Tag Archives: Love Your Bookshop Day 2019

Well, I was going to toss onto the floor all the entries in my Love Your Bookshop Day draw and see which one my Siamese cat jumped on first, but she let me know that it was too cold for such shenanigans and refused to leave her blanket.

And so to plan B. Into one of my vintage hats they went, and my husband drew one out.

Congratulations to Jyoti McKie, who has won a copy of one of the books I’ve featured on the blog this year, a copy of Kathleen O’Connor of Paris and a few little Paris treats. Jyoti has chosen Step Up, Mrs Dugdale by Lynne Leonhardt. They’ll be on their way to you soon, Jyoti.

A big thank-you to everyone who entered. It was heartening to see so much love and appreciation for our bookshops!

Saturday 10 August is Love Your Bookshop Day in Australia. I love bookshops every day of the year, but I thoroughly endorse the idea of shining the spotlight on them across the nation, and reminding ourselves of everything they bring to our lives.

One of my favourite bookshops: Beaufort Street Books, with owner Jane Seaton

Here are just a few of the things we love about our bookshops:

• They employ people who love books rather than people who write algorithms.
• They’re happy to talk books, and know what they’re talking about.
• They use their knowledge to make recommendations for your book club, or for Great-Aunt Joan’s birthday, or just for the way you happen to be feeling.
• They introduce you to new writers they think you’ll like.
• They provide an awesome way to spend an hour or two.
• They give you advance notice of when the next title in your child’s favourite series is due.
• They often host author talks or signings so you can meet local and visiting writers.
• They champion local writers and support small presses.
• They take an active role in their local communities.
• They might add value to your purchases—for example, offering signed copies or free gift wrapping at Christmas.
• And before long, they might even be calling you by your name when you walk through the door—not because you’re data but because they actually remember who you are.

Know any robotic global monoliths who can come even close? No, me neither.

To celebrate national Love Your Bookshop Day, I’m giving blog and newsletter subscribers the chance of winning two books:

a copy of one of the wonderful books I’ve featured on the blog this year—choose from:
Mother of Pearl by Angela Savage
Refuge by Richard Rossiter
Devil’s Ballast by Meg Caddy
Bodies of Men by Nigel Featherstone
Step Up, Mrs Dugdale by Lynne Leonhardt
The Children’s House by Alice Nelson
Driving Into the Sun by Marcella Polain

plus
a copy of Kathleen O’Connor of Paris, with a few little Paris goodies thrown in.

To be in the draw, just tell me what you love about your favourite bookshop.*

* Enter by Friday 9 August. I’ll be drawing the winner on
Love Your Bookshop Day, 10 August, and announcing it that day.
* First make sure you’re a subscriber to looking up/looking down or my newsletter. Open to subscribers in Australia only.