. Not only did it remind me to make more of my local shop (I don’t want to see any more independent shops disappear. I was heartbroken when the shop that had been up the road from my childhood home for as long as I can remember shut it’s doors for the last time,) but it also reminds us that determination and passion for a project can help it become a reality. Ann had no business experience when she decided to open a book shop. She, primarily is a writer but between herself and Karen, who did have experience, they pulled together and achieved something fantastic.
Overall, a terrific little book and worth a read if you can.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.