Devon Book Club discussion

I thought it might be a good idea to have a place we can discuss local shops - especially since the best ones tend to be hidden away in back streets!

I have been visiting Bideford a lot of late (daughter has a weekly voluntary job so I have time to kill whilst she is there) and stumbled across a little shop - I don't even think it had a name - hidden away on Allhalland Street. Such a nice man working there and a wonderful selection of books. The filled shelves felt more a beloved collection than a heap of unwanted books used and neglected. The prices were really good too - I picked up Star of the Sea, Shadow of the Silk Road and Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction (the latter for my daughter!) for £7!

I agree that some of the smaller bookshops are by far the better ones. The staff know their collections intimately and can be more engaging in their knowledge of a subject. Bideford is a great little town. My mother's family hail from Torrington so we know the area fairly well. Sadly not much opportunity to get up there these days. However, I'm always looking for reasons to escape from Plymouth so I must try Bideford again soon.

Ruth wrote: "The staff know their collections intimately"
I got the impression these books may well have been the owner's collection and that he was using the shop as a means to get rid of them whilst still keeping a hold of them for as long as possible - if that makes sense. There was something really special in the way he handled them before putting them into a bag. The difference between a person in the job for the love of the books over someone working for a chain just as a means to earn money.

Tonia wrote: "I thought it might be a good idea to have a place we can discuss local shops - especially since the best ones tend to be hidden away in back streets!

I have been visiting Bideford a lot of late (d..."

Great idea for a new thread Tonia. The bookshop you erfer to is Allhalland Books - an antquarian and second hand book-seller. The mainstream bookshop in Bideford is Walter Henry's (where we held our last Indie Book Shop and Cake Crawl event).

We are finding some great bookshops as we tour devon. Totens Bookshop (liked to Dartington Trust) was very friendly and gaev great customer service, as did Walter Henry's. I'm really looking forward to going to Winstones in Sidmouth and then the Crediton Commiunity Bookshop in November (Ellen - any thoughts on a date yet?).

When people go into any of these shops, can you talk to them at Devon Book Club and pass me on any contact details if they are interested. I'm keen to build a network with all the Indies in the county (nothing against Waterstones and WH Smiths but something special about the little independents).

Also, if you are in Bath, check out Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights - a wonderful shop and their book spa is a fantastic experience.

Thank you for those suggestions, Ian. I have noticed when driving through Exeter that there is a "Book Exchange" - not brilliant with directions I can't equate where I am driving with where I walk, so can't figure how to get there from the car parks (I drive "through" a different way than I drive "to" Exeter!) A book exchange sounds brilliant though, anyone been there? It's on the stretch of road that comes off the big roundabout and goes off up the hill to the roundabout that leads you to the A30 (vague, sorry - I don't often go to the city!)

Tonia wrote: "Thank you for those suggestions, Ian. I have noticed when driving through Exeter that there is a "Book Exchange" - not brilliant with directions I can't equate where I am driving with where I walk,..."

I wonder if you mean this one? If so, It is Book Cycle in West Street. I keep meaning to go there myself but never quite find the time. I wish Goodreads allowed you to add an image to posts!

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/uv?hl=e...

I couldn't get the link to work, but yes I searched Book Cycle and it is the one. When I have passed there was a banner with Book Exchange written on it so I had thought that was the name of the business.

Tonia wrote: "I couldn't get the link to work, but yes I searched Book Cycle and it is the one. When I have passed there was a banner with Book Exchange written on it so I had thought that was the name of the bu..."

Strange - works on mine - but glad it was the right one. Has anyone else been there - am wondering how big it is inside - it looks small but it may have tardis like qualities

I haven't been to Book Cycle for ages, but you hit the nail on the head with 'tardis', Ian. Lots of narrow, wooden staircases up to several floors, as I remember. A great place! It's probably easiest to park down by TK Max/Riverside Leisure Centre or at The Cathedral/Quay Car Park...about a 5 -10 minute walk from either of those places.

Emily wrote: "I haven't been to Book Cycle for ages, but you hit the nail on the head with 'tardis', Ian. Lots of narrow, wooden staircases up to several floors, as I remember. A great place! It's probably easie..."

I must go, Emily. I keep meaning to. An intriguing concept. As I understand it you pay what you think the book is worth?

Yes, but I think you can only buy three books at a time...which might prove difficult!

Emily wrote: "Yes, but I think you can only buy three books at a time...which might prove difficult!"

Oooh - that's not nice!

See it as a challenge!

I have been there a few times, but not recently. It is an interesting place to browse and I have bought a few books from there. I find it quite difficult to pay what I think 'a book is worth'. I would rather have set guidelines, as in the charity shops.

Helen wrote: "I have been there a few times, but not recently. It is an interesting place to browse and I have bought a few books from there. I find it quite difficult to pay what I think 'a book is worth'. I wo..."

Its a novel idea boom boom

Not local - but stil lbookshops - check out this link to wonderful bookshops across the country

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ailbhemalone/...

In case anyone is desparate tomorrow the Keeble Bookshop in Fore Street, Wellington (yes I know it's Somerset, but only just!) Is open on Christmas Day. They open every day. Have found some good books there - new ones. Hope you dont mind me posting but have always found the gentleman concerned very helpful.

Sue wrote: "In case anyone is desparate tomorrow the Keeble Bookshop in Fore Street, Wellington (yes I know it's Somerset, but only just!) Is open on Christmas Day. They open every day. Have found some good bo..."

Dont mind at all Sue - always good to know. We havent quite pulled up the drawbridges around Devon yet! In fact, I am talking with people in treh Somerset library service who are keen to support something like Devon Book Club there. I havent found another county based equivelant to us yet - if anyone comes across one please let me know.

I just read that today is Independent Bookshop day. Hope all Devon's wonderful book shops are being visited today
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/2014...