July has been a month of author visits, book signings and a few great new releases (see the best seller list below). Yass seems to have been quiet, even during the school holidays, with many local businesses still struggling to get staff and adjusting opening hours. I am so grateful for my regular customers, including those ordering books through me rather than online. I can't stock everything and am more than happy to get books in on request.
Matthew Spencer, the author of the new Australian crime novel Black River, popped into the shop on Friday to sign copies on his way to the Occasional Wine Bar in Boorowa. If you want a copy, come in or order from my online shop.
Sulari Gentill and Lauren Searson-Patrick joined us to talk about their new books.
Barbie Robinson led a wonderful discussion about writing, meeting their characters, sex scenes and the theme of many (if not all) books, love. We celebrated with book-cover-coordinated cupcakes and cookies from Rosie Cakes while the authors signed their books The Woman in the Library and Amber Wolf. It was so lovely to be in a room full of people passionate about books and stories (writing and reading them).
We missed Karen Waldman who couldn't be at the event, but you can read Barbie's review of Karen's book Sidnie Meets Uncle Sam on the Living Arts Canberra site.
I am excited to be hosting local writer, Jane Baker's book launch, on Saturday.
Jane's A Book of Hours grew out of a study of the mediaeval version.
Our own lives are made up of hours just as in the 14th century, so why not a Book of Hours that are actually lived, hours with their own resonance, hours that deserve thought and reflection?
Magazines
The new Oak Magazine has arrived.
This issue covers mental health, leadership, resilience, e-commerce, the importance of building digital capability, rural pride, women's health, first aid advice and so much more, with stories from Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
Issue 11 is a flip cover with Take Me Somewhere travel magazine ~ a curation of regional and rural destinations in Australia told through beautifully written words and stunningly captured images.
Uppercase Magazine
I have copies of issue 53, as well as some of the last 10 or so issues. Last week 2 copies of their Art Supplies book arrived too!!
I love Uppercase Magazine so much...
June best sellers
The big seller in June was Dirt Town, the debut novel from Hayley Scrivenor.
Horse, by Geraldine Brooks - another popular new release and is living up to expectations.
Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguro is our book club read this month - I have just started it.
The Winter Dress by Lauren Chater is on the book club list.
These 2 are selling consistently, not new books, very different but both highly recommended:
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
Dropbear by Evelyn Araluen has been popular since winning the Stella Prize.
Goodreads
Are you on Goodreads? I joined earlier this year, it is a good way of recording books you want to read, have read and for finding books and reviews. You can also learn more about authors, including some Yass Valley locals.
I have created a group for our book club, feel free to join.
Awards
The National Biography Award shortlist has been announced.
Car Crash: A Memoir by Lech Blaine
Leaping into Waterfalls: The Enigmatic Gillian Mears by Bernadette Brennan
One Day I’ll Remember This: Diaries 1987–1995 by Helen Garner
The Mother Wound by Amani Haydar
Into the Loneliness: The unholy alliance of Ernestine Hill and Daisy Bates by Eleanor Hogan
Home Truths: A Memoir by David Williamson AO
Stay warm and well. If you are stuck at home for any reason (including avoiding the cold weather), I am happy to drop off website purchases locally. Home delivered books, what could be better?
Thanks for your ongoing support.
Jo
xx