By Faith Manalili, Megan Levick, Chloe Brown and Mollie Boardman
Highlighting independent bookshops across the UK is vital, especially as more shops become multifaceted touchpoints for book lovers. In this issue, we have picked some of our favourite local bookshops that offer more than just book browsing and shopping. In particular, we are sharing those with book clubs!
Backstory
71 Balham High Road, London, SW12 9AP
This independent bookshop on Balham High Road has much to offer behind its sleek and vivid ultramarine storefront. Beyond its lovingly curated shelves of books and wine bar, Backstory also has a particular focus on the books’ backstories, as its name suggests. Owner Tom Rowley, formerly a journalist and writer for The Economist, amongst other publications, has created a space where conversations about books thrive, connecting authors and readers. The shop hosts regular author talks and two monthly book clubs!
These book clubs – one for fiction and one for non-fiction – offer a unique twist: authors themselves are present. Apart from book discussions amongst the members, Tom or another bookseller leads a conversation with the author, followed by a Q&A session in which the members can ask the author questions.
The following books on the agenda include the cosy memoir La Vie by John Lewis-Stempel on 26 November, and the gripping adventure novel The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff on 10 December. The sessions are held on Zoom. For more information and to sign up, click here!
Waterstones Liverpool One
Waterstones in Liverpool has created a welcoming space for booklovers, particularly those enthusiastic about classic literature. Their book club, ‘Leave it to the prose’, is ideal for those who appreciate the charm of classic novels but perhaps haven’t yet found the motivation to read many and/or would like to do so alongside a vibrant and supportive community.
Although relatively new, the club is already proving to be popular amongst booklovers, with its first event in August selling out completely. Previous books that have been chosen include Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The group strives to foster conversation through a thoughtful, lively discussion, encouraging members to share nuanced perspectives about monthly reading picks.
For those interested in exploring the realm of long-loved literature or looking to rekindle their appreciation for the classics, ‘Leave it to the prose’ is the perfect book club for you.
Look out for announcements about next month’s selection and event details on their Instagram. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Far From The Madding Crowd
20 High Street, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 7AE
A staple of Linlithgow’s high street, Far From The Madding Crowd is based in a Georgian building with an impressive array of books, gifts and high-quality stationery. Nominated for Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2021, this bookshop stands out as an alternative option to traditional book clubs we usually see today. Reading for most of us starts at a young age, so we have included this as an entry-level book club for little ones to get excited about books.
On the shop's lower level, you’ll find the Little Owls section, dedicated to children's publishing. Every Friday afternoon, they host free Storytelling sessions; all they ask is that you reserve a spot on their website to ensure space for everyone!
Also, you can book Far From The Madding Crowd for your own book club as a completely private space to immerse your group in a fantastically bookish environment. They provide a bottle of fizz with every booking, making it a unique idea for a special occasion or a Christmas treat for your book club.
The Reader Bookshop and Café
The Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, L18 3JB
Nestled within the picturesque foliage and historic landscape of Calderstones Park, The Reader is a quaint, independent bookshop and café attached to the historic Mansion House. This unique public space fosters community connections and a chance to nourish personal growth through literature. The bookshop is home to a curated collection of beloved literary works and a variety of toys, prints, homeware and gifts. You are sure to find a wide range of potential favourites, both popular and niche.
The Reader holds a number of events, activities and clubs that cater to many interests, culminating in quite a vibrant programme of experiences. One such group activity is Shared Reading – small group gatherings where people connect through stories and poems, ensuring accessibility and a lack of pressure. These groups cater to individuals from all walks of life and take place all across the UK, including libraries, care homes, cathedrals, cafés, hospitals, prisons and the Mansion House itself. Profits from the bookshop directly support the Shared Reading projects across the UK.
Using The Reader’s website, you can easily find a group near you or online and learn more about the different types of Shared Reading groups.