Devon Book Club discussion

I was delighted to pop in to Tiverton's new book shop yesterday, Liznojanbooks in Gold Street. The shop is run by mother and daughter team Jackie and Kayleigh. They are full of excitement for the new venture and are delighted with the support they received following the opening on Friday. The shop is very welcoming for all ages.

Jackie and Kayleigh told me that the focus for the shop will be on stories with an ethical and meaningful message. Also folk, Steiner and alternative works. They are keen to develop their non-fiction collection, emphasising sustainable, organic, movements and transitions.

They have exciting plans for the future and are keen to get feedback from readers about what you would like to see in the shop.

So - pop in and say hello. You will be made very welcome (Open Tues-Sat).

Talking with Jackie and Kayleigh made me think about bookshops in general, especially independents - so I've decided to do a series about Devon's bookshops.

I'd like to compile a list of Devon's bookshops (and any others you want to tell us about) and what you love about them.

So - lets get started - where are your favourite bookshops??

There is a lovely bookshop (second-hand books I think) that is also a really lovely cafe in St Just in West Cornwall. That’s my ideal. It is my dream to run a bookshop like this one day! Xxx

Jo wrote: "There is a lovely bookshop (second-hand books I think) that is also a really lovely cafe in St Just in West Cornwall. That’s my ideal. It is my dream to run a bookshop like this one day! Xxx"

Sounds great - what do you like about it?

My favourite bookshop is our local one in Kingsbridge: The Harbour Bookshop. It's well-stocked and attractive to look around and the staff are well-informed and super-friendly. If they don't have what you want in stock, they'll order it if at all possible, usually to arrive within a day or two. We're blessed to still have such a great independent bookshop on our doorstep, given how hard it is for them to survive these days.

I said last week that I intended to focus a bit more on bookshops across Devon. This week a couple of mentions:

1. Dartmouth Bookseller tells me that you will be able to catch up with them this year at their evening stall in Candlelit Dartmouth on Fri 24th Nov...Father Christmas will be coming in by boat!

Also, there is Festive Foss Street to look forward to on Fri 22nd Dec 12pm - 2pm - Carol Singers, jugglers, snow machines, face painting...Clare and the team invite us all (bit not all at once 2500 people might be a bit of a squeeze) to pop in and see them for free festive nibbles!

2. Meanwhile, In Crediton, the Crediton Community Bookshop is having an event on 30/11 7-9 PM at the shop with Robin Ravilious - the event is called "Recording Country Lives" and should be fascinating. Details here https://www.facebook.com/CreditonComm...

3. Meanwhile Winstone books at Sidmouth is now open 7 days a week and on Sidmouth's Christmas shopping evening Friday 1st December until 8pm. They tell me that their best selling books (outside of events - Alice Roberts) to date is The Descent of Man by Grayson Perry.

4. And apologies to Totnes bookshop for failing to tell you about their event last Thursday - Tom Cox launching his latest wildlife/folklore book. Did any of you get there?

If you get along to any events let us know and also tell us about anything bookish (or otherwise) taking place where you are.

Kathy wrote: "My favourite bookshop is our local one in Kingsbridge: The Harbour Bookshop. It's well-stocked and attractive to look around and the staff are well-informed and super-friendly. If they don't have w..."

Thanks Kathy - When you get a minute, could you ask someone from the shop to get in touch with me - I'd love to hear more about the shop and give them some promotion, especially at this special important time of year for book sales

Ian wrote: "Kathy wrote: "My favourite bookshop is our local one in Kingsbridge: The Harbour Bookshop. It's well-stocked and attractive to look around and the staff are well-informed and super-friendly. If the..."
I'll be in there some time this week, Ian, so I'll have a word. Thank you. :-)

Kathy wrote: "Ian wrote: "Kathy wrote: "My favourite bookshop is our local one in Kingsbridge: The Harbour Bookshop. It's well-stocked and attractive to look around and the staff are well-informed and super-frie..."

excellent thanks

Popping down to Liznojan shortly in support of #BookshopDay and to say hello to Claire Barker , who is signing her Knitbone Pepper books. What bookshops are you visiting today? Which are your favourite bookshops?