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Bookshop Girl #1
Bookshop Girl
A hilarious tale of female friendship, bookshops and fighting for a cause - perfect for fans of Holly Bourne and Louise Rennison.
Bennett's Bookshop has always been a haven for sixteen-year-old Paige Turner. It's a place where she can escape from her sleepy hometown, hang out with her best friend, Holly, and also earn some money.
But, like so many bookshops, Bennett's has become a 'casualty of the high street' - it's strapped for cash and going to be torn down. Paige is determined to save it but mobilising a small town like Greysworth is no mean feat.
Time is ticking - but that's not the only problem Paige has. How is she going to fend off the attractions of beautiful fellow artist, Blaine? And, more importantly, will his anarchist ways make or break her bookshop campaign?
Written by debut author and Foyles bookseller Chloe Coles, this is the first in a new laugh-out-loud and sparky teen series that will make you want to rush out and start your own bookshop campaign!
Bennett's Bookshop has always been a haven for sixteen-year-old Paige Turner. It's a place where she can escape from her sleepy hometown, hang out with her best friend, Holly, and also earn some money.
But, like so many bookshops, Bennett's has become a 'casualty of the high street' - it's strapped for cash and going to be torn down. Paige is determined to save it but mobilising a small town like Greysworth is no mean feat.
Time is ticking - but that's not the only problem Paige has. How is she going to fend off the attractions of beautiful fellow artist, Blaine? And, more importantly, will his anarchist ways make or break her bookshop campaign?
Written by debut author and Foyles bookseller Chloe Coles, this is the first in a new laugh-out-loud and sparky teen series that will make you want to rush out and start your own bookshop campaign!
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2018
10 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Coles
5 books35 followersOriginally from Northampton, Chloe studied Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, before moving to London. She has worked in bookselling since the age of sixteen, and now works as a Children’s Specialist and Assistant Buyer at Foyles Charing Cross. As well as a writer and bookseller, Chloe is also an artist and sings in a band with her best friend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
June 24, 2018
I won a copy of Bookshop Girl for review via Readers First and the publishers Hot Key Books, so a big thank you to them for picking me as one of the giveaway winners!
This is such a frustrating review to write, since the premise for the storyline sounded incredible when I read the extract from Readers First. However, everything quickly fell downhill and nothing was enjoyable for me after the first 100 pages. Paige is a young girl, that works in her local bookshop until the moment she learns that it is scheduled for closure. The decision is clear, she has to save it from closing down and keep the community heart strong. Although I admired how passionate she was about saving the bookshop, Paige as a character frustrated me. She sometimes was whiny and would act rather rudely towards people which I didn't appreciate. The writing style I really didn't like, the text messaging at times was childish. It was also such a short length so quick for reading, I felt the pacing was too fast and could have been fleshed out longer.
I hardly give books I finish reading 1 star, sadly it wasn't for me.
This is such a frustrating review to write, since the premise for the storyline sounded incredible when I read the extract from Readers First. However, everything quickly fell downhill and nothing was enjoyable for me after the first 100 pages. Paige is a young girl, that works in her local bookshop until the moment she learns that it is scheduled for closure. The decision is clear, she has to save it from closing down and keep the community heart strong. Although I admired how passionate she was about saving the bookshop, Paige as a character frustrated me. She sometimes was whiny and would act rather rudely towards people which I didn't appreciate. The writing style I really didn't like, the text messaging at times was childish. It was also such a short length so quick for reading, I felt the pacing was too fast and could have been fleshed out longer.
I hardly give books I finish reading 1 star, sadly it wasn't for me.
April 27, 2019
DNF @52%
Ugh. Ugh. UGH.
Not gonna go very far into this, because I've wasted enough time as it is on this book, BUT.
Paige Turner was the Most Hypocritical YA girl ever.
She was complaining how men always lust after her etc. and then the moment she sees a hot looking boy, she'd literally drool after him!!
I was so bad I couldn't read after that!
I may come back to this review and fill it with quotes to back me up, but I've got to take a break - I'm fuming!
Plus the writing was bad. There were sentences like "We were LOLs" and other text chat dialogue, are there people who actually talk like that?
Ugh. Ugh. UGH.
Not gonna go very far into this, because I've wasted enough time as it is on this book, BUT.
Paige Turner was the Most Hypocritical YA girl ever.
She was complaining how men always lust after her etc. and then the moment she sees a hot looking boy, she'd literally drool after him!!
I was so bad I couldn't read after that!
I may come back to this review and fill it with quotes to back me up, but I've got to take a break - I'm fuming!
Plus the writing was bad. There were sentences like "We were LOLs" and other text chat dialogue, are there people who actually talk like that?
April 9, 2018
yeah, no thanks
If I was 16 then I'd enjoy this a lot but I'm really not feeling it. The language annoys me with things like 'oh em gee', 'defo' and other weird words, and the protagonist (who is called Paige Turner...not even kidding) is just a bit OTT for my taste. I love the idea for the story though and the writing was okay with some parts in it that made me smile.
I'd recommend this to a younger reader, I may just be a bit too old for it.
If I was 16 then I'd enjoy this a lot but I'm really not feeling it. The language annoys me with things like 'oh em gee', 'defo' and other weird words, and the protagonist (who is called Paige Turner...not even kidding) is just a bit OTT for my taste. I love the idea for the story though and the writing was okay with some parts in it that made me smile.
I'd recommend this to a younger reader, I may just be a bit too old for it.
September 6, 2018
I throughly enjoyed Bookshop Girl. I have a full review on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
April 8, 2018
📚💕😍💛🌈
I absolutely LOVED this book!
When the regional manager announces that Bennett’s Bookshop is to be closed down to make way for regeneration, Paige refuses to allow it to become yet another casualty of the high street!
I have worked in a tiny high street bookstore as well as a huuuge high street bookstore, so I could perfectly empathise with Paige’s desire to fight to keep Bennett’s Bookshop open; it was not only her place of work, but she had many memories associated with the store. The shop becomes a character in its own right, and I could clearly picture every shelf and book!
The writing is brilliant, it’s the perfect mix of Paige being utterly hilarious whilst striving to save something she loves. The first person narrative made me see things through Paige’s eyes and I loved her outlook on things and how she describes the things around her. It was nice to read a contemporary ya novel with a character who uses language in a modern way and yet is not even remotely annoying! (Seriously, some books need to chill out with the slang but this was spot on!)
At the same time this is going on, her & her bff are attending a life drawing class at the local college and she meets the boy of her dreams. *Swoon*
The characters she meets at this class are great, especially Sue! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Paige and the other members of the class, and how she got them involved in her campaign to save the shop.
I shall not give any spoilers about how her fight to save the shop or her crush fares but I urge every ya book fan to read this ASAP!
I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
I absolutely LOVED this book!
When the regional manager announces that Bennett’s Bookshop is to be closed down to make way for regeneration, Paige refuses to allow it to become yet another casualty of the high street!
I have worked in a tiny high street bookstore as well as a huuuge high street bookstore, so I could perfectly empathise with Paige’s desire to fight to keep Bennett’s Bookshop open; it was not only her place of work, but she had many memories associated with the store. The shop becomes a character in its own right, and I could clearly picture every shelf and book!
The writing is brilliant, it’s the perfect mix of Paige being utterly hilarious whilst striving to save something she loves. The first person narrative made me see things through Paige’s eyes and I loved her outlook on things and how she describes the things around her. It was nice to read a contemporary ya novel with a character who uses language in a modern way and yet is not even remotely annoying! (Seriously, some books need to chill out with the slang but this was spot on!)
At the same time this is going on, her & her bff are attending a life drawing class at the local college and she meets the boy of her dreams. *Swoon*
The characters she meets at this class are great, especially Sue! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Paige and the other members of the class, and how she got them involved in her campaign to save the shop.
I shall not give any spoilers about how her fight to save the shop or her crush fares but I urge every ya book fan to read this ASAP!
I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
August 23, 2018
I REALLY love this book. It’s wonderful and I seriously recommend it.
Sixteen year old Paige Turner (you read that correctly!) has been working at Bennett’s Bookshop for 2 months before recieving the news that in a month it’ll become another casualty of the high street. She decides to put her best activist foot forward in attempt to save it, but it won’t be easy in a small town like Greysworth. Along the way there will be boys, feminism, naked bodies and friendship!
Full review: http://georgiasbookishthoughts.com/20...
Sixteen year old Paige Turner (you read that correctly!) has been working at Bennett’s Bookshop for 2 months before recieving the news that in a month it’ll become another casualty of the high street. She decides to put her best activist foot forward in attempt to save it, but it won’t be easy in a small town like Greysworth. Along the way there will be boys, feminism, naked bodies and friendship!
Full review: http://georgiasbookishthoughts.com/20...
July 31, 2018
Bookshop Girl was written for teen Stacey. When it's announced that Bennett's Bookshop will close down, Paige Turner is having none of it. It's her place of work; where she goes with her best friend and colleague, Holly, to buy her next favourite book; and a pillar of the Greysworth community. Paige won't go down without a fight, even if there are pretty artistic boys around to distract her.
Continue reading this review over on Pretty Books.
Continue reading this review over on Pretty Books.
June 9, 2018
A cute, quick read, but I wasn’t as enamoured with it as I hoped I’d be. As other reviewers point out, this does feel more like the younger side of YA, and I feel like it could cross with middle-grade; Paige’s narration is youthful, littered with text-speech and funny phrases, and whilst it was okay, I wasn’t completely loving it.
However, the themes this book presented were incredibly relevant: British high streets are being affected by online businesses, bookshops especially, and I love how this was displayed!
All in all, certainly not a bad read, I just think it will appeal to slightly younger YA readers
However, the themes this book presented were incredibly relevant: British high streets are being affected by online businesses, bookshops especially, and I love how this was displayed!
All in all, certainly not a bad read, I just think it will appeal to slightly younger YA readers
June 9, 2018
I really struggle to write reviews for books like this. I don’t want to bash the book or the author, but I want to be honest in my review.
Let’s start with some positives. I did really like the premise of this book. I think the idea of having a story set around a bookseller trying to save the shop she works in is great. There were a few moments sprinkled through the book that did make me smile.
Before I get on to the negative I will say that I’m definitely not the target age for this book. Our main character, Paige Turner (nope not kidding) is 16. To be truly honest I don’t even think 16 year old me would’ve been the right age group for this. I guess it would appeal most to those around 14. However, I think the following points will stand regardless of age.
Normally when I use tabs in review books I have about 5 in average. For Bookshop Girl I racked up a total of 14 in this 220 page book and I was being stingy…
For me this is one of the typical kind of cringey YA reads. The use of slang in this book really is over the top, cringe worthy at times and trying too hard to be trendy. Having seen some of the authors Instagram captions I feel like this might actually be her general way of speaking, but an editor really should have toned it down a little.
Let’s look at some examples:
‘Mum LOLs at her own joke.’
‘We push through the doors, still high from our fit of LOLs and step into the foyer.’
‘OMG. It’s HIM.’
‘Adam stands behind the till with this :-/ expression on his face.’
Yes, that last one really is published in print. These weren’t the worst, but I’ll spare you from more. If any of these have made you cringe or go ‘really?!’ then this book is not for you.
Moving on from the writing style let’s go on to characters. There was a good balance in the quantity of characters, but none of them were particularly memorable. There’s nothing I love or hate about any of them. They were all just standard YA characters.
One thing I found strange in this book were the random side plots. I’ll try to be as vague as possible on this, but if you’re anti spoilers just skip this paragraph. So, let’s start with ‘The Cat’. What did the killing of Blossom the cat add to the story? I really don’t understand why we had that strange chapter. Personally, if I would’ve been editing this book I would’ve struck it out. Maybe they added it as the book was quite short. Who knows. I feel like the ending was quite similar in this way. It was just a bit of a shambles, a little like this paragraph. Overall, I found the ending just strange. I won’t go into it as I don’t want to spoil, but those who read it will know what I’m referring to.
There are more things I could highlight, like the just strange feminism running through this book. I really don’t want to judge anyone’s feminism, but the whole traffic light incident and the boiling menstrual blood did put me off a little.
Anyway, I shall leave the review there. This really is a book that would’ve done better in the early days of YA. I think that the genre has become more competitive and the quality has gone up. If you’re looking for a really quick read this may be for you.
I do really like the fact that the author drew the cover illustration which is really cute. It is one of my favourite YA contemporary covers.
2/5 Stars
Let’s start with some positives. I did really like the premise of this book. I think the idea of having a story set around a bookseller trying to save the shop she works in is great. There were a few moments sprinkled through the book that did make me smile.
Before I get on to the negative I will say that I’m definitely not the target age for this book. Our main character, Paige Turner (nope not kidding) is 16. To be truly honest I don’t even think 16 year old me would’ve been the right age group for this. I guess it would appeal most to those around 14. However, I think the following points will stand regardless of age.
Normally when I use tabs in review books I have about 5 in average. For Bookshop Girl I racked up a total of 14 in this 220 page book and I was being stingy…
For me this is one of the typical kind of cringey YA reads. The use of slang in this book really is over the top, cringe worthy at times and trying too hard to be trendy. Having seen some of the authors Instagram captions I feel like this might actually be her general way of speaking, but an editor really should have toned it down a little.
Let’s look at some examples:
‘Mum LOLs at her own joke.’
‘We push through the doors, still high from our fit of LOLs and step into the foyer.’
‘OMG. It’s HIM.’
‘Adam stands behind the till with this :-/ expression on his face.’
Yes, that last one really is published in print. These weren’t the worst, but I’ll spare you from more. If any of these have made you cringe or go ‘really?!’ then this book is not for you.
Moving on from the writing style let’s go on to characters. There was a good balance in the quantity of characters, but none of them were particularly memorable. There’s nothing I love or hate about any of them. They were all just standard YA characters.
One thing I found strange in this book were the random side plots. I’ll try to be as vague as possible on this, but if you’re anti spoilers just skip this paragraph. So, let’s start with ‘The Cat’. What did the killing of Blossom the cat add to the story? I really don’t understand why we had that strange chapter. Personally, if I would’ve been editing this book I would’ve struck it out. Maybe they added it as the book was quite short. Who knows. I feel like the ending was quite similar in this way. It was just a bit of a shambles, a little like this paragraph. Overall, I found the ending just strange. I won’t go into it as I don’t want to spoil, but those who read it will know what I’m referring to.
There are more things I could highlight, like the just strange feminism running through this book. I really don’t want to judge anyone’s feminism, but the whole traffic light incident and the boiling menstrual blood did put me off a little.
Anyway, I shall leave the review there. This really is a book that would’ve done better in the early days of YA. I think that the genre has become more competitive and the quality has gone up. If you’re looking for a really quick read this may be for you.
I do really like the fact that the author drew the cover illustration which is really cute. It is one of my favourite YA contemporary covers.
2/5 Stars
September 3, 2018
This books is outrageously funny. When I say that I laughed out loud, I really do mean it. I was cackling, snorting it really is a novel that tickled me. Paige Turner not only has the best name in YA but is a completely unforgettable personality. As an avid book fan and bookshop lover, I totally adored Paige’s passion for saving her local bookshop. It was great to read a book about a young person having such a powerful impact and showing it can be done! I can’t wait for more escapades with Paige and friends!
A big thank you to NetGalley, HotKey Books and Chloe Coles for my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
A big thank you to NetGalley, HotKey Books and Chloe Coles for my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 31, 2018
I enjoyed reading Bookshop Girl and in total I would give it 3.5 stars, however there were some aspects that grated on my nerves and as a debut book it already felt a little dated.
When writing contemporary books, to keep the books from ageing writers don't usually go into too much detail about specific brands or labels. Bookshop Girl mentioned BHS as a current high street shop, considering BHS has been gone a while now this debut book was slightly dated before it was even released.
I loved Paige's passion for a good cause, I, myself have hated watching many loved high street shops close or move away. So it was refreshing to read about a teen with a pro-active approach to life.
Unfortunately I wasn't a fan of the writing style. Adults trying to write like teens always makes me cringe when it isn't done well. At sixteen, I'd say I was quite literate. At twenty five I enjoy reading YA books that are written as a young adult. I don't like to read books that are seemingly written in the form of young teens with text speech in the middle of sentences. It gave the book a very immature feel that clashed with the mature image of petition wielding Paige.
I would possibly have enjoyed this book a lot more as a teen, I think this book is aimed more at teens than young adults. There's a cliche romance but also a passionate and ambitious young woman as the main character. If you love books and bookshops, sarcastic characters and a fight for justice this book might be for you, if you can overlook the cringy text talk and 'Oh Em Gee's' haphazardly thrown in.
When writing contemporary books, to keep the books from ageing writers don't usually go into too much detail about specific brands or labels. Bookshop Girl mentioned BHS as a current high street shop, considering BHS has been gone a while now this debut book was slightly dated before it was even released.
I loved Paige's passion for a good cause, I, myself have hated watching many loved high street shops close or move away. So it was refreshing to read about a teen with a pro-active approach to life.
Unfortunately I wasn't a fan of the writing style. Adults trying to write like teens always makes me cringe when it isn't done well. At sixteen, I'd say I was quite literate. At twenty five I enjoy reading YA books that are written as a young adult. I don't like to read books that are seemingly written in the form of young teens with text speech in the middle of sentences. It gave the book a very immature feel that clashed with the mature image of petition wielding Paige.
I would possibly have enjoyed this book a lot more as a teen, I think this book is aimed more at teens than young adults. There's a cliche romance but also a passionate and ambitious young woman as the main character. If you love books and bookshops, sarcastic characters and a fight for justice this book might be for you, if you can overlook the cringy text talk and 'Oh Em Gee's' haphazardly thrown in.
April 7, 2018
Seriously I enjoyed this funny ,cute and light book.
I am thankful to netgalley for providing me with a e-arc .
To begin with this book is a story of a young girl of 16 ,Paige Turner who doesnt want her town's only bookshop, BENNET's Bookshop to close down as it also provides her with employment. She along with her best friend Holly and her other co-workers plan to save the bookshop. what follows to save the bookshop is a hilarious account and I totally loved this light read.
Paige love for books is CONTAGIOUS and I also drown in the love for books . Its a beautiful written story and I totally loved its quirky writing and the amazing cover.
This book is a light ,fun read for fans of YA fiction.
HAPPY READING !!!
Priyasha Chloe Coles
Find me on :https://scribbledstories514.wordpress...
I am thankful to netgalley for providing me with a e-arc .
To begin with this book is a story of a young girl of 16 ,Paige Turner who doesnt want her town's only bookshop, BENNET's Bookshop to close down as it also provides her with employment. She along with her best friend Holly and her other co-workers plan to save the bookshop. what follows to save the bookshop is a hilarious account and I totally loved this light read.
Paige love for books is CONTAGIOUS and I also drown in the love for books . Its a beautiful written story and I totally loved its quirky writing and the amazing cover.
This book is a light ,fun read for fans of YA fiction.
HAPPY READING !!!
Priyasha Chloe Coles
Find me on :https://scribbledstories514.wordpress...
July 3, 2018
A hilarious, spiky YA celebration of bookshops, reading and the power of protest. Paige works in a bookshop, and when it's threatened with closure she decides to fight back. But she's also falling in love with a gorgeous boy ... (12+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*
September 5, 2018
this was actually such a cute and easy read.and so very british.absolutely loved it!
June 2, 2018
What reader doesn't love a book about books? I had been seeing this book on Twitter and Instagram for a few months and I knew just from the title and the cover that I needed to read it, so I was very happy when this turned up in my post box.
Let's start with the cover. It's awesome! I love how bright and colourful it is, it's so eye-catching!
The artwork is so simplistic but it's perfect for this book.
The cover illustrations were actually done by the author, Chloe Coles, which I think is amazing. She is a very talented young lady.
When I first read the synopsis for this book I knew it was exactly the kind of book I would love. From the very beginning, I had high expectations and I was extremely keen to get started. I actually managed to finish this book within twenty four hours (It would have been all in one day but I got an email telling me that I was going to meet Shawn Mendes so reading got put on hold while I was fangirling!)
Anyway, back to the book...
I really liked that this book didn't just come across as "Oh no, a bookshop is closing down" but that it actually had a purpose.
It addressed the current state of the high street and Chloe used her writing to bring it to attention.
High street stores are closing regularly where I live and in the surrounding areas, so it was refreshing to see a book that actually recognised this issue. Using this bookshop closure at the centre of the plot was very cleverly done too because everything else going on in Paige's life links back to this store. She's studying art with people who are passionate about saving the shop. She has a best friend who works and studies with her. Paige meets her crush in the store. Trying to save the store gives Paige the opportunity to use her voice and take a stand. It all links back to this beautiful bookshop.
I do need to address the name of the main character: Paige Turner. I'm not going to lie, when I first read it I did roll my eyes and think maybe this overstepped the comedic mark, but I was very pleasantly surprised. The name choice was explained in a very logical way which made it a lot easier to read her full name.
The characters in this book were great.
They were all very believable within the situation they had been placed. It was nice to see how they all communicated and worked together when it came to campaigning. Paige was very relatable too when it came to dealing with something she was passionate about and when it came to her friendship with Holly. I also have to make a special mention about the character of Sue, who was simply brilliant.
Chloe's writing was fantastically funny and had me laughing out loud on many occasions. The humour was spot on in so many places and I loved the way that Paige's thoughts just burst out. There are so many times that somebody says something to Paige and the line that immediately follows in not what you would say but it's definitely what you would be thinking. I found our thought process very similar too.
Paige was brilliantly written and I will need to hear more about her in the future.
Luckily, at the back of this book there is a sneak peek at book number two, so I already know that there is more Paige Turner on the way. I'm excited to see what happens next.
Let's start with the cover. It's awesome! I love how bright and colourful it is, it's so eye-catching!
The artwork is so simplistic but it's perfect for this book.
The cover illustrations were actually done by the author, Chloe Coles, which I think is amazing. She is a very talented young lady.
When I first read the synopsis for this book I knew it was exactly the kind of book I would love. From the very beginning, I had high expectations and I was extremely keen to get started. I actually managed to finish this book within twenty four hours (It would have been all in one day but I got an email telling me that I was going to meet Shawn Mendes so reading got put on hold while I was fangirling!)
Anyway, back to the book...
I really liked that this book didn't just come across as "Oh no, a bookshop is closing down" but that it actually had a purpose.
It addressed the current state of the high street and Chloe used her writing to bring it to attention.
High street stores are closing regularly where I live and in the surrounding areas, so it was refreshing to see a book that actually recognised this issue. Using this bookshop closure at the centre of the plot was very cleverly done too because everything else going on in Paige's life links back to this store. She's studying art with people who are passionate about saving the shop. She has a best friend who works and studies with her. Paige meets her crush in the store. Trying to save the store gives Paige the opportunity to use her voice and take a stand. It all links back to this beautiful bookshop.
I do need to address the name of the main character: Paige Turner. I'm not going to lie, when I first read it I did roll my eyes and think maybe this overstepped the comedic mark, but I was very pleasantly surprised. The name choice was explained in a very logical way which made it a lot easier to read her full name.
The characters in this book were great.
They were all very believable within the situation they had been placed. It was nice to see how they all communicated and worked together when it came to campaigning. Paige was very relatable too when it came to dealing with something she was passionate about and when it came to her friendship with Holly. I also have to make a special mention about the character of Sue, who was simply brilliant.
Chloe's writing was fantastically funny and had me laughing out loud on many occasions. The humour was spot on in so many places and I loved the way that Paige's thoughts just burst out. There are so many times that somebody says something to Paige and the line that immediately follows in not what you would say but it's definitely what you would be thinking. I found our thought process very similar too.
Paige was brilliantly written and I will need to hear more about her in the future.
Luckily, at the back of this book there is a sneak peek at book number two, so I already know that there is more Paige Turner on the way. I'm excited to see what happens next.
June 13, 2018
Firstly, let it be noted that I laughed out loud at this book so many time whilst in a crowded airport and sitting on a full plane, so safe to say I enjoyed it a lot! I love the premise behind this book, a casualty of the high street that we have all seen a thousand times before, the local bookshop being closed. But it really does mean so much more to people that just a shop and I love that the heroine of this story is Paige Turner.
This book is also awesomely feminist, at every turn Paige and her friend Holly are able to drop in something about being powerful women and not allow themselves to be objectified as 16 year old girls, I thought this was great! Paige is just a great character to read about and I'm so pleased to hear that there are going to be more books featuring her coming soon! She is strong-minded and mature but has just the same sorts of thoughts that we all did when we were 16 and so i defy any reader not to fall in love with her.
As I've mentioned this book made me laugh a lot, it really is hilarious. Just some of the scenes that made me chuckle were during life drawing classes, moments with Paige and her friend Holly and moments where Paige is trying to play it cool in front of a new crush. So if those sounds like the kinds of things that would make you laugh then I suggest reading this book immediately!
The synopsis states that this book will make you want to start your own bookshop campaign and that is so true. This book is so much more than just some giggles an crushes. It has the whole massively feminist thing going on and also it has the support for an independent bookshop. They are becoming rarer and rarer these days and so this book is definitely in support of them and the importance of these institutions in our community. I can't wait to read more from Chloe Coles, this definitely doesn't read like a debut and you should all put it in your summer reading lists right now!
This book is also awesomely feminist, at every turn Paige and her friend Holly are able to drop in something about being powerful women and not allow themselves to be objectified as 16 year old girls, I thought this was great! Paige is just a great character to read about and I'm so pleased to hear that there are going to be more books featuring her coming soon! She is strong-minded and mature but has just the same sorts of thoughts that we all did when we were 16 and so i defy any reader not to fall in love with her.
As I've mentioned this book made me laugh a lot, it really is hilarious. Just some of the scenes that made me chuckle were during life drawing classes, moments with Paige and her friend Holly and moments where Paige is trying to play it cool in front of a new crush. So if those sounds like the kinds of things that would make you laugh then I suggest reading this book immediately!
The synopsis states that this book will make you want to start your own bookshop campaign and that is so true. This book is so much more than just some giggles an crushes. It has the whole massively feminist thing going on and also it has the support for an independent bookshop. They are becoming rarer and rarer these days and so this book is definitely in support of them and the importance of these institutions in our community. I can't wait to read more from Chloe Coles, this definitely doesn't read like a debut and you should all put it in your summer reading lists right now!
April 27, 2018
Paige Turner (awesome name) has a part time job at Bennett's Bookstore but the higher ups are planning on closing it down.
Paige is not standing for this, especially when the fit Blaine has started to frequent the store. He is totally the one for her, all artsy and mysterious. Along with her best friend Holly, she is heading for a summer of anarchy. But can she save the bookstore?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a fast read, easily paced out and full of interesting characters. Paige's voice was very young, maybe more 14 than old enough to have a job, and very perky. It took a little readjusting to go back to those teenage years but once you get into it, the pages flew by.
I will definitely read the next in the series.
Paige is not standing for this, especially when the fit Blaine has started to frequent the store. He is totally the one for her, all artsy and mysterious. Along with her best friend Holly, she is heading for a summer of anarchy. But can she save the bookstore?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a fast read, easily paced out and full of interesting characters. Paige's voice was very young, maybe more 14 than old enough to have a job, and very perky. It took a little readjusting to go back to those teenage years but once you get into it, the pages flew by.
I will definitely read the next in the series.
June 9, 2018
*I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was a really fun and quick summer read. It follows the story of Paige who has just found out that the bookshop she works at is to be closed and demolished. Therefore, Paige decided to team up with her best friend Holly and her co-workers to start a petition in order to save the store. However as well as fighting for her bookshop Paige has to deal with her growing feelings for Blaine a fellow art student at her life drawing class. This is the first contemporary book I have read that takes place in the UK which I really enjoyed. I really liked that this book is about books and fighting for what you believe in it also talks about sexism. However, the book does read quite young as the main characters are 16 and I feel I would have enjoyed it better if I were a few years younger.
This was a really fun and quick summer read. It follows the story of Paige who has just found out that the bookshop she works at is to be closed and demolished. Therefore, Paige decided to team up with her best friend Holly and her co-workers to start a petition in order to save the store. However as well as fighting for her bookshop Paige has to deal with her growing feelings for Blaine a fellow art student at her life drawing class. This is the first contemporary book I have read that takes place in the UK which I really enjoyed. I really liked that this book is about books and fighting for what you believe in it also talks about sexism. However, the book does read quite young as the main characters are 16 and I feel I would have enjoyed it better if I were a few years younger.
May 23, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a quick fun-filled read that reminds us of the importance of books.
Paige Turner (yes, that really is her name) works in a bookshop. It’s been a huge part of her life since she was small. When she learns that the council plan to close the store, Paige is determined to do whatever it takes to save the store.
What follows is an amusing attempt by Paige and her work colleagues to gather support for their campaign. Along the way there’s a little crush and some embarrassing moments.
Paige Turner (yes, that really is her name) works in a bookshop. It’s been a huge part of her life since she was small. When she learns that the council plan to close the store, Paige is determined to do whatever it takes to save the store.
What follows is an amusing attempt by Paige and her work colleagues to gather support for their campaign. Along the way there’s a little crush and some embarrassing moments.
July 9, 2018
This was such a fun read! Books about books always appeal to me, but I don't always end up liking them. This book, however, was exactly what I wanted it to be: a lovely book about growing up, friendship, art and books <3
June 6, 2018
I think this is a book that you should only really read as a teenager.
If I was sixteen like the main character I probably would have thought this was hilarious. Don’t get me wrong, some parts were pretty funny but the overuse of ‘OMG’ and the shortening of words like text speak sometimes ... just grated on me.
I’ll probably still read the second one, it’s good for a quick, lighthearted read.
If I was sixteen like the main character I probably would have thought this was hilarious. Don’t get me wrong, some parts were pretty funny but the overuse of ‘OMG’ and the shortening of words like text speak sometimes ... just grated on me.
I’ll probably still read the second one, it’s good for a quick, lighthearted read.
July 31, 2018
I liked this book! It was good fun, and I liked how much I could relate to from when I was also a Bookshop girl. Looking forward to more! Full review to come.
July 29, 2018
LOVED THIS. funny and wry!
April 14, 2018
Threatening with closure to make way for new retail units, Bennett's bookshop is at risk of being closed down.
With her Mum on jobseekers, choosing a future university for herself and sporting a hot guy in the street, her mind is full of things but at the top, saving Bennett's takes over. Working there with best friend Holly is amazing for them both and they set up an online petition to stop the closure going ahead.
After taking part in a life drawing class, the cute boy Paige likes turns up again at the bookshop, only as the closing down sale begins, the petition grows stronger as they use more social media outlets to spread the word through, so they then discover stock is going missing.
As friendship fall outs, dates, chance meetings and campaigning as well as reaching out to an author for help with the petition happen, Paige's life gets very busy as the final countdown to closer looks ever closer...
I liked the concept but found the storyline could've been better executed as there were often things that started but not played out, many characters could've had more input in the action but didn't seem as into the petition and campaigning to save their own jobs and the language was very feminist teenage angst and immature at times. Don't get me wrong, there's funny moments and darn weird happenings but it didn't completely work for me.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
With her Mum on jobseekers, choosing a future university for herself and sporting a hot guy in the street, her mind is full of things but at the top, saving Bennett's takes over. Working there with best friend Holly is amazing for them both and they set up an online petition to stop the closure going ahead.
After taking part in a life drawing class, the cute boy Paige likes turns up again at the bookshop, only as the closing down sale begins, the petition grows stronger as they use more social media outlets to spread the word through, so they then discover stock is going missing.
As friendship fall outs, dates, chance meetings and campaigning as well as reaching out to an author for help with the petition happen, Paige's life gets very busy as the final countdown to closer looks ever closer...
I liked the concept but found the storyline could've been better executed as there were often things that started but not played out, many characters could've had more input in the action but didn't seem as into the petition and campaigning to save their own jobs and the language was very feminist teenage angst and immature at times. Don't get me wrong, there's funny moments and darn weird happenings but it didn't completely work for me.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
May 30, 2018
Bookshop Girl is a fabulous debut book from new author Chloe Coles.
In this book we meet the heroine with a fabulous name Paige Turner who works for Bennett’s bookshop. I just loved that. The bookshop is a haven for her and it is a place that she loves working at and enjoys working along side her beat friend Holly. It was the first place that took a chance on them in the job world and so it has a special place in her heart.
But as we are so sadly seeing in every city and town across the country at the moment. Bennett’s bookshop is going to close, due to lack of sales and the company needing to save money.
But Paige is determined to not give up a fight and with the rest of the bookshop staff behind her, but trying to rally the community to get behind their campaign is not as easy as Paige hoped. But when Paige is linked to anarchist Blaine. Will this make saving the bookshop impossible? With determination on her side will Paige be able to save the bookshop before she runs out of time?
This is a light, fun, warm hearted, easy read and I enjoyed reading it.
In this book we meet the heroine with a fabulous name Paige Turner who works for Bennett’s bookshop. I just loved that. The bookshop is a haven for her and it is a place that she loves working at and enjoys working along side her beat friend Holly. It was the first place that took a chance on them in the job world and so it has a special place in her heart.
But as we are so sadly seeing in every city and town across the country at the moment. Bennett’s bookshop is going to close, due to lack of sales and the company needing to save money.
But Paige is determined to not give up a fight and with the rest of the bookshop staff behind her, but trying to rally the community to get behind their campaign is not as easy as Paige hoped. But when Paige is linked to anarchist Blaine. Will this make saving the bookshop impossible? With determination on her side will Paige be able to save the bookshop before she runs out of time?
This is a light, fun, warm hearted, easy read and I enjoyed reading it.
July 24, 2018
Oh dear. I had such high hopes for this book from the blurb – and who can resist a book cover with books on it?
However from the start I just didn’t connect. I have to confess that at times it felt like I was reading another language – the slang the MC and her friends used I could only guess at the meaning. Some I did - such as defo {shudder} - which i loathe as a term, so maybe I was set against the language use to start with :)
The MC is called Paige Turner and works in a book shop – I liked this – and there is a reason why she has that name. The fact that Paige is passionate about books and the bookshop but that was the only redeeming features about her that I can find. I just found her to be over the top [OTT to use her speak} and quite two faced about things – such as early on in the book, before I had even got a chance to know her, she and her best friends discussed flinging used tampons at a male who had yelled a compliment out of a van window as he drove past because they thought HIS behaviour was bad! Really? Do teens talk like that? Well I certainly didn’t – and I have nephews and nieces currently in their teens and they don’t talk like that all the time.
I found Paige to be quite rude and selfish when she chose to be – but put that down to be too young to learn how to know when to think things, rather than say them out loud. The use of text speak annoyed me as well. She comes over as a very young teen, 12 or 13, but she is in fact supposed to be 16 – so old enough to be not as childish as she comes over as. I am not the age range that the book is aimed at – younger teens – but having said that, I enjoy YA books and this one just wasn’t my cup of tea.
It sounds like I am bagging the book – but it was just the MC that annoyed me – the themes in the book were very good. Set in the UK it covered issues such as high street shop closures – blaming the rise of Internet shopping, standing up for yourself and sexism – I felt that there was a strong anti-male feel, rather than just girls can do anything and don’t have to put up with unwanted behaviour. It was also very obvious that the author has worked in a bookshop – the issues the employees had to deal with were spot on/
Rating: Average - it was OK, but for one reason or another I found it a bit of struggle to stay focused and finish.
With thanks to Allen and Unwin for my copy to read and review.
However from the start I just didn’t connect. I have to confess that at times it felt like I was reading another language – the slang the MC and her friends used I could only guess at the meaning. Some I did - such as defo {shudder} - which i loathe as a term, so maybe I was set against the language use to start with :)
The MC is called Paige Turner and works in a book shop – I liked this – and there is a reason why she has that name. The fact that Paige is passionate about books and the bookshop but that was the only redeeming features about her that I can find. I just found her to be over the top [OTT to use her speak} and quite two faced about things – such as early on in the book, before I had even got a chance to know her, she and her best friends discussed flinging used tampons at a male who had yelled a compliment out of a van window as he drove past because they thought HIS behaviour was bad! Really? Do teens talk like that? Well I certainly didn’t – and I have nephews and nieces currently in their teens and they don’t talk like that all the time.
I found Paige to be quite rude and selfish when she chose to be – but put that down to be too young to learn how to know when to think things, rather than say them out loud. The use of text speak annoyed me as well. She comes over as a very young teen, 12 or 13, but she is in fact supposed to be 16 – so old enough to be not as childish as she comes over as. I am not the age range that the book is aimed at – younger teens – but having said that, I enjoy YA books and this one just wasn’t my cup of tea.
It sounds like I am bagging the book – but it was just the MC that annoyed me – the themes in the book were very good. Set in the UK it covered issues such as high street shop closures – blaming the rise of Internet shopping, standing up for yourself and sexism – I felt that there was a strong anti-male feel, rather than just girls can do anything and don’t have to put up with unwanted behaviour. It was also very obvious that the author has worked in a bookshop – the issues the employees had to deal with were spot on/
Rating: Average - it was OK, but for one reason or another I found it a bit of struggle to stay focused and finish.
With thanks to Allen and Unwin for my copy to read and review.
April 24, 2018
I received an e-ARC of this manuscript via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Books set in bookshops always get put straight to the top of my to-be-read list, so when I heard about "Bookshop Girl" I couldn't wait to read it.
When the regional manager of Bennett's bookshop comes for a meeting the staff are devastated to learn that their branch of the store will be closed. Sold to them as a fait accompli, they resign themselves to the idea- all except Paige Turner (don't worry, the obvious jokes are addressed and it isn't as cheesy as it seems!) and her best friend Holly who decide to become activists to prevent their only haven in their hometown from being closed.
I've never worked in a bookshop myself, but I have experienced the soul crushing sadness of seeing yet another beloved bookshop disappear from the high street until the only place left to buy books is an hour away or online.
I loved the friendship between Chloe and Holly and how silly they were together whilst also being supportive of each other. Their antics whilst attending their still life course were hilarious, and exactly how two sixteen year old girls would behave in such an awkward setting.
There was some romance in this book, but it really took a back seat to the main plot which I think was really positive. The girls had their crushes but the bookshop and their friendship was far more important. Paige and Holly's efforts to save the bookshop are so earnest and determined and their love for books is infectious. By the time I finished reading I was desperate to visit my nearest bookshop!
Bookshop Girl is a really fun, light, easy to read contemporary. The main characters are strong female leads and the whole message of the book is really positive. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series and continuing to get to know Paige and Holly.
Books set in bookshops always get put straight to the top of my to-be-read list, so when I heard about "Bookshop Girl" I couldn't wait to read it.
When the regional manager of Bennett's bookshop comes for a meeting the staff are devastated to learn that their branch of the store will be closed. Sold to them as a fait accompli, they resign themselves to the idea- all except Paige Turner (don't worry, the obvious jokes are addressed and it isn't as cheesy as it seems!) and her best friend Holly who decide to become activists to prevent their only haven in their hometown from being closed.
I've never worked in a bookshop myself, but I have experienced the soul crushing sadness of seeing yet another beloved bookshop disappear from the high street until the only place left to buy books is an hour away or online.
I loved the friendship between Chloe and Holly and how silly they were together whilst also being supportive of each other. Their antics whilst attending their still life course were hilarious, and exactly how two sixteen year old girls would behave in such an awkward setting.
There was some romance in this book, but it really took a back seat to the main plot which I think was really positive. The girls had their crushes but the bookshop and their friendship was far more important. Paige and Holly's efforts to save the bookshop are so earnest and determined and their love for books is infectious. By the time I finished reading I was desperate to visit my nearest bookshop!
Bookshop Girl is a really fun, light, easy to read contemporary. The main characters are strong female leads and the whole message of the book is really positive. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series and continuing to get to know Paige and Holly.
Read
April 12, 2018This was good fun. It's got an extremely bright, chirpy teen girl voice, which might not suit everyone (I was never that kind of teenager and I cringe when people write, "Oh. Em. Gee" but I also know it's probably not UNrealistic), but it's also full of books and art and enough nerdiness to offset that. Plus, friendship and nascent feminist rage -- what more could you want?
Paige wants to save the bookshop where she works. It's partly sentiment (she has a lot of fond memories associated with it), and partly practical (she needs to save money for uni or risk being doomed to stay in her hometown forever, a relatable fear). It starts with a petition and snowballs into t-shirts, posters, and a demonstration... but will that be enough?
It was obvious from reading this that the author had worked in a bookshop and knew it inside and out. It felt realistic, and not overly idealised. Sure, there was the bookshop "family" with all its quirks, but there were also elderly customers taking a dump in the shop, so I'd say it showed both sides. But I'd be tempted to say it was a tiny bit dated in places -- while there were references to social media, they weren't nearly frequent enough to fit the outgoing teen vibe I got from the characters. (I'm sure Instagram could be utilised in a bookshop-saving campaign.)
I struggled to relate to Paige's obsession with the "fittie" Blaine, but then, I'm ace and was never all that into guys anyway, so it's understandable that I wouldn't get what she saw in him. Although embarrassingly, with hindsight, he's not dissimilar to a boy I had a crush on in year seven. But I was eleven. Paige should know better :P
Anyway, it's a quick and fun read, and one that would appeal to a lot of teen booklovers, especially those who were slightly more outgoing and lively than me at that age.
Paige wants to save the bookshop where she works. It's partly sentiment (she has a lot of fond memories associated with it), and partly practical (she needs to save money for uni or risk being doomed to stay in her hometown forever, a relatable fear). It starts with a petition and snowballs into t-shirts, posters, and a demonstration... but will that be enough?
It was obvious from reading this that the author had worked in a bookshop and knew it inside and out. It felt realistic, and not overly idealised. Sure, there was the bookshop "family" with all its quirks, but there were also elderly customers taking a dump in the shop, so I'd say it showed both sides. But I'd be tempted to say it was a tiny bit dated in places -- while there were references to social media, they weren't nearly frequent enough to fit the outgoing teen vibe I got from the characters. (I'm sure Instagram could be utilised in a bookshop-saving campaign.)
I struggled to relate to Paige's obsession with the "fittie" Blaine, but then, I'm ace and was never all that into guys anyway, so it's understandable that I wouldn't get what she saw in him. Although embarrassingly, with hindsight, he's not dissimilar to a boy I had a crush on in year seven. But I was eleven. Paige should know better :P
Anyway, it's a quick and fun read, and one that would appeal to a lot of teen booklovers, especially those who were slightly more outgoing and lively than me at that age.
September 26, 2018
Moran-esque paean to bookshops, a droll story about adolescence, art and taking a stand.
The author seems to have channelled Caitlin Moran for her heroine in this, though I imagine it is probably closely based on both her own life and own bookselling self. No bad thing, either of them. For anyone who loves books, this is an amusing read, though if you aren't keen on teenage protagonists it might not be your cup of tea.
Paige Turner (yes, the character's name) finds herself stepping up to face 'The Man' when her refuge, her part-time job at Bennetts' Bookshop is placed under noticed, the bosses giving the staff four weeks until it closes on the high street of their small town. Paige and best friend Holly, enthusiastic bookshop girls, vow to stop the closure.
Both friends are also keen artists, and the story moves to their college life drawing classes, leading to some funny moments. Paige also meets a boy she 'totally gets the hots for', and we meet a range of memorable secondary characters that Paige's campaign brings together.
It's a funny book for book lovers, and a good example of the 'teenage crush'. There was just one jarring moment for me, Paige's Big Speech near the end, too practiced and preachy for Paige, it didn't sound like her either.
Overall though, highly entertaining with lots of chuckles abounding. And a strong message at its heart, about our local shops and bookshops in particular.
The author seems to have channelled Caitlin Moran for her heroine in this, though I imagine it is probably closely based on both her own life and own bookselling self. No bad thing, either of them. For anyone who loves books, this is an amusing read, though if you aren't keen on teenage protagonists it might not be your cup of tea.
Paige Turner (yes, the character's name) finds herself stepping up to face 'The Man' when her refuge, her part-time job at Bennetts' Bookshop is placed under noticed, the bosses giving the staff four weeks until it closes on the high street of their small town. Paige and best friend Holly, enthusiastic bookshop girls, vow to stop the closure.
Both friends are also keen artists, and the story moves to their college life drawing classes, leading to some funny moments. Paige also meets a boy she 'totally gets the hots for', and we meet a range of memorable secondary characters that Paige's campaign brings together.
It's a funny book for book lovers, and a good example of the 'teenage crush'. There was just one jarring moment for me, Paige's Big Speech near the end, too practiced and preachy for Paige, it didn't sound like her either.
Overall though, highly entertaining with lots of chuckles abounding. And a strong message at its heart, about our local shops and bookshops in particular.
February 10, 2021
Bennet’s Bookshop is the only book store in the small town of Greysworth. Paige Turner (oh yes, that’s actually her name) is our sixteen year old protaganist who works at said bookstore as a bookshop girl alongside her mad best friend Holly and loves everything about her workplace, be it the easy access to old favourites and unreleased best sellers, the grumpy store manager with a simmering affection for books, the ancient regular who sits away in a corner armchair and farts randomly in the middle of a quiet day.
But the much loved bookstore is strapped for cash, unable to pay the high street rent and will soon be shut down. Paige is devastated and angry. She will not allow her beloved bookstore to go down without a fight. With the aid of her enthusiastic bestie, her reluctant colleagues and random enthusiasts of her sleepy hometown, Paige hopes to raise an uprising to save her bookish haven. Hilarious attempts at collecting petitions, organising sit-ins, trying not to make a fool of herself over the dubious charms of a handsome young anarchist/poser…hyper and slightly ditzy Paige has her plate full.
I adored this quick read. The book has received mixed reviews with many castigating the silliness and overuse of pop references and teenage slang. But Paige is a teenager. She is young, silly, giddy-headed, in the throes of the fresh pangs of first love/lust. But she is also quite determined in her struggle to save the bookshop. The language and dialogues reminded me of the madcap and hilariously hormonal *Angus Thongs and full frontal snogging* series. Littered with interesting characters, the book moves at a quick and engaging pace.
I am a fool for any book that revolves around a bookshop and since I am blessed with a fair bit of silliness myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
But the much loved bookstore is strapped for cash, unable to pay the high street rent and will soon be shut down. Paige is devastated and angry. She will not allow her beloved bookstore to go down without a fight. With the aid of her enthusiastic bestie, her reluctant colleagues and random enthusiasts of her sleepy hometown, Paige hopes to raise an uprising to save her bookish haven. Hilarious attempts at collecting petitions, organising sit-ins, trying not to make a fool of herself over the dubious charms of a handsome young anarchist/poser…hyper and slightly ditzy Paige has her plate full.
I adored this quick read. The book has received mixed reviews with many castigating the silliness and overuse of pop references and teenage slang. But Paige is a teenager. She is young, silly, giddy-headed, in the throes of the fresh pangs of first love/lust. But she is also quite determined in her struggle to save the bookshop. The language and dialogues reminded me of the madcap and hilariously hormonal *Angus Thongs and full frontal snogging* series. Littered with interesting characters, the book moves at a quick and engaging pace.
I am a fool for any book that revolves around a bookshop and since I am blessed with a fair bit of silliness myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
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