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 in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.