Tuesday 4 October 2011


Oh, oh, oh ... as I passed a boring parade of shops today, I noticed that one of them was being done-up.
And I looked through the window ...
And it was a very promising-looking second-hand bookshop. About 90 seconds walk from home.
(I am confidently expecting a dramatic rise in house prices. Don't you think? Far more exciting than school catchment areas.)
I edged through the door which had been left ajar and shamelessly distracted a man up a ladder who was stacking shelves. A man who seemed to have all the right ideas about old Viragos and orange Penguins.
I wasn't quite brazen enough to start clambering over boxes ...
It opens next week. I can't wait.
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17 comments:

  1. Anonymous4 October 2011 at 19:17

    I shall expect a full report! How exciting Mary, I wish I were nearer.

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  2. mary4 October 2011 at 19:27

    I was aching to have a good rummage, Toffeeapple.

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  3. Lucille4 October 2011 at 20:49

    Group outing??

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  4. kristina4 October 2011 at 21:03

    Oh now you must tell where it is. Please? I promise not to take all the best books! K x

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  5. Darlene4 October 2011 at 21:07

    Well done, Mary! You could tell him you're doing research for a very wide audience of 20th century booklovers...and it's the truth!

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  6. mary4 October 2011 at 21:26

    Darlene, I did say I'd bring him some more customers. But I'm revealing nothing until I've had the first rummage ... especially to anyone taller than I am!

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  7. mary4 October 2011 at 21:28

    Lucille, maybe we should have a group outing to Charing X Road! When they've had time to recover from Darlene's visit!

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  8. Eggs on the Roof4 October 2011 at 21:39

    I've always said that 'Eau de Second Hand Bookshop' is the finest scent there is. Lucky you....

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  9. mary4 October 2011 at 21:51

    Charlie, your comment reminded me of this: http://smellofbooks.com/aromas/new-book-smell/

    Maybe we could design a range of very expensive, perfumed candles?

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  10. scrumptious days4 October 2011 at 22:24

    Oh! I really need some more green Viragos! I think your near me, so tomorrow I'm driving round the whole borough looking for bookshops!

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  11. mary4 October 2011 at 22:32

    I'll be in there as soon as they open on Monday, and I'll report back, Jude! It's dreadful ... a bookshop between me and the tube station. How will I ever get out and get anything done!

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  12. scrumptious days4 October 2011 at 22:57

    I can't wait to read your report. I've just checked I only have 10 of the traditional Viragos left, (I used to lend them to friends when I was in my twenties, and they rarely returned!)
    I do love a good second hand book shop! Happy hunting Mary.

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  13. StuckInABook4 October 2011 at 23:56

    I hope you've resigned yourself to losing ALL your money to it.

    And please let me know where it is, once you've had first dibs... I'll be back in London towards the end of October, and might well pay a visit...

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  14. mary5 October 2011 at 00:26

    It will be impossible to walk past without going in, Simon. Hard to tell from today's quick glance whether it will be worth crossing London for a visit.

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  15. StuckInABook12 October 2011 at 23:14

    Still waiting for the report on this one, Mary!

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  16. mary12 October 2011 at 23:34

    I looked in yesterday and the poor man was still up his ladder, unpacking boxes, Simon - and the shop still isn't open.
    Of course, I inveigled my way in for another look. I think it'll be the kind of shop that's very nice to have locally - but doubt it's vaut le détour. A long détour in your case!
    But we shall see ...should be open in a few days. I hope it does well.

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  17. StuckInABook14 October 2011 at 23:34

    You're forgiven, then :) I'm always happy to go a little out of my way to see a bookshop, especially if it's encouraging a new one.

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