I mean, let’s face it, if you’re on this blog reading this review, this book is going to be your cup of tea. It’s really that simple. After all, which one of us hasn’t dreamed about what it would be like to be a bookseller? To be surrounded by books all day, every day? To recommend books to the right readers? To help young minds discover the wonder of the right book at the right time?
All of that is here, sort of, but it’s also mostly about the behind the scenes messiness and uncertainty of the bookselling industry in the 21st century. Bythell shares a lovely collection of anecdotes with us about all the different customers (regular and one-offs) who have visited his shop with odd interests or requests. He introduces us to his colleagues and friends, and many of them offer further comedic interludes. It’s got all the lovely bookishness I had hoped for, and I enjoyed wallowing in it.
It also had some of the challenges that are faced by the modern bookseller, however. He shares some of the challenges of online bookselling along with the stats on selling books online. He talks about the financial strain, even with summer increases in sales and online shopping. And then there’s the physical aspect – one that prevented me from seeking out a position at a bookseller – boxes of books are very heavy, and apparently many booksellers end up with dodgy backs from intense lifting. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but it is all books. And really, despite all the challenges, which booklover wouldn’t trade those down sides to have an entire store full of books to read and share?
Shaun Bythell owns The Bookshop, Wigtown – Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop. It contains 100,000 books, spread over a mile of shelving, with twisting corridors and roaring fires, and all set in a beautiful, rural town by the edge of the sea. A book-lover’s paradise? Well, almost …
In these wry and hilarious diaries, Shaun provides an inside look at the trials and tribulations of life in the book trade, from struggles with eccentric customers to wrangles with his own staff, who include the ski-suit-wearing, bin-foraging Nicky. He takes us with him on buying trips to old estates and auction houses, recommends books (both lost classics and new discoveries), introduces us to the thrill of the unexpected find, and evokes the rhythms and charms of small-town life, always with a sharp and sympathetic eye. – Goodreads
Book Title: The Diary of a Bookseller
Author: Shaun Bythell
Series: Yes – Diary of a Bookseller #1
Edition: Audiobook
Published By: Profile Books
Released: January 1, 2017
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Bookselling, People Watching
Pages: 310
Date Read: May 9-10, 2023
Rating: 6/10
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.73/5 (25,481 ratings)
I could use some hilarious journal type stories. Sounds like a book I’d like, just like you said.
Drop by my blog, take a poll of what book I should read as my 2024 ONE BIG BOOK Challenge, and have a listen to my Christmas playlist.
Cheers!
My TTT topic: Christmas Playlist
It’s a quick read, but definitely has some great moments! Very relatable for book lovers. I am a bit behind on comments (okay a lot) – but I will pop over and see if it’s still going! Thank you!