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Heap Earth Upon It with Chloe Michelle Howarth

Wednesday 5th Nov : 7pm (Doors 6.45pm)

We're thrilled to welcome Sunburn author Chloe Michelle Howarth to the shop to talk about her highly anticipated new novel, Heap Earth Upon It.

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Welcome to
The Small City Bookshop

Independent community bookshop
& event space
Church road, Redfield & St George

Opening Times

Mon : Closed

Tuesday - Friday : 10 -6

Saturday : 10-5

Sunday : 11-4

We're an independent bookshop on Church Road, serving the communities of Redfield, St George and East Bristol.

Offering adult & children's books from a diverse range of voices and storytelling & author events for literacy lovers & reluctant readers.

Come and see us!

Christie & Sarah

Events

2025 Events

Lots of exciting things planned for 2025!

Check out our current events

Upcoming Events

We're always adding events to our calendar.

Sign up below to be the first to know!

Latest Titles

Kayla here to share one of my favourite books from October: Automatic Noodle by @ghidorahnotweak

🍜 This is a delightfully cosy sci-fi novella about a group of human-equivalent intelligent robots who open a noodle shop in post-war San Francisco. Vibrant, lovable characters prove that community can be created anywhere. Also, fighting online fascists and supporting groups who are othered. So timely and so hopeful, and will make you very hungry. I loved it!

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Kayla here to share one of my favourite books from October: Automatic Noodle by @ghidorahnotweak

🍜 This is a delightfully cosy sci-fi novella about a group of human-equivalent intelligent robots who open a noodle shop in post-war San Francisco. Vibrant, lovable characters prove that community can be created anywhere. Also, fighting online fascists and supporting groups who are othered. So timely and so hopeful, and will make you very hungry. I loved it!

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Sunshine on shop, stacks of books and recommendations. ☀️🎃

#booksfortheweekend
#bookstagramuk
#bookrecommendations #bookshopsoftheworld #bookshopping #bookshop #bookshopsofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbookshop #indiebookshop #independentbookshop

Sunshine on shop, stacks of books and recommendations. ☀️🎃

#booksfortheweekend
#bookstagramuk
#bookrecommendations #bookshopsoftheworld #bookshopping #bookshop #bookshopsofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbookshop #indiebookshop #independentbookshop

The nights are dark and full of terrors and we are here for it!

Last night we were treated (not tricked) to a frightfully brilliant evening with horror authors @_sue_k_b and @heatherparrywriter!

It was wonderful to learn about their writing processes, deepest darkest fears and explore why women are particulary attuned to horror and the shadow side.

Thanks to everyone who braved the darkness and joined us for the evening.

Copies of Susan and Heather's books are available in shop!

#bookshopevents #authortalk #bristolevents #womeninhorror
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

The nights are dark and full of terrors and we are here for it!

Last night we were treated (not tricked) to a frightfully brilliant evening with horror authors @_sue_k_b and @heatherparrywriter!

It was wonderful to learn about their writing processes, deepest darkest fears and explore why women are particulary attuned to horror and the shadow side.

Thanks to everyone who braved the darkness and joined us for the evening.

Copies of Susan and Heather's books are available in shop!

#bookshopevents #authortalk #bristolevents #womeninhorror
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Heaps of new children's books in this month! If you need something to keep them going over the last few days of half-term, we've got you covered 📚📚📚

#childrensbooks #booksforkids #independentbookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bs5 #shopindependent

Heaps of new children's books in this month! If you need something to keep them going over the last few days of half-term, we've got you covered 📚📚📚

#childrensbooks #booksforkids #independentbookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bs5 #shopindependent

👻 We had a spooky Halloween weekend at The Small City Bookshop
🧙Storytime with Nicola
🎃Halloween books galore
🥧Loaf pumpkin pies - would recommend
🦇 Best dressed Halloween award goes to Babs

👻 We had a spooky Halloween weekend at The Small City Bookshop
🧙Storytime with Nicola
🎃Halloween books galore
🥧Loaf pumpkin pies - would recommend
🦇 Best dressed Halloween award goes to Babs

Hello! Children's bookseller Nicola here to share my favourite book for the spooky season.

🦇 Dracula and Daughters by Emma Carroll

An atmospheric new chapter book series with plenty of bite, Dracula and Daughters tells the story of three cousins with unique abilities to heal vampires and foil a sinister plan. Pages will be turned at a supernatural pace as readers encounter mesmerising twists and turns, blood-chilling family secrets and high-stakes hijinks. With feminism and sisterhood at the heart of this gothic series, it's perfect for fans of KPop Demon Hunters and anyone looking for a hauntingly good read!

#childrensbooks #booksforkids #independentbookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bs5 #shopindependent

Hello! Children's bookseller Nicola here to share my favourite book for the spooky season.

🦇 Dracula and Daughters by Emma Carroll

An atmospheric new chapter book series with plenty of bite, Dracula and Daughters tells the story of three cousins with unique abilities to heal vampires and foil a sinister plan. Pages will be turned at a supernatural pace as readers encounter mesmerising twists and turns, blood-chilling family secrets and high-stakes hijinks. With feminism and sisterhood at the heart of this gothic series, it's perfect for fans of KPop Demon Hunters and anyone looking for a hauntingly good read!

#childrensbooks #booksforkids #independentbookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bs5 #shopindependent

🍩 We had a lovely visit from author @krahimwrites this morning to sign copies of her book The Doughnut Club

🍩The Doughnut club is fresh take on family and what it means to fit in. Also it's an adventure story!

🍩Signed copies if you are quick!

------------------------------------
#stories #storytelling #childrensfiction
#bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

🍩 We had a lovely visit from author @krahimwrites this morning to sign copies of her book The Doughnut Club

🍩The Doughnut club is fresh take on family and what it means to fit in. Also it's an adventure story!

🍩Signed copies if you are quick!

------------------------------------
#stories #storytelling #childrensfiction
#bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

🎉Event Announcement

Join us in conversation with Chloe Michelle Howarth as we discuss her new novel, Heap Earth Upon It.

Wednesday 5th November
Doors : 6.45pm
Event Start : 7pm

Tickets available on our website or in the shop.

*Heap Earth Upon It*
January 1965. The orphaned O'Leary siblings - Tom, Jack, Anna and Peggy - arrive in the village of Ballycrea, tight-lipped about their troubled past and desperate for a fresh start. After being met with suspicion from most of the locals, the family are thrilled when they're taken under the wing of their well-respected neighbours, Bill and Betty Nevan, who offer them work, companionship and an opportunity to fit in.

But for one of the O'Learys, this new friendship sparks an intense attachment that makes the dynamic dangerous for all. It's difficult to bury secrets, but almost impossible to bury feelings...

Chloe Michelle Howarth is an Irish writer. She grew up in the West Cork countryside, and the landscapes, culture, and people of rural Ireland have served as an inspiration for her writing.

Chloe’s novel, Sunburn, was shortlisted for the inaugural Nero Book Awards in the Debut Fiction category; shortlisted at the British Book Awards in the Discover category, and shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize.

#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

🎉Event Announcement

Join us in conversation with Chloe Michelle Howarth as we discuss her new novel, Heap Earth Upon It.

Wednesday 5th November
Doors : 6.45pm
Event Start : 7pm

Tickets available on our website or in the shop.

*Heap Earth Upon It*
January 1965. The orphaned O'Leary siblings - Tom, Jack, Anna and Peggy - arrive in the village of Ballycrea, tight-lipped about their troubled past and desperate for a fresh start. After being met with suspicion from most of the locals, the family are thrilled when they're taken under the wing of their well-respected neighbours, Bill and Betty Nevan, who offer them work, companionship and an opportunity to fit in.

But for one of the O'Learys, this new friendship sparks an intense attachment that makes the dynamic dangerous for all. It's difficult to bury secrets, but almost impossible to bury feelings...

Chloe Michelle Howarth is an Irish writer. She grew up in the West Cork countryside, and the landscapes, culture, and people of rural Ireland have served as an inspiration for her writing.

Chloe’s novel, Sunburn, was shortlisted for the inaugural Nero Book Awards in the Debut Fiction category; shortlisted at the British Book Awards in the Discover category, and shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize.

#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Have you seen our pay it forward board? It lives at the front of the shop alongside flyers for local events and vendors. Here's how it works:

If a book isn't in the budget right now, you can take a tag or a loyalty card from the board to help pay for one – no questions asked. The value listed on the tag is how much it's worth, and all loyalty cards are worth £10.

As you can see, we've had loads of donations from our generous customers, so if you and or someone you know could benefit from a free or nicely discounted book, please send them our way.

We really appreciate everyone who has contributed so far!

#payitforward #indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Have you seen our pay it forward board? It lives at the front of the shop alongside flyers for local events and vendors. Here's how it works:

If a book isn't in the budget right now, you can take a tag or a loyalty card from the board to help pay for one – no questions asked. The value listed on the tag is how much it's worth, and all loyalty cards are worth £10.

As you can see, we've had loads of donations from our generous customers, so if you and or someone you know could benefit from a free or nicely discounted book, please send them our way.

We really appreciate everyone who has contributed so far!

#payitforward #indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Almanac season has officially begun.
Also, jumpers, pumpkins, longer nights, soup, weird girls fiction and ghost stories.

Come and get a seasonal stack of books, put on your slippers and start planning for hibernation.

#booksfortheweekend #autumnbookstagram #autumnbooks #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #bookshop #bookshopsofinstagram #bristolbookstagrammers #halloweenbook

Almanac season has officially begun.
Also, jumpers, pumpkins, longer nights, soup, weird girls fiction and ghost stories.

Come and get a seasonal stack of books, put on your slippers and start planning for hibernation.

#booksfortheweekend #autumnbookstagram #autumnbooks #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #bookshop #bookshopsofinstagram #bristolbookstagrammers #halloweenbook

Still tickets available for Never Had A Dad - a talk by Georgie Codd about her book on her adventures in fatherlessness.

It's going to be fun!

23rd October
Doors 6.45pm
Start 7pm
Tickets £5 with a free drink.

#bristolbookshop #indiebookshop #authorevent #bristolevents #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers

Still tickets available for Never Had A Dad - a talk by Georgie Codd about her book on her adventures in fatherlessness.

It's going to be fun!

23rd October
Doors 6.45pm
Start 7pm
Tickets £5 with a free drink.

#bristolbookshop #indiebookshop #authorevent #bristolevents #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers

Nic's Picks for October:
Can (or should) adults read Young Adult (YA) fiction?
Yes, of course!
Many YA – and indeed children's – books have great writing, characters, themes and stories that are every bit as good as you may encounter in any genre.

My recent favourites are the first 2 in the Torch Trilogy by @moirabuffini: Songlight and Torchfire.
18-year-old Lark has the gift of telepathy, so is in grave danger in this authoritarian future society where difference is feared.
An action-packed adventure for fans of The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale.

#songlight #torchfire #staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Nic's Picks for October:
Can (or should) adults read Young Adult (YA) fiction?
Yes, of course!
Many YA – and indeed children's – books have great writing, characters, themes and stories that are every bit as good as you may encounter in any genre.

My recent favourites are the first 2 in the Torch Trilogy by @moirabuffini: Songlight and Torchfire.
18-year-old Lark has the gift of telepathy, so is in grave danger in this authoritarian future society where difference is feared.
An action-packed adventure for fans of The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale.

#songlight #torchfire #staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

📚Happy Bookshop Day!

🍂 You have all come out to see us on this lovely October day.

😍A big thank you from us to all our customers - we wouldn't be here without you!!

-------------------------------

(No, we didn't realise it was Bookshop Day either.)

📚Happy Bookshop Day!

🍂 You have all come out to see us on this lovely October day.

😍A big thank you from us to all our customers - we wouldn't be here without you!!

-------------------------------

(No, we didn't realise it was Bookshop Day either.)

Juicy new fiction keeps pouring in and we can barely keep up! Here's a "small" selection of titles we are very excited about 👀

Spooks, haunts, and thrills on the right; all manner of other delights on the left.

#spookyseason #newfiction #indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Juicy new fiction keeps pouring in and we can barely keep up! Here's a "small" selection of titles we are very excited about 👀

Spooks, haunts, and thrills on the right; all manner of other delights on the left.

#spookyseason #newfiction #indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

📣Event Announcement!

Never Had a Dad : Adventures in Fatherlessness with Georgie Codd.

Hear non-fiction author Georgie Codd tell the extraordinary real-life tale of her hunt for a father figure. Featured by the BBC, The Times, This American Life and more.

Thursday 23rd October.
Doors : 6.45pm
Event Start : 7pm

This is going to be fun!

#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

📣Event Announcement!

Never Had a Dad : Adventures in Fatherlessness with Georgie Codd.

Hear non-fiction author Georgie Codd tell the extraordinary real-life tale of her hunt for a father figure. Featured by the BBC, The Times, This American Life and more.

Thursday 23rd October.
Doors : 6.45pm
Event Start : 7pm

This is going to be fun!

#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Kayla here to share one of my favourite books from September: No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes 🐏

I'm a huge fan of her work, and this was no exception! A new version of the myths of Medea and Jason (of the Argonauts), this release once again brings women to the fore lets them shine in all their (morally grey) glory.

Haynes is a brilliant storyteller, weaving a multitude of perspectives over decades with grace and aplomb, making this a gripping and engaging Classic tale.

Also, it is so shiny and pretty for all the magpie-bookworms among us. Just a few indie special editions left!

#NoFriendToThisHouse #staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Kayla here to share one of my favourite books from September: No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes 🐏

I'm a huge fan of her work, and this was no exception! A new version of the myths of Medea and Jason (of the Argonauts), this release once again brings women to the fore lets them shine in all their (morally grey) glory.

Haynes is a brilliant storyteller, weaving a multitude of perspectives over decades with grace and aplomb, making this a gripping and engaging Classic tale.

Also, it is so shiny and pretty for all the magpie-bookworms among us. Just a few indie special editions left!

#NoFriendToThisHouse #staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

📣Event announcement!

Join us for a night of horror for the Spooky Season, in conversation with two incredible female horror writers for their paperback launches.

Susan Barker with Old Soul and Heather Parry with Carrion Crow - both firm shop favourites.

Thursday 30th October
Doors : 6.45pm
Event Start : 7pm

Tickets on sale in the shop or online.

About the books :
-Carrion Crow
A powerful and spine-tingling gothic tale exploring mother-daughter relationships, sexuality, and class.

-Old Soul
The most mesmerising, unsettling novel of 2025, perfect for fans of David Mitchell, Julia Armfield, and Margaret Atwood.

@heatherparrywriter @_sue_k_b
#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

📣Event announcement!

Join us for a night of horror for the Spooky Season, in conversation with two incredible female horror writers for their paperback launches.

Susan Barker with Old Soul and Heather Parry with Carrion Crow - both firm shop favourites.

Thursday 30th October
Doors : 6.45pm
Event Start : 7pm

Tickets on sale in the shop or online.

About the books :
-Carrion Crow
A powerful and spine-tingling gothic tale exploring mother-daughter relationships, sexuality, and class.

-Old Soul
The most mesmerising, unsettling novel of 2025, perfect for fans of David Mitchell, Julia Armfield, and Margaret Atwood.

@heatherparrywriter @_sue_k_b
#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Just a Tuesday morning visit from Mariana Enriquez. Nothing to see here... 💚💚💚

Her new book 'Somebody Is Walking On Your Grave' is out now and we have limited signed copies. 🪦🪦🪦

There are signed copies of all her other books too, while they last!

Happy Autumn Tuesday!

@marianaenriquez1973 @grantabooks

#bookshop #bookshopsoftheworld #booksaremybag #bookstagramuk #bookrecs #besttuesdayever #bristolbooks #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbusiness #bristolbookshop #independentbookshop #indiebookshop

Just a Tuesday morning visit from Mariana Enriquez. Nothing to see here... 💚💚💚

Her new book 'Somebody Is Walking On Your Grave' is out now and we have limited signed copies. 🪦🪦🪦

There are signed copies of all her other books too, while they last!

Happy Autumn Tuesday!

@marianaenriquez1973 @grantabooks

#bookshop #bookshopsoftheworld #booksaremybag #bookstagramuk #bookrecs #besttuesdayever #bristolbooks #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbusiness #bristolbookshop #independentbookshop #indiebookshop

Saturday bookshop. The pumpkins have appeared and the books are starting to turn towards Autumn.

Come and get a cosy / spooky read and find somewhere quiet where no one can find you.

#booksfortheweekend #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #autumnbooks #autumnbookstagram #bookshopsoftheworld #bookrecs #bristolbookstagrammers #bookshop #booksbooksbooks #shopindependent

Saturday bookshop. The pumpkins have appeared and the books are starting to turn towards Autumn.

Come and get a cosy / spooky read and find somewhere quiet where no one can find you.

#booksfortheweekend #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #autumnbooks #autumnbookstagram #bookshopsoftheworld #bookrecs #bristolbookstagrammers #bookshop #booksbooksbooks #shopindependent

Chilly evenings, leaves beginning to turn, all the quiet old things stirring as we enter the dark seasons. Autumn puts us very firmly in the mood for folklore and all things witchy. And, of course, we have many beautiful books to immerse oneself in such spirits.

New in and some firm favourites:
- Earth Magick by Cheralyn Darcey
- Atlas of Paranormal Places by Evelyn Hollow
- Ghostlore by Icy Sedgwick
- Weird Walk: Wanderings and Wonderings through the British Ritual Year by Weird Walk
- Folklore Rising by Ben Edge
- Britain's Folklore Year by Mark Norman
- Haunted by E. Jay Gilber
- Ancient Britain for Modern Folk by Tom Howells
- An Almanac of Birds: 100 Divinations for Uncertain Days by Maria Popova
- Lost Book of Spells by Fiona Horne

#autumnreads #spookyseason #folklore #books #indiebookshoplife #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagram #shoplocal #bookshop #booksaremybag #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Chilly evenings, leaves beginning to turn, all the quiet old things stirring as we enter the dark seasons. Autumn puts us very firmly in the mood for folklore and all things witchy. And, of course, we have many beautiful books to immerse oneself in such spirits.

New in and some firm favourites:
- Earth Magick by Cheralyn Darcey
- Atlas of Paranormal Places by Evelyn Hollow
- Ghostlore by Icy Sedgwick
- Weird Walk: Wanderings and Wonderings through the British Ritual Year by Weird Walk
- Folklore Rising by Ben Edge
- Britain's Folklore Year by Mark Norman
- Haunted by E. Jay Gilber
- Ancient Britain for Modern Folk by Tom Howells
- An Almanac of Birds: 100 Divinations for Uncertain Days by Maria Popova
- Lost Book of Spells by Fiona Horne

#autumnreads #spookyseason #folklore #books #indiebookshoplife #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagram #shoplocal #bookshop #booksaremybag #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Calling all Bunny fans!

Its pink and its beautiful. Signed copies while stocks last.

@misss_read

#bristolbookshop #indiebookshop #bookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #

Calling all Bunny fans!

Its pink and its beautiful. Signed copies while stocks last.

@misss_read

#bristolbookshop #indiebookshop #bookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #

So many fantastic new memoirs out at the moment – what to read first?? Here are some of our favourites. 📖🐛

And a last call for tickets to our event celebrating the launch of The Quiet Ear – in conversation with Raymond Antrobus on 18 September at Sparks Bristol with BSL interpreters.
Tickets are available online or in the shop, and include a free drink.
Please contact us if you have any accessibility needs.

#memoir #bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #indiebookshop

So many fantastic new memoirs out at the moment – what to read first?? Here are some of our favourites. 📖🐛

And a last call for tickets to our event celebrating the launch of The Quiet Ear – in conversation with Raymond Antrobus on 18 September at Sparks Bristol with BSL interpreters.
Tickets are available online or in the shop, and include a free drink.
Please contact us if you have any accessibility needs.

#memoir #bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #indiebookshop

A little photographic tour of the shop today.

Lots of Autumn sun and new books to go with it 🌝

Come and visit!

-------------------------------------------

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

A little photographic tour of the shop today.

Lots of Autumn sun and new books to go with it 🌝

Come and visit!

-------------------------------------------

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

We were treated to a wonderful evening of Welsh poetry with the talented @rhianelizabeth_poet, @tazphotopoetry and @joshuajoneswrites.

There was plenty of laughter, atmospheric landscapes and longing, particularly for a little known actor called Gillian Anderson. I guess you had to be there.

Thanks to everyone for coming and for being a warm and curious audience as always.

Copies of these brilliant poet's books are available in shop.

#bookshopevents #authortalk #poetryevents #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

We were treated to a wonderful evening of Welsh poetry with the talented @rhianelizabeth_poet, @tazphotopoetry and @joshuajoneswrites.

There was plenty of laughter, atmospheric landscapes and longing, particularly for a little known actor called Gillian Anderson. I guess you had to be there.

Thanks to everyone for coming and for being a warm and curious audience as always.

Copies of these brilliant poet's books are available in shop.

#bookshopevents #authortalk #poetryevents #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

🥳Celebrating one year of book club! 🍾 Last week our book club met to discuss its twelfth book, so we'd like to showcase all they've read over the past year.

👯‍♂️Orlanda by Jacqueline Harpman: A modern take on Woolfe's Orlando; a split-personality romp.

🍐The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden: Tense, repressed lesbian must endure her brother's girlfriend staying in her house.

🍋Greta and Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly: Chaotic, gay siblings are bad at communicating but delightfully funny and lovable.

🐳Whale Fall by Elizabth O'Connor: Evocative coming-of-age on a remote Welsh island.

🦢The Morningside by Téa Obreht: Hopeful blend of climate fiction and folklore told from a child's perspective.

🗻The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard: Heart-breaking literary sci-fi about how memory and past shape us.

🔎The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo: Masterful locked-room whodunnit with a charismatic detective.

👻Dealing With the Dead by Alain Mabanckou: Surrealist, darkly funny satire about life, death and corruption.

💰Eurotrash by Christian Kracht: A man and his mother go on a road trip to get rid of dirty family money.

👅Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior: Two inseparable sisters, one missing tongue, and an ancient knife.

🧳Hangman by Maya Binyam: Uncanny, dreamlike exile's homecoming in an adventure full of humour and farce.

🍯Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang: A seductive book of food, taste & desire set amongst biological climate disaster.

Because our book club members are all so dedicated and there's very little turnover, we're starting up a second group! We still have a few spaces left, so if you'd like to join and read some great fiction, please email us for more information at hello@thesmallcitybookshop.co.uk.

#bristolbookclub #bookclub #bristolbookshop #bs5 #bookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #shoplocal #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksaremybag

🥳Celebrating one year of book club! 🍾 Last week our book club met to discuss its twelfth book, so we'd like to showcase all they've read over the past year.

👯‍♂️Orlanda by Jacqueline Harpman: A modern take on Woolfe's Orlando; a split-personality romp.

🍐The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden: Tense, repressed lesbian must endure her brother's girlfriend staying in her house.

🍋Greta and Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly: Chaotic, gay siblings are bad at communicating but delightfully funny and lovable.

🐳Whale Fall by Elizabth O'Connor: Evocative coming-of-age on a remote Welsh island.

🦢The Morningside by Téa Obreht: Hopeful blend of climate fiction and folklore told from a child's perspective.

🗻The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard: Heart-breaking literary sci-fi about how memory and past shape us.

🔎The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo: Masterful locked-room whodunnit with a charismatic detective.

👻Dealing With the Dead by Alain Mabanckou: Surrealist, darkly funny satire about life, death and corruption.

💰Eurotrash by Christian Kracht: A man and his mother go on a road trip to get rid of dirty family money.

👅Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior: Two inseparable sisters, one missing tongue, and an ancient knife.

🧳Hangman by Maya Binyam: Uncanny, dreamlike exile's homecoming in an adventure full of humour and farce.

🍯Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang: A seductive book of food, taste & desire set amongst biological climate disaster.

Because our book club members are all so dedicated and there's very little turnover, we're starting up a second group! We still have a few spaces left, so if you'd like to join and read some great fiction, please email us for more information at hello@thesmallcitybookshop.co.uk.

#bristolbookclub #bookclub #bristolbookshop #bs5 #bookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #shoplocal #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksaremybag

Sexy books for September, whatever your proclivities. 💚

Jason and his argonauts, hot victorians, weird girls or just a creative enquiring mind, we've got you covered!

#bristolbookshop #bs5 #indiebookshop #bookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #shoplocal #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksaremybag #booksaresexy

Sexy books for September, whatever your proclivities. 💚

Jason and his argonauts, hot victorians, weird girls or just a creative enquiring mind, we've got you covered!

#bristolbookshop #bs5 #indiebookshop #bookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #shoplocal #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksaremybag #booksaresexy

With the kids going back to school, you may feel inspired to learn something new, too. Here are some fun and upbeat suggestions to get you started!

🌱The Green Ages by Annette Kehnel
🕊On Freedom by Timothy Snyder
⚡How to Fit All of Ancient Greece in an Elevator by Theodore Papakostas
🦆A Mudlarking Year by Lara Maiklem
🌈Designing Hope by Sarah Housley
🎲The Game Changers by Tim Clare
🎻Sound Tracks by Graeme Lawson
🌈Encounterism by Andy Field
🌲The Haunted Wood by Sam Leith
🎨The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

#nonfiction #bristolbookshop #bs5 #bookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #shoplocal #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksaremybag

With the kids going back to school, you may feel inspired to learn something new, too. Here are some fun and upbeat suggestions to get you started!

��🌱The Green Ages by Annette Kehnel
🕊On Freedom by Timothy Snyder
⚡How to Fit All of Ancient Greece in an Elevator by Theodore Papakostas
🦆A Mudlarking Year by Lara Maiklem
🌈Designing Hope by Sarah Housley
🎲The Game Changers by Tim Clare
🎻Sound Tracks by Graeme Lawson
🌈Encounterism by Andy Field
🌲The Haunted Wood by Sam Leith
🎨The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

#nonfiction #bristolbookshop #bs5 #bookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #shoplocal #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksaremybag

Kayla's pick of the month: Seascraper by Benjamin Wood 🦐

What begins as a vividly described account of the working day of a young shanker scraping shrimp from the beach gives way to an exploration of class and family, a celebration of music and a different kind of coming-of-age.

Evocative, atmospheric and tense, this expertly crafted novella strikes a wonderful balance depicting bitter reality and the glimmering hope of pursuing a dream.

This signed indie-edition hardcover is sans dust jacket (a favourite design of mine) with gorgeous sunset-coloured endpapers. It is a truly beautiful object, and we only have a couple left in stock!

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Kayla's pick of the month: Seascraper by Benjamin Wood 🦐

What begins as a vividly described account of the working day of a young shanker scraping shrimp from the beach gives way to an exploration of class and family, a celebration of music and a different kind of coming-of-age.

Evocative, atmospheric and tense, this expertly crafted novella strikes a wonderful balance depicting bitter reality and the glimmering hope of pursuing a dream.

This signed indie-edition hardcover is sans dust jacket (a favourite design of mine) with gorgeous sunset-coloured endpapers. It is a truly beautiful object, and we only have a couple left in stock!

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Hello! Children's bookseller Nicola here to share some of my favourite books this month.

🐸Bert and the Bubble by Kim Hillyard
This has to be one of my favourite picture books this year! A book with a gorgeous message about sharing that also made me laugh out loud with each page turn. The illustrations are oh so charming and will leave you longing for a bubble you can call your own!

🧚‍♂️Unfairies by Huw Aaron
You might think you know a lot about fairies, but this brilliant new series will prove you wrong! It turns out they are raucous, lacking in magic and are always up for a fight. With stunning illustrations, plenty of adventure and high stakes, it's perfect for fans of anarchic humour like Bunny vs Monkey.

#childrensbooks #booksforkids #independentbookshop #graphicnovelsforkids #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bs5 #shopindependent

Hello! Children's bookseller Nicola here to share some of my favourite books this month.

🐸Bert and the Bubble by Kim Hillyard
This has to be one of my favourite picture books this year! A book with a gorgeous message about sharing that also made me laugh out loud with each page turn. The illustrations are oh so charming and will leave you longing for a bubble you can call your own!

🧚‍♂️Unfairies by Huw Aaron
You might think you know a lot about fairies, but this brilliant new series will prove you wrong! It turns out they are raucous, lacking in magic and are always up for a fight. With stunning illustrations, plenty of adventure and high stakes, it's perfect for fans of anarchic humour like Bunny vs Monkey.

#childrensbooks #booksforkids #independentbookshop #graphicnovelsforkids #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bs5 #shopindependent

We're open and filled with great books.

Come and chat books, get a pile of recommendations before school starts and an event ticket to enrich your mind for the new academic year.
📚📚📚

#bookshopping #booksfortheweekend #booksaremybag #bookstagramuk #bookshopsoftheworld #bookrecs #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbookshop #bristolbusiness #bristolevents #shopindependent

We're open and filled with great books.

Come and chat books, get a pile of recommendations before school starts and an event ticket to enrich your mind for the new academic year.
📚📚📚

#bookshopping #booksfortheweekend #booksaremybag #bookstagramuk #bookshopsoftheworld #bookrecs #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbookshop #bristolbusiness #bristolevents #shopindependent

🔥 Event Announcement!

The incomparable Sara Ahmed returns with her new book on the art of complaining - a moving exploration of the solace and power of listening in an unjust world.

She'll be in conversation with Noreen Masud.

Tickets are available in the shop or online, and this event is at Sparks, Bristol on Wednesday 24th September.

About The Book
‘Behind many disasters are unheard complaints’

To complain is an intimate, dangerous act. Whether it’s speaking up about racism in the workplace or taking a stand against sexual harassment at university, the act of complaining to an institution can leave you isolated and undermined, all while the original injustice remains unresolved. Time and time again, we see these unanswered complaints compound to disastrous effect.

In No is Not a Lonely Utterance, Sara Ahmed dissects the anatomy of a complaint, revealing how institutions create hostile environments that stigmatize complainers, and charts a way we can listen to grievances with ‘feminist ears’: going beyond mere validation and seeking instead to address the root causes of injustice and inequality.
Weaving together testimonies from various walks of life, Ahmed shows us what we learn about the ways institutions exercise their power when complaints are raised, and indeed what we learn about our capacity to collectivize and create social bonds through complaint.
In doing so, she inspires us to create better environments for our life’s work.

🔥 Event Announcement!

The incomparable Sara Ahmed returns with her new book on the art of complaining - a moving exploration of the solace and power of listening in an unjust world.

She'll be in conversation with Noreen Masud.

Tickets are available in the shop or online, and this event is at Sparks, Bristol on Wednesday 24th September.

About The Book
‘Behind many disasters are unheard complaints’

To complain is an intimate, dangerous act. Whether it’s speaking up about racism in the workplace or taking a stand against sexual harassment at university, the act of complaining to an institution can leave you isolated and undermined, all while the original injustice remains unresolved. Time and time again, we see these unanswered complaints compound to disastrous effect.

In No is Not a Lonely Utterance, Sara Ahmed dissects the anatomy of a complaint, revealing how institutions create hostile environments that stigmatize complainers, and charts a way we can listen to grievances with ‘feminist ears’: going beyond mere validation and seeking instead to address the root causes of injustice and inequality.
Weaving together testimonies from various walks of life, Ahmed shows us what we learn about the ways institutions exercise their power when complaints are raised, and indeed what we learn about our capacity to collectivize and create social bonds through complaint.
In doing so, she inspires us to create better environments for our life’s work.

Looking for activities to entertain over the bank holiday weekend? Buckets of fun await in our shelves:

🐠Stickers galore for all ages, and a gorgeous pop-out-and-assemble book about fish
👩‍🎨Colour and draw all the cutest things
👽Learn to write and draw comics
🐞Head outdoors with a nature guide
🍕Cook up a crumble with the Gruffalo or try some more involved recipes with Chefs Wanted!

#childrensbooks #kidsbook #activitybook #bookrecs #booksfortheweekend #bookrecommendations #indiebookshop #independentbookshop #shopindependent #shoplocal #bristolbooks #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbookshop #bristolbusiness

Looking for activities to entertain over the bank holiday weekend? Buckets of fun await in our shelves:

🐠Stickers galore for all ages, and a gorgeous pop-out-and-assemble book about fish
👩‍🎨Colour and draw all the cutest things
👽Learn to write and draw comics
🐞Head outdoors with a nature guide
🍕Cook up a crumble with the Gruffalo or try some more involved recipes with Chefs Wanted!

#childrensbooks #kidsbook #activitybook #bookrecs #booksfortheweekend #bookrecommendations #indiebookshop #independentbookshop #shopindependent #shoplocal #bristolbooks #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbookshop #bristolbusiness

🌞Introducing our favourite Weird Girls of the Summer...

🗼Featuring a tower of books we've loved with fantastic female characters

❤️Fun! (mainly)
❤️Quirky!
❤️Scary!
❤️Admirable! (also, mainly)

----------------------------------------

#bs5 #bristolbookshop #shoplocalbristol
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #weirdgirlfiction #bookshopsofinstagram #summerreads

�🌞Introducing our favourite Weird Girls of the Summer...

🗼Featuring a tower of books we've loved with fantastic female characters

❤️Fun! (mainly)
❤️Quirky!
❤️Scary!
❤️Admirable! (also, mainly)

----------------------------------------

#bs5 #bristolbookshop #shoplocalbristol
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #weirdgirlfiction #bookshopsofinstagram #summerreads

Nic's Pick this month: The Cracked Mirror by Chris Brookmyre

I raced through this clever and fun murder mystery, loving its great original premise.

Two classic characters from detective fiction - the sharp little old lady and the disgraced homicide cop - are brought together in a brilliant layered whodunnit with an up-to-the-minute twist.
Perfect for crime & thriller fans!

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Nic's Pick this month: The Cracked Mirror by Chris Brookmyre

I raced through this clever and fun murder mystery, loving its great original premise.

Two classic characters from detective fiction - the sharp little old lady and the disgraced homicide cop - are brought together in a brilliant layered whodunnit with an up-to-the-minute twist.
Perfect for crime & thriller fans!

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

🎉Event Announcement!

Join us to celebrate the launch of The Quiet Ear - in conversation with Raymond Antrobus

This event is at Sparks Bristol with BSL interpreters.
Tickets are available online or in the shop, and include a free drink.
Please contact us if you have any accessibility needs.

About the book.
Raymond Antrobus was first diagnosed as deaf at the age of six. He discovered he had missing sounds - bird calls, whistles, kettles, alarms. Teachers thought he was slow and disruptive, some didn't believe he was deaf at all.

The Quiet Ear tells the story of Raymond's upbringing at the intersection of race and disability. Growing up in East London to an English mother and Jamaican father, educated in both mainstream and deaf schooling systems, Raymond explores the shame of miscommunication, the joy of finding community and shines a light on the decline of deaf education in Britain. Throughout, Raymond sets his story alongside those of other D/deaf cultural figures - from painters to silent film stars, poets to performers - the inspiring models of D/deaf creativity he did not have growing up.

The Quiet Ear is a groundbreaking and much-needed examination of deafness. A memoir, a cultural history, a call to action.

#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #indiebookshop

🎉Event Announcement!

Join us to celebrate the launch of The Quiet Ear - in conversation with Raymond Antrobus

This event is at Sparks Bristol with BSL interpreters.
Tickets are available online or in the shop, and include a free drink.
Please contact us if you have any accessibility needs.

About the book.
Raymond Antrobus was first diagnosed as deaf at the age of six. He discovered he had missing sounds - bird calls, whistles, kettles, alarms. Teachers thought he was slow and disruptive, some didn't believe he was deaf at all.

The Quiet Ear tells the story of Raymond's upbringing at the intersection of race and disability. Growing up in East London to an English mother and Jamaican father, educated in both mainstream and deaf schooling systems, Raymond explores the shame of miscommunication, the joy of finding community and shines a light on the decline of deaf education in Britain. Throughout, Raymond sets his story alongside those of other D/deaf cultural figures - from painters to silent film stars, poets to performers - the inspiring models of D/deaf creativity he did not have growing up.

The Quiet Ear is a groundbreaking and much-needed examination of deafness. A memoir, a cultural history, a call to action.

#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #indiebookshop

Saturday bookshop mood.
Books and autumn events galore.

Sun is out - come and get some books.

#bristolbookshop #bs5 #bookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #shoplocal #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksaremybag

Saturday bookshop mood.
Books and autumn events galore.

Sun is out - come and get some books.

#bristolbookshop #bs5 #bookshop #indiebookshop #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagramuk #shoplocal #bookshopsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksaremybag

Event Announcement 🎉

Join us for an evening featuring poets from the prestigious Hay Festival Writers at Work programme: Taz Rahman, Rhian Elizabeth and Joshua Jones.

We're kicking off our Autumn event calendar with a an exciting line-up of Welsh poets.

Get your ticket online or in the shop. Tickets include a free soft or alcoholic drink.
All the makings of a lovely evening.

@joshuajoneswrites @rhianelizabeth_poet

#poetryevent #poetryevening #bristolevents #bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Event Announcement 🎉

Join us for an evening featuring poets from the prestigious Hay Festival Writers at Work programme: Taz Rahman, Rhian Elizabeth and Joshua Jones.

We're kicking off our Autumn event calendar with a an exciting line-up of Welsh poets.

Get your ticket online or in the shop. Tickets include a free soft or alcoholic drink.
All the makings of a lovely evening.

@joshuajoneswrites @rhianelizabeth_poet

#poetryevent #poetryevening #bristolevents #bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

😍 Sarah’s Pick of the Month 😍
❤️ Clean by Alia Trabucco Zeran translated by Sophie Hughes.

An incredibly sharp literary thriller, exploring domestic work and class in Chile.

Estela, the maid, is locked in her cell recounting the events which lead up to the death of her charge, a 7 year old girl.

So original and easy to read, the novel kept me totally in suspense until the end. A fantastic read.

😍 Sarah’s Pick of the Month 😍
❤️ Clean by Alia Trabucco Zeran translated by Sophie Hughes.

An incredibly sharp literary thriller, exploring domestic work and class in Chile.

Estela, the maid, is locked in her cell recounting the events which lead up to the death of her charge, a 7 year old girl.

So original and easy to read, the novel kept me totally in suspense until the end. A fantastic read.

❤️ August is... Women in Translation Month!

Here is a small stack of our favourites.
We have plenty more in the shop, come and ask for a recommendation...

#womenintranslation #witmonth #translatedliterature #translatedfiction #shoplocal #celebratewomen #bs5 #bristolbookshops

❤️ August is... Women in Translation Month!

Here is a small stack of our favourites.
We have plenty more in the shop, come and ask for a recommendation...

#womenintranslation #witmonth #translatedliterature #translatedfiction #shoplocal #celebratewomen #bs5 #bristolbookshops

Whether you're out on a walking holiday or just enjoying the back garden, here's some of our favourite recent nature writing to inspire you.

🐌🐇🦆🦋

#naturelovers #naturewriting #nonfiction #bristolbookshops #bs5 #booksaremybag #shoplocal #bristolbookstagrammers #shopindependent #bookshopsofinstagram #indiebookshop #whattoreadnext

Whether you're out on a walking holiday or just enjoying the back garden, here's some of our favourite recent nature writing to inspire you.

🐌🐇🦆🦋

#naturelovers #naturewriting #nonfiction #bristolbookshops #bs5 #booksaremybag #shoplocal #bristolbookstagrammers #shopindependent #bookshopsofinstagram #indiebookshop #whattoreadnext

Who's bored? We're packed to the rafters with things to keep everyone entertained and quiet for a minute.

Come and find great books and a little bit of peace.

#childrensbooks #kidsbook #activitybook #bookrecs #booksfortheweekend #bookrecommendations #indiebookshop #independentbookshop #shopindependent #shoplocal #bristolbooks #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbookshop #bristolbusiness

Who's bored? We're packed to the rafters with things to keep everyone entertained and quiet for a minute.

Come and find great books and a little bit of peace.

#childrensbooks #kidsbook #activitybook #bookrecs #booksfortheweekend #bookrecommendations #indiebookshop #independentbookshop #shopindependent #shoplocal #bristolbooks #bristolbookstagrammers #bristolbookshop #bristolbusiness

Kayla here with my book of the month: Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio @sureasmel

🐀🍄🐀🍄🐀🍄🐀🍄🐀🍄

Every night, five insomniacs meet in an abandoned graveyard for a smoke, but tonight there's an open, empty grave. They see someone putting something inside and are on a mission to find out what. Dispersed and using their own special skills, we check in with each member of the group as the night and investigation proceed. It's quippy and pacy and reads like an episode of Buffy, if the Scooby Gang had been allowed a few more vices.

There's also a playlist and two cocktail recipes to have going while you read – an immersive novel experience! I had a ton of fun with this.

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Kayla here with my book of the month: Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio @sureasmel

🐀🍄🐀🍄🐀🍄🐀🍄🐀🍄

Every night, five insomniacs meet in an abandoned graveyard for a smoke, but tonight there's an open, empty grave. They see someone putting something inside and are on a mission to find out what. Dispersed and using their own special skills, we check in with each member of the group as the night and investigation proceed. It's quippy and pacy and reads like an episode of Buffy, if the Scooby Gang had been allowed a few more vices.

There's also a playlist and two cocktail recipes to have going while you read – an immersive novel experience! I had a ton of fun with this.

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Nic's Pick this month: No Straight Road Takes You There by Rebecca Solnit

This new collection from one of my favourite modern essayists explores themes of climate, democracy, patriarchy and more. Solnit counsels strongly against despair and favours taking the long view. This slim collection is packed with wisdom, encouragement and great writing, and the short bites are easily digestible but with plenty of food for thought. If you haven't read her work before, now is the time.

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Nic's Pick this month: No Straight Road Takes You There by Rebecca Solnit

This new collection from one of my favourite modern essayists explores themes of climate, democracy, patriarchy and more. Solnit counsels strongly against despair and favours taking the long view. This slim collection is packed with wisdom, encouragement and great writing, and the short bites are easily digestible but with plenty of food for thought. If you haven't read her work before, now is the time.

#staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Brilliant person, and winner of the #womensprizeforfiction , Yael van der Wouden popped in today. The Safekeep is a definite shop favourite and we would recommend it to everyone. If you haven’t got a copy there are 10 signed copies available. Be quick! 🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇 🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇

#yaelvanderwoudenthesafekeep #yaelvanderwouden #thesafekeep #womensprizewinner #womensprize2025
#bristolbookshop #bs5 #bookshop #indiebookshop #shoplocal #bookrecommendations #booksaremybag #thesmallcitybookshop

Brilliant person, and winner of the #womensprizeforfiction , Yael van der Wouden popped in today. The Safekeep is a definite shop favourite and we would recommend it to everyone. If you haven’t got a copy there are 10 signed copies available. Be quick! 🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇 🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇🐇

#yaelvanderwoudenthesafekeep #yaelvanderwouden #thesafekeep #womensprizewinner #womensprize2025
#bristolbookshop #bs5 #bookshop #indiebookshop #shoplocal #bookrecommendations #booksaremybag #thesmallcitybookshop

Christie's staff pick is Songs of No Provenance by Lydi Conklin.

Joan Vole, an idiot folk singer, flees New York after committing a shocking sexual act onstage. She seeks refuge at a rural writing camp, where she's forced to reckon with her complicated relationship with art, music-making and other artists.

It's a novel that explores kink, shame, ego, queer appropriation and identity with a lot of care, acceptance and love.

I loved it.

@lydiconklin

#booksfortheweekend #staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Christie's staff pick is Songs of No Provenance by Lydi Conklin.

Joan Vole, an idiot folk singer, flees New York after committing a shocking sexual act onstage. She seeks refuge at a rural writing camp, where she's forced to reckon with her complicated relationship with art, music-making and other artists.

It's a novel that explores kink, shame, ego, queer appropriation and identity with a lot of care, acceptance and love.

I loved it.

@lydiconklin

#booksfortheweekend #staffpicks #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bookshopping #booksbooksbooks

Are you going on holiday or simply sitting on a grassy patch this summer? Please let us tempt you with our "summer reads" table: it's got drama, romance, dystopias, and more. Also a woman who refuses to leave the pool. We can relate. 🏊‍♀️📖🌞

#summerreads #indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Are you going on holiday or simply sitting on a grassy patch this summer? Please let us tempt you with our "summer reads" table: it's got drama, romance, dystopias, and more. Also a woman who refuses to leave the pool. We can relate. 🏊‍♀️📖🌞

#summerreads #indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

What an incredibly lovely evening with the wonderful Robin Ince!

We're hugely grateful to Robin for imparting his wisdom, sharing his thoughts and taking the time in his eye-wateringly packed schedule.

I think I got in 5 questions.

We have a list of the books Robin recommended for those who didn't make notes, and we have stacks of Normally Weird & Weirdly Normal, which we cannot recommend enough.

Thanks to everyone for coming and being an impeccable audience as always. You are all super.

@robinince1969
#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

What an incredibly lovely evening with the wonderful Robin Ince!

We're hugely grateful to Robin for imparting his wisdom, sharing his thoughts and taking the time in his eye-wateringly packed schedule.

I think I got in 5 questions.

We have a list of the books Robin recommended for those who didn't make notes, and we have stacks of Normally Weird & Weirdly Normal, which we cannot recommend enough.

Thanks to everyone for coming and being an impeccable audience as always. You are all super.

@robinince1969
#bookshopevents #authortalk #stories #storytelling #bristolevents #bristolstorytelling
#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

Hello!
Bookseller Nicola, here to share my favourite book this month and it's an absolute stunner!

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

We Are Your Children: A History of LGBTQ+ Activism by David Roberts

A beautifully illustrated journey through queer history, celebrating important events in the LGBTQ+ movement. This book is essential reading for everyone! Roberts has done some truly impressive research and highlights big events like The Stonewall Uprising but also unsung heroes who bravely made a difference by defying the times and being themselves. It's an incredible book, I found it exuberant and joyful but was also moved to tears quite a few times. I also love how candid David is in sharing his own experiences of growing up as a gay teen in the '80s and why representation matters. It shows how far we have come and the work that still needs to be done. The illustrations are a sheer delight. I'm a big fan of David Roberts, his wonderful illustrations fizz with character and possibility. An absolute triumph of a book!

@dr.illustration

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
#weareyourchildren
#independentbookshop # #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bs5 #shopindependent

Hello!
Bookseller Nicola, here to share my favourite book this month and it's an absolute stunner!

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

We Are Your Children: A History of LGBTQ+ Activism by David Roberts

A beautifully illustrated journey through queer history, celebrating important events in the LGBTQ+ movement. This book is essential reading for everyone! Roberts has done some truly impressive research and highlights big events like The Stonewall Uprising but also unsung heroes who bravely made a difference by defying the times and being themselves. It's an incredible book, I found it exuberant and joyful but was also moved to tears quite a few times. I also love how candid David is in sharing his own experiences of growing up as a gay teen in the '80s and why representation matters. It shows how far we have come and the work that still needs to be done. The illustrations are a sheer delight. I'm a big fan of David Roberts, his wonderful illustrations fizz with character and possibility. An absolute triumph of a book!

@dr.illustration

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
#weareyourchildren
#independentbookshop # #indiebookshop #bristolbookshop #bs5 #shopindependent

We've recently started stocking a small selection of (mildly educational) children's card games! Bookseller and avid games fan Kayla has put together quick intros to help you find the right one(s) for you. Listed below in order of complexity (more or less).

👨‍🌾Amazing Women is a lovely starter game for memory and matching. Each amazing woman featured has two different illustrations on the same colour background, so your little one will practice how to identify similarities as well as spot colour matches. Learn more about them through a short bio on each woman in the booklet.

🛵Wild Rides can be played as a memory game, a speed matching game, or a competitive creative mixing game. The included booklet has facts, stats and a history of all of the exciting vehicles in the game.

👯‍♂️Dream Team is a "Go Fish" game to collect 4 notable people from the same category, identified by symbol and colour. It also includes rule variations for Spoons and Kemps, as well as a little bio of each person to get to know them better.

🐓Who Flew the Coop? is a memory and deduction game, where each pair of chickens found leads us closer to finding the missing bird. Each chicken has their own style and personality laid out in the booklet, with tidbits on the real birds they're based on as well. Features rules for an Old Maid variation and a magic trick to wow friends and family.

🦋Brilliant Bugs is a gorgeously illustrated deck of classic playing cards. Each suit represents a different order or super-order of insects, with choice facts and information about each in the included booklet. There are also stats on each card for a Top Trumps game mode!

#cardgames #kidsgames #indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

We've recently started stocking a small selection of (mildly educational) children's card games! Bookseller and avid games fan Kayla has put together quick intros to help you find the right one(s) for you. Listed below in order of complexity (more or less).

👨‍🌾Amazing Women is a lovely starter game for memory and matching. Each amazing woman featured has two different illustrations on the same colour background, so your little one will practice how to identify similarities as well as spot colour matches. Learn more about them through a short bio on each woman in the booklet.

🛵Wild Rides can be played as a memory game, a speed matching game, or a competitive creative mixing game. The included booklet has facts, stats and a history of all of the exciting vehicles in the game.

👯‍♂️Dream Team is a "Go Fish" game to collect 4 notable people from the same category, identified by symbol and colour. It also includes rule variations for Spoons and Kemps, as well as a little bio of each person to get to know them better.

🐓Who Flew the Coop? is a memory and deduction game, where each pair of chickens found leads us closer to finding the missing bird. Each chicken has their own style and personality laid out in the booklet, with tidbits on the real birds they're based on as well. Features rules for an Old Maid variation and a magic trick to wow friends and family.

🦋Brilliant Bugs is a gorgeously illustrated deck of classic playing cards. Each suit represents a different order or super-order of insects, with choice facts and information about each in the included booklet. There are also stats on each card for a Top Trumps game mode!

#cardgames #kidsgames #indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5

🍏 It's National Fruit Day today!
🍒 We have lots of fruity flavoured books in the shop.
🍑 What's your favourite fruit themed book?

🍌 Are you a banana or what?

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #nationalfruitday #areyouabanana

🍏 It's National Fruit Day today!
🍒 We have lots of fruity flavoured books in the shop.
🍑 What's your favourite fruit themed book?

🍌 Are you a banana or what?

#indiebookshop #bristol #bristolbookshop #bookstagramuk #bristolbookstagrammers #bookstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #bs5 #nationalfruitday #areyouabanana

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