All Booked | For the Love of Bookshops

The original version of this newsletter was sent out on Tuesday, February 13

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Hello, book lovelies!

Every year I get the urge to quit my job and work at a bookstore. And by “work at a bookstore” I really mean work at the romanticized version of a bookstore that can be found in iconic books and movies — think You’ve Got Mail, Notting Hill, Beauty and the Beast, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, etc. I picture myself standing behind the till with a book cracked open in front of me. The bookstore is quiet, maybe a couple regular customers coming in, all of whom I know by name … you get the idea. Nothing about this fantasy is realistic, but I get to realize this dream through books and I love that for me. If you too love the idea of working at a bookstore, or love books about bookstores, then you’ll love my recommendations below. I’ve included some that hopefully you haven’t read yet because either they are less well known or are new releases. Enjoy!

I am a big believer in going into a book knowing as little as possible. I try not to read too much of the synopses or reviews, since most of them over-share. My pitches below are short and sweet just for that reason.

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

This novel was originally published in Korean in 2022. It’s coming out in English next week (Feb. 20). We follow Yeongju whose life is perfect on paper — married, successful career, etc. yet all she can dream about it leaving it all behind for a quieter and simpler life. She takes the leap and trades her job and husband in, moves outside the city, and opens a bookshop. At first Yeongju isn’t sure if this was the right move afterall, but eventually she settles in to her new life wonderfully. She finds friends and creates a wonderful community around her bookshop.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

This Japanese novel follows a woman who goes to live with her uncle above his bookshop after her boyfriend gets engaged to someone else. Her time spent at the Morisaki Bookshop helps her heal a broken heart and truly find herself.

Sitting at a short 150 pages, this book is a great afternoon read. It can feel a little slow, but if you like character driven novels then I think you’ll find it a pleasurable read.

Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell

This is definitely a step away from my normal recommendations, but I have heard nothing but good things about this book. If you’re open to a little nonfiction and some humor, give this one a try.

As always, I’d love to hear from you! Do you have any books about bookshops that you’d recommend? Also, in case you missed it, last week I kicked off a new series in the newsletter where I feature one of you! If you are interested in being featured in All Booked, please fill out this form.

Your smitten bookworm, Emily

UPCOMING BOOK EVENTS

Below, you will find a few bookish events coming up in Santa Barbara. If you are hosting a bookish event in Santa Barbara, be sure to submit the event to our online events calendar.

Meet Author Arvind Ethan David at Story of Soil
Thursday, February 15, 5pm | Story of Soil

Book Signing-Local Author DJ Jones
Thursday, February 15, 6pm | Chaucer’s Books

Exploring the “Human-Dolphin” Connection
Saturday, February 17, 3pm | Tecolote Book Shop

“Slow Lightning: Astonished Poetry” Book Celebration Event
Sunday, February 18, 4pm | The Gallery, Ojai Art Center

El Encanto Literary Club
Tuesday, February 20, 12pm | Belmond El Encanto Hotel & Spa

Book Talk Between Award Winner and Oscar Nominee
Tuesday, February 20, 6pm | Chaucer’s Books

UCSB Arts & Lectures Presents Author Abraham Verghese in Conversation with Pico Ayer
Wednesday, February 21, 7:30pm | Arlington Theater

Book Talk on Film Composer Elmer Bernstein
Thursday, February 22, 6pm | Chaucer’s Books

Solvang Book Loft Author Signing with Max Talley
Saturday, February 24, 12pm | The Book Loft

LOCAL BOOK SPOTLIGHT

We at the Independent get many books sent to us by local authors, sometimes too many! It’s practically impossible for us to read and review them all, but just because we are busy bees does not mean that they aren’t worth the attention. In an attempt to not completely drop the ball, we have compiled a list of books here that have a local spin. They are all either written by a local author, feature someone in our community, or have another tie to Santa Barbara. I urge you to look through this list. Perhaps you will find your new favorite read!

The following are the most recent titles that have been sent to us. Click here for a more comprehensive list.

Journey to Merveilleux City by Stephanie Hammer

Trauterose: Growing Up in Postwar Munich by Elisabeth Haggblade

The Gambler’s Game by James Darnborough

If you are a local author and would like us to feature your book in this section, please email allbooked@independent.com with the subject line “Local Author Spotlight.”