Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World

by Ruth Shaw

This stunning sequel to The Bookseller at the End of the World continues Ruth Shaw's story with more heartwarming tales from a woman who has lived a brave and fascinating life.

The Bookseller at the End of the World described the first part of Ruth Shaw's tumultuous life, touching readers in powerful ways. It became an international bestseller, translated into eleven languages.

Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World picks up Ruth's story with more charming, heartbreaking, brave and funny tales. Having found the love of her life, Lance, she tells of their sailing adventures together, world travels, conservation efforts and their wee bookshops.

Life has never been easy for Ruth but, despite that, her book is chock full of extraordinary people and situations, many of them laugh-out-loud funny. Tales from the bookshops are interwoven with Ruth's story, along with expert book recommendations.

Written in Ruth's characteristic style, this absorbing memoir traverses the highs and lows of a life lived to the full, creating another deeply satisfying read.

Praise for The Bookseller at the End of the World
'Compelling. Shaw tells her own story free of over-sentimentality or self-pity; she's straightforward, frequently humorous... Her resilience, optimism and willingness to help others is to be admired; her remarkable story is to be read and reflected upon as it adds another vital perspective to a NZ life.' Dionne Christian, Sunday Star-Times

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Memoir, Adult

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Ruth Shaw runs two wee bookshops in remote Manapouri in the far south of New Zealand.

Reviews

[Mia Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only sequel that’s better than the first is Shrek 2. It’s not Ruth’s fault. The topics are much lighter than the first one and the adventures more subdued but I still had fun reading all about it. She’s captured the charm of the first book of like talking with a friend (but one that’s a bit older).

Syd brought me this back as a treat for him leaving me for a week long hunting trip. I hope for his sake Ruth continues to publish books.

[Kate Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I found this book a very nice quick read, it is a lot “sweeter” than her first. The stories and chapters are not quite as chronically documented, but she continues to show so much courage and heart throughout her life

[Sarah Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Ruth Shaw, detailing the many interesting, challenging, wholesome, and wonderful parts of her life. This book was just as interesting to me as the first, and I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter.

I love reading Ruth’s books - they feel like I’m listening to an old friend. I would dearly love to travel down to Manapōuri to visit her, have a cuppa, and chat. One day I will!

Highly recommend.

[Keen Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

It should probably come as no surprise to find that this doesn’t quite match the quality, appeal or intrigue as the previous instalment, but in between the occasional lapses Shaw still manages to produce many weird and wonderful stories from her long and colourful life.

Shaw certainly draws upon a broad range of subjects from the many quirky and memorable customers and creatures passing through her place, to getting held and abused by airport security in Dubai and Tallinn. Then there’s the mysterious Russian oligarch, near death sailing exploits, nursing a crystal meth addict back to health and multiple elderly female gynecological issues.

Like with the original instalment of her life and bookshop, this shows that Shaw has clearly led a long and interesting life and found herself in some extraordinary circumstances. This cannot match that first book, but this still has enough quality and entertainment to make for enjoyable reading and I’m sure this will find its audience.

[Max Sheehy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book is not quite as good as her first. That being said I still adored it. 5 stars.

I think Ruth’s first book covered a lot more of her pivotal personal history which was wonderful and then this book was here to fill in a few gaps and share a few short stories. The first book definitely featured a few more gut wrenching anecdotes, but that doesn’t mean this book was lacklustre.

I love her style of writing and of course her way of life. If you read the first you’ll love the second. Bookshop dogs is also on the way to me from Queenstown, looking forward to reading that too.

Thanks for the good read Ruthie!

[Rebekah Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth, what a life you have lived. A very inspiring lady, will a well written story. Definitely recommend this easy read

[Neha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find this book as interesting as her first 2 books. It is a very easy to read book and tells us the life of Ruth and Lance Shaw... a sequel to her 1st book. The writing style is the same as the other, but I couldn't connect with this book. There are some parts of it which I really liked. I loved the stories about all her rescued animals. Other than that I couldn't enjoy this book as much.

[Annie Gummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again a full and exciting life! Similar to the first book I found these hard to love - something about the flow, maybe the writing style I’m not sure. But I know I’m an outlier in this and can appreciate why people absolutely adore Ruth’s book.

[**DaniJ** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved her 1st book and this one carries on from there.
You say you don't read Non fiction? You say you have never read a NZ Author? Well, let me tell you...
.It is written in a way that is easy for anyone to read
.Ruth's life is something you will find fascinating but also you will read about a range of topics and probably learn something from
AND...
.The book isn't going to take you a lifetime to read.
NO BRAINER-Read Ruth Shaws books!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful look into Ruth’s life and those around her. Having visited the bookshop, it was excellent to understand more of the owner!

[Lovis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Süß und interessante Geschichten. Entspannt als Hörbuch nebenbei. Der erste Teil war aber deutlich spannender!!

[Thomas Krippgans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicht ganz so ereignisreich wie das erste Buch. Trotzdem prima.

[The Journey Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Bilingual Book Review in English & German)

“… most of my life I have found myself standing alone, fighting for my corner. Thankfully I have had the resilience and determination to stand by my beliefs, and now I also have Lance as my wingman, supporting me, as he promised when we got married.”
– Ruth Shaw, Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World

I think this quote captures the essence of the whole book. It begins and ends with Ruth’s life alongside Lance, and their love story is the red thread that holds together all the adventures, heartwarming moments, heartaches, and funny incidents within these pages.

For me, this book is truly inspiring. To simplify my own life, I just need to wake up each morning with a clear vision of my beliefs and choose to stand by them. Then choose again tomorrow. And the day after, too.

Ruth never hides the darker chapters of her life, such as suffering from depression or dealing with family members’ addictions. Yet she does not end there, and she will not end there. She is a fighter and an overcomer. Reading this book feels like having a wise friend whispering, “there is always hope around the corner, don’t give up.”

What I found especially valuable is how much I learned about New Zealand’s islands, flora, and fauna. The book also weaves in many reflections on being an environmentalist, offering enlightening perspectives. I particularly loved chapter 21, where Ruth rehabilitated animals and birds, giving each one a name and deep care. One quote I will carry with me for the rest of my life is:

“our bank was Mother Nature, not the Bank of New Zealand or the ANZ, as without caring for her, we would go bankrupt.”

Each chapter is really intertwined with heartwarming stories from her bookshops, Three Wee Bookshops. The conversations, the visitors, the friendships — all of them shine through. I was delighted to find my favorite picture book, Linnea in Monet’s Garden by Christina Björk and Lena Anderson, mentioned here.


If any of this resonates with you, I think you will love this book and its author, Ruth Shaw. The English edition will be first available in Germany on 24 February 2026.

——


„… die meiste Zeit meines Lebens habe ich allein dagestanden und für meinen Platz gekämpft. Zum Glück hatte ich die Resilienz und Entschlossenheit, zu meinen Werten zu stehen, und jetzt habe ich auch Lance als meinen Flügelmann an meiner Seite, der mich unterstützt, so wie er es bei unserer Hochzeit versprochen hat.“
– Ruth Shaw, Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World

Ich finde, dieses Zitat fasst das Wesen des ganzen Buches zusammen. Es beginnt und endet mit Ruths Leben an der Seite von Lance, und ihre Liebesgeschichte ist der rote Faden, der all die Abenteuer, herzerwärmenden Momente, Schmerzen und lustigen Episoden zusammenhält.

Für mich ist dieses Buch wirklich inspirierend. Um mein eigenes Leben zu vereinfachen, brauche ich nur jeden Morgen eine klare Vision meiner Werte und entscheide mich, bei ihnen zu bleiben. Am nächsten Tag wieder. Und am Tag danach auch.

Ruth verschweigt die dunkleren Kapitel ihres Lebens nicht, wie ihre Depressionen oder die Suchtprobleme von Familienmitgliedern. Doch dort bleibt sie nicht stehen, und dort wird sie auch nicht enden. Sie ist eine Kämpferin und eine Überlebende. Dieses Buch zu lesen fühlt sich an, als würde mir eine weise Freundin zuflüstern: „Es gibt immer Hoffnung hinter der nächsten Ecke, gib nicht auf.“

Besonders wertvoll war für mich, wie viel ich über die neuseeländischen Inseln, ihre Flora und Fauna erfahren habe. Das Buch enthält auch viele Gedanken über Umweltschutz und bietet erhellende Perspektiven. Besonders geliebt habe ich Kapitel 21, in dem Ruth Tiere und Vögel pflegte und jedem Geschöpf einen Namen gab. Ein Zitat daraus werde ich für den Rest meines Lebens mitnehmen:

„Unsere Bank war Mutter Natur, nicht die Bank of New Zealand oder die ANZ, denn ohne Fürsorge für sie wären wir bankrott gegangen.“

Jedes Kapitel ist wirklich eng mit den herzerwärmenden Geschichten aus ihren Buchläden, den Three Wee Bookshops, verwoben. Die Gespräche, die Besucher, die Freundschaften – all das leuchtet darin auf. Besonders gefreut habe ich mich, mein Lieblingsbilderbuch Linnea im Garten des Malers von Christina Björk und Lena Anderson hier erwähnt zu sehen.

Wenn all das auch bei dir Anklang findet, dann wirst du dieses Buch und seine Autorin Ruth Shaw lieben. Die englische Ausgabe wird ab dem 24. Februar 2026 erstmals in Deutschland erhältlich sein.

This book review was first published on 22 September 2025 at https://thejourney-writing.com/

[Alrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schon mal das Gefühl gehabt, in ein Buch zu fallen wie in eine kuschelige Decke, die nebenbei leise Tee kocht und dir ein Keks reicht? Genau so fühlt sich dieses kleine literarische Juwel an. Drei winzige Buchläden am Ende der Welt – und doch steckt darin mehr Leben, Chaos, Herzschmerz und Hoffnung als in so mancher Großstadt-Saga.

Ruth Shaw erzählt hier nicht hektisch oder künstlich dramatisch, sondern so ehrlich und warm, dass man sich fühlt, als würde man ihr in einem windumtosten, neuseeländischen Hafen direkt gegenüber sitzen. Tee dampft, Meeresrauschen im Hintergrund, und sie packt Geschichten aus, die mal zärtlich, mal rau, mal überraschend humorvoll sind. Tränen inklusive – aber die guten, die man gern verdrückt, weil sie nach Mut und Leben schmecken.

Besonders berührt hat, wie sie zwischen Buchladenmomenten und persönlichen Erinnerungen wandert. Diese Mischung aus Menschen, die kurz vorbeiziehen und doch Spuren hinterlassen, und den Erinnerungen an Liebe, Verlust und Neubeginn… das knallt direkt in die Seele. Sanft, aber mit Nachdruck.

Humor blitzt auf, wenn man ihn am wenigsten erwartet, und plötzlich grinst man über eine verschrobene Begegnung oder denkt: „Genau so würde das auch bei mir laufen.“ Vielleicht nicht am Ende der Welt, aber irgendwo zwischen Alltag und eigenen Träumen.

Ganz ehrlich: Dieses Buch ist wie ein Spaziergang durch Regen, Wind und dann plötzlich Sonnenschein. Nicht laut, nicht aufdringlich – aber tief. Wer Geschichten liebt, die nachklingen, und Buchläden nicht nur als Laden, sondern als Zuflucht versteht, landet hier im Paradies. Und ja… man googelt danach ernsthaft Flüge nach Neuseeland. Nur mal gucken. Vielleicht.

[Uschi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses warmherzig geschriebene Buch enthält viele interessante Begebenheiten aus dem Leben einer ganz besonderen Frau - Ruth Shaw. Sie nimmt uns mit bis an das Ende der Welt, in den Süden von Neuseeland, wo sie mit ihrem Mann Lance wohnt und dort am Ende der Welt drei kleine Buchläden führt.

Sie hat in ihrem 79-jährigen Leben schon viel erlebt und einiges durchgemacht. Davon erzählt sie in ihren bewegenden Geschichten. Sie erzählt von ihrer großen Liebe zu Büchern, die spürt man auch deutlich in den kurzen Episoden dazwischen, die sich Geschichten aus den Buchläden nennen. Außerdem erfahren wir über ihre große Liebe zur Natur und zu allen möglichen Tieren, die sie gesund gepflegt hat. Ein großes Anliegen ist ihr auch der Umweltschutz, für den sie immer aktiv gekämpft hat.

Auf ihren zahlreichen Reisen hat sie schon viel erlebt, nicht immer nur Gutes. Sie ist bei stürmischem Wetter gesegelt, war mehrmals in Moskau und war in Dubai in Arrest. Sie hat alle Widrigkeiten mit großer Gelassenheit und Geduld durchgestanden, es ging immer irgendwie weiter. Das Buch ist sehr spannend und kurzweilig geschrieben - überzeugt euch selbst - das ist meine Empfehlung!

[Kiwiflora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very fitting sequel to Ruth's first book - the absorbing page turner The Bookseller at the End of the World. As one would want, her latter years are far less harrowing than the earlier years laid to bare in the first book. Nevertheless, her life is still just as intensely interesting and adventurous with taking on not one but two open sea adventures, learning to dive, and encounters with Russians. Mix in local life and personalities, health challenges for both Ruth and Lance, grieving for loved ones and the beloved dogs leaves the reader with a rich reading experience, laced with Ruth's acute observations, empathy and compassion, her understanding of human behaviour and of course the joy she gets from books, reading them, and sharing with others. Once again, I adored her writing, her frankness and honesty in sharing the ups and downs, good and bad bits of her life. Plus it also helped having her first book beside me, just to refer back to.

[Kieran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I was hoping for from a sequel to The Bookseller at the End of the World! The whole book fit in so seamlessly with the first that it could have just as easily been bound in with it. I’ll always be a fan of Ruth’s writing style, which feels just like she’s telling you the story herself (though I suppose she is) and I admire how she never shies away from difficult subjects but rather presents them in an honest and touching way.

[Harriet Shirtcliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to attend the lunch of this book in Wanaka in conjunction with Ruth talking.. the second time I’ve heard her speak. (OUTSTANDING IN PERSON)

The book is utterly brilliant.

I laughed, I shed a tear or 3, I read passages out loud, I swore, I gasped. The perfect rap up to ‘The Bookseller at the end of the world”.


KUDOS RUTH!

[Jenny Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Ruth Shaw who has 3 bookshops in Manapouri. An ardent environmentalist she along with her husband has had such a full life with so many experiences that she relates in an entertaining fashion in this her latest book. An incredible knowledge of a wide range of topics. Would love to visit her bookshop at some stage.

[Lisa Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book about her life was interesting and the back and forth to the different people visiting her bookshops was good.
I needed to know that she cared a bit more about some of the things she had done and people she had hurt. It was a bit matter a fact, although I understand some of her decisions made were due to the early trauma in her life, that she seemed never to have dealt with.

[Alison Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting traipse through animals saved, trips taken and environmental causes. Charming but without the punch of the first book - and I’m somewhat glad of that! Happy that the trauma didn’t continue and that life was calmer in the second half

[Jo-Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is such a pleasure to see the world through Ruth Shaw's eyes, the causes she feels passionate about, and the people and creatures she loves. I hope the she and her wondrous bookshops continue for many more years to come.

[Jordan Oppert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sequel to the “book shop at the end of the world”. Didn’t enjoy quite as much as the OG - but still think Ruth Shaw is an incredible woman! Book is told in short stories about her life, with wee anecdotes from people she interacts with in the shop.

[Ostara L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't express the excitement I felt when I stumbled across this sequel in the bookstore. I now want to travel to New Zealand! so grateful to hear more stories from Ruth

[Tracy Plane · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful. I want to be Ruth when I grow up.

[Cindy Backhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved this story of a life well lived xx thanks Ruth for sharing

[Saturday's Child · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following on from reading two other books by Ruth this was a quick easy read that caught me up on her interesting life experiences.

[Kelly Blackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 1 million stars if I could. Ruth has made me cry and laugh repeatedly again and I would give my soul to read this again for the first time ❤️

[Stacey Lattin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll have to reread the first one again soon 🥰

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was quite interesting, but did dive around a little bit. But good to read after seeing those bookshops earlier this year.