Bookstores are making a comeback. To be more precise, their renaissance is slowly happening in my small part of the world. They’re very welcome to this local, who enjoys a good few hours turning pages into another world.
Especially at the moment when my endurance is being pushed to it’s limit, and Les is still carrying the burden of terminal cancer that is taking it’s blardy time in slowly destroying his body, though never his spirit. This gap between us and everyone else seems to be widening as we wait for the inevitable, while they move forward with their lives. It is what it is, says the Queen of stating the obvious.
The Bookclub
Firstly, back to the subject of bookstores: there is one that is way more than just about books.
It all started with two women in the same book club who started up BookClub on Devonport Road. I really enjoy entrepreneurs who think outside the square.
Their secondhand bookstore hosts a book club, with a book included with your admission. There is even the option to sit and browse over an aromatic espresso to enjoy the paper turning and absorb the atmosphere of local chattering and life outside on the street.
I would think that the margins are thin, though the purpose is strong and loud. As you can imagine, if you’re a book lover, bookstores, whether new or secondhand, in-store or delivered, are never just about selling pages; as demonstrated by this particular store, it’s all about reminding people what a real community feels like.
I love their endearing catchphrase: Come for the coffee. Stay for the books.
Some of my best travelling moments have been discovering a quirky bookstore just when we both needed a calm environment, as bookstores bring a different pace to the city pavements. That contrast is part of their special appeal.
Red Square Books
The second one to pop up is on Red Square; remember that sculpture I introduced you to months ago, nearly opposite that.
Like the sculpture, Red Square Bookstore is a place where you don’t rush; you stop and absorb what is on offer, whether that be in a spiritual art form or the art of browsing the curated selection of books.
All in all, a few afternoon hour/s well spent with a short walk down the hill into the city centre to discover two places where a book lover who normally uses a Kindle to read can just relax and do a bit of page-turning.
Life at No. 22 
I had a discussion recently with a casual friend about the difficulty of finding somewhere social to go. Their point was that if you are on your own or everyone you normally associate with is busy, where can you go to be around people and possibly strike up a conversation, that does not involve a lot of expense. Cafes, pubs, etc expect you to keep buying to stay, malls are ok for people-watching but too busy for any connections, and the library is good for browsing for a new author but not a place to chat.
We decided that the real issue was that the primary requirement for any venue is to turn a profit.
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I don’t agree that there is a lack of places to socialise. Join in where you have an interest and a passion, whether that be an art/craft/book hobby or a sport. The hardest part is always that first step. I find it a pleasure to support local cafes and don’t begrudge paying for a coffee as long as it is good, and the cafe has a good feel and vibe. I enjoy the odd company and am equally quite ok going solo.
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Hi there, it’s great that you have a resurgence in bookshops in your area and you can stop for a while and turn some pages. I find books are excellent for getting out of my head for a while and into a different space entirely.
I feel for you and Les, it can’t be an easy time for either of you. It’s always good to read your words and see what lovely sights you have around you Suz. Take care x
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Hi Deb, love getting out of my head and being taken for a ride with another’s imagination. It’s refreshing when a long walk or a cycle isn’t possible. No, it’s not an easy time and I’m grateful for your kind words, Deb, so thank you. Take care too xx
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A gorgeous sunrise capture, Suzanne!
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Thanks very much, Nilla and how’s Brisbane going or are you both travelling at the moment? You’re certainly making Japan more appealing with your descriptive posts.
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Love bookstores and the combination of coffee and calm amongst page turners is so very appealing. Iām glad thereās still plenty of these places around. I recently discovered a newsagent with a cafe in it so you can sit and browse magazines whilst enjoying a coffee. Such a great idea. Sending love and warm wishes to both you and Les. It canāt be an easy time. Take care Suzanne. š xx
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Owner/operator bookstores seem to have more soul and character for me and when there’s coffee then it’s a no brainer. Thanks for your kind wishes, Miriam we can never have enough. Keep enjoying traveling together, special times xx
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Something to save your sanity, Suze. And much needed. Sending hugs to you both xx
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Thanks for the hugs, Jo, much appreciated xx
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Good news about the books. Not so about Les. I feel for you both
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Thanks for your kind words, Derrick. Someone bright spark once said to me that we never receive more than we can endure. Some days I think that’s bullsh*t and on other it’s right on target.
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I can never resist a bookshop, inevitably walking out with new books when I still have a sizeable backlog to enjoy. If it incorporates coffee and pastries then I’m set for a couple of hours. š
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For some reason, the quirkier those bookstores were the more vivid my memories are of the village, town or city they were situated in. Especially in the UK and New York.
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Those look great, especially the Book Club. I try to support my local bookshop rather than chains, but it is just that – a shop with books, no coffee or other added extras! Glad Les is keeping his spirit up and hope he is not in you much pain. Love and hugs to you. Such a shame I couldnāt pass those on in person this year!
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I have always been inclined to support local than chain stores, for more than one reason though the biggest one is that the small owner ones are filled with character, usually.
I would’ve loved the hug and hopefully one year and travel is on the agenda for me when the time is right. Thanks for the love and hugs, Anabel xx
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Itās cool that every (independent) bookstore has something unique about it to draw you in and keep you browsing. Of course, as writers, seeing successful and emerging bookstores is a happy thing. Not so happy is the slow passing for Les, but you have each other. Hugs.
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Very good news for writers and a public place to celebrate everything to do with reading and talk with a real person who has a passion for books (hopefully those that work in bookstores do). Thanks for hugs, Eilene x
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