by Gudrun Bowers | 30, Jan 2019
What better way to celebrate World Book Day than with the nation’s favourite children’s author, Julia Donaldson?
Julia’s new book ‘The Go Away Bird’ is released on …Thursday March 7th, which just happens to be World Book Day.
Julia will be at the shop for an after-school book signing, with 3 signing sessions starting at 4pm. There is no charge, but you MUST book a place in advance by paying for at least 1 book, and stating your timing of choice: 4pm, 4.30pm, or 5pm. You can book by calling the bookshop on 01903 812062.
‘The Go Away Bird’ is a funny and charming story about the power of friendship, inspired by the birds Julia encountered during her safari trip to Kenya. It marks an exciting new creative partnership for Julia, as the stunning illustrations are provided by the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Catherine Rayner (already an acclaimed name in illustration for her wonderful books ‘Augustus and his Smile’, ‘Solomon Crocodile’, ‘Ernest’, ‘Smelly Louie’)
‘The Go Away Bird’ will be available in hardback for £11.99, and we will have all Julia’s other books on sale and available for signing, too.
by Gudrun Bowers | 16, Jan 2019
Join us on Tuesday 5th February for our first event of 2019, when we welcome Sussex based writer Matt Whyman, who’ll be sharing insights from his wonderful book ‘The Unexpected Genius of Pigs’.
Blending research from an expert in pig psychology, and first-hand observations from vets and farmers with his own recollections from his days as an amateur pig-keeper, Matt’s book is an absolutely charming and illuminating study of our unfairly-maligned porcine friends. We look forward to hearing more ‘behind the scenes’ stories from Matt in person!
Perfect for fans of ‘The Secret Lives of Cows’.
A copy of “The Unexpected Genius of Pigs” is included in the ticket price of £10 for the event.
Venue: TBC – Either The Gluck Studio or The Steyning Bookshop.
Matt Whyman has written widely for all ages across a range of subjects in fiction and non-fiction. Notable books amongst the 18 books published to his name are ‘Walking with Sausage Dogs’, his best-selling comic memoir, and ‘The Savages’, a very unusual YA novel featuring a family of cannibals! Matt also lectures in creative writing, was 19 Magazine‘s first ever male ‘Agony Uncle’, and is an established ghostwriter and collaborative author.
by Gudrun Bowers | 16, Jan 2019
We are very excited to welcome the acclaimed novelist and short story master Tessa Hadley to Steyning for the first time.
Tessa will be discussing her latest novel, ‘Late in the Day‘, the story of two close-knit couples, and how their lives are irrevocably altered by an untimely death. The novel explores the complex webs at the centre of our most intimate relationships, to expose how, beneath the seemingly dependable arrangements we make for our lives, lie infinite alternate configurations.
Tessa’s six previous novels include ‘Clever Girl’, ‘The Past’ and ‘Married Love’. Her novels have twice reached the longlists of the Orange Prize and the Wales Book of the Year, and in 2016, she won one of the Windham-Campbell Literature Prizes for fiction.
Tessa also teaches creative writing at Bath Spa University.
Tickets are £10, to include a voucher towards a copy of ‘Late in the Day’ which is released in hardback on 14th February. Wine, soft drinks and nibbles will be served.
Tickets are available by calling the bookshop on 01903 812062.
Critical praise for Late in the Day
“Tessa Hadley crystallizes the atmosphere of ordinary life in prose somehow miraculous and natural…. Extraordinary” (Washington Post)
“Tessa Hadley has become one of this country’s great contemporary novelists. She is equipped with an armoury of techniques and skills that may yet secure her a position as the greatest of them.” (Anthony Quinn in the Guardian)
by Gudrun Bowers | 12, Nov 2018
Our lovely Steyning Bookshop employees Sarah Burns and Alice Garner don’t just know about books….they are now giving a lucky few of you a chance to take part in a tea-towel making workshop!
Fresh from their very popular sessions at Ditchling Museum and Much Ado Books in Alfriston, textile designer and block-printer Sarah Burns and her artistic assistant Alice will help participants experiment with screen-printing, lino-cut, stencil and other techniques to produce their own unique tea towel by the end of the day!
No experience is necessary, although those with some print-making experience are also welcome to come and experiment with new techniques. All materials will be provided, as well as plenty of tea and yummy home-made cake to keep the creative juices flowing!
The workshop will take place on from 2 -5 pm on Sunday 9th December, in the bookshop back kitchen.
ONLY 8 SPACES AVAILABLE! Cost £40 per person.
Book now via The Steyning Bookshop on 01903 812062.
by Gudrun Bowers | 12, Nov 2018
On Wednesday 5th December from 6pm – 9pm, Steyning High Street will once again be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with a candlelit lantern procession, live bands, carol singers, a nativity scene, donkeys, and a plethora of fantastic stalls with crafts, hand-made goodies, and delicious hot food & drink, plus of course, all your favourite high street shops will open their doors and welcome you!
In time-honoured tradition, at the bookshop we will be a-bustle with revellers seeking Rob’s mulled wine (made to a top-secret recipe handed down through generations) and Sara’s home-made mince pies. Our author guest of honour this year will be acclaimed children’s author and illustrator, Emily Gravett, who’ll be at the shop from 6 pm until about 8.30 pm to sign and dedicate copies of her books. Emily has won numerous awards for her clever, inventive picture books, and her latest picture book in hardback is the delightful ‘Cyril and Pat’, a heart-warming story about a friendship between a squirrel and a rat! We will have a large selection of Emily’s books ready for signing, from her pre-schooler classics such ‘Apple Pear Orange Bear’ (which no toddler should be without), her quirky picture books perfect for ages 4-7 such as ‘Tidy’, with its amusing environmental message, and the darkly funny ‘Wolves’ and ‘Meerkat Mail’, to her books for older children, ‘The Imaginary’ and ‘The Afterwards’, written by A F Harrold, which Emily has brought to life with her astonishingly beautiful, haunting, pencil illustrations.
Do come along and meet Emily, or, if you are not able to come on the night, give us a ring to reserve a signed, dedicated book!
by Gudrun Bowers | 1, Nov 2018
On Thursday 15th November join Steyning’s very own block printer and textile designer – and cheerful bookshop assistant – Sarah Burns, at the launch of her debut publication!
Sarah became fascinated by the lives and work of textile designers Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher when she was involved in a project to bring their beautiful block-print designs back into production.
Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher were pioneering English textile designers of the 20th Century – collaborating with the likes of Coco Chanel and running their own very successful block printing workshop during the 1920’s and 30’s. As designer-makers they formed a unique partnership producing innovative textiles & pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with natural dyes and hand-cut wooden blocks.Their beautiful block-printed fabrics are reproduced here in this very first monograph of their work.
The book is produced with colour illustrations throughout, by ACC Art Books, and is a fascinating and inspirational insight into two remarkable, talented women.
This is a free evening event, with wine and canapes, open to all, but we do ask that you get in touch and add your name to the guest list if you’d like to come!
by Gudrun Bowers | 1, Nov 2018
On Thursday 15th November join Steyning’s very own block printer and textile designer – and cheerful bookshop assistant – Sarah Burns, at the launch of her debut publication!
Sarah became fascinated by the lives and work of textile designers Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher when she was involved in a project to bring their beautiful block-print designs back into production.
Phyllis Barron and Dorothy Larcher were pioneering English textile designers of the 20th Century – collaborating with the likes of Coco Chanel and running their own very successful block printing workshop during the 1920’s and 30’s. As designer-makers they formed a unique partnership producing innovative textiles & pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with natural dyes and hand-cut wooden blocks.Their beautiful block-printed fabrics are reproduced here in this very first monograph of their work.
The book is produced with colour illustrations throughout, by ACC Art Books, and is a fascinating and inspirational insight into two remarkable, talented women.
This is a free evening event, with wine and canapes, open to all, but we do ask that you get in touch and add your name to the guest list if you’d like to come!
by Gudrun Bowers | 1, Oct 2018
Monday 29th October, 7.30pm at the Gluck Studio.
A fitting literary celebration for the week of All Hallow’s Eve – it’s time to dive into the dark side with Elly Griffiths!
We are delighted to welcome Elly Griffiths (aka Domenica de Rosa) back to Steyning, to introduce her bewitching, terrifying new standalone novel. ‘The Stranger Diaries’ is a contemporary Gothic thriller, described by Louise Penny as “Goose-bump spooky, smart, and haunting. At once a re-imagining of, and a homage to, the great Gothic thrillers of the past.” Elly will tell us more about the book, her inspiration, and her fascination with the great Victorian Gothic novels.
Clare Cassidy is no stranger to tales of murder, as a literature teacher specialising in the Gothic writer R.M. Holland. Then Clare’s life and work collide tragically when one of her colleagues is found dead, a line from an R.M. Holland story by her body.
The investigating police detective is convinced the writer’s works somehow hold the key to the case. Not knowing who to trust, and afraid that the killer is someone she knows, Clare confides her darkest suspicions and fears about the case to her journal. Then one day she notices some other writing in the diary. Writing that isn’t hers…
Elly Griffiths was born in London. She worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer. Her bestselling series of Dr Ruth Galloway novels, featuring a forensic archaeologist, are set in Norfolk. The series has won the CWA Dagger in the Library, and has been shortlisted three times for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Her other popular series, the Stephens and Mephisto stories, is based in 1950s Brighton. She also writes romantic fiction under her real name of Domenica de Rosa.
Ticket price is £15 to include a copy of ‘The Stranger Diaries’ (£12 for Steyning Bookshop book group members), wine, and nibbles.
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Sep 2018
Our October event will delight armchair travellers and intrepid explorers alike! As part of our celebrations for ‘Books Are My Bag’ week, we are delighted to welcome writer Travis Elborough to Steyning, for a fascinating illustrated talk on the joy of maps, and the extraordinary and bizarre destinations to which they can lead us.
Travis will share some of the obscure and unlikely discoveries included in his two beautiful books Atlas of the Unexpected (White Lion Books, 2018) and Atlas of Improbable Places (Aurum books, 2016), spinning tales of human ingenuity and nature’s own masterpieces, and will muse on the power of unknown places, maps, and atlases to enchant and inspire us.
Travis Elborough is a writer and cultural commentator, who has written books on subjects as diverse as the London Routemaster bus, the British Seaside, the history of the L.P record, and the sale of London Bridge to America! Most recently, in addition to the stunningly-produced and utterly fascinating Atlases, he has compiled and edited Letters to Change the World : From Pankhurst to Orwell; a collection of politically-inspiring letters from history, and Our History of the 20th Century : As Told in Diaries, Journals and Letters; a candid and insightful collection of diary entries charting the twentieth century from the perspective of those who lived through it – not only the headline-grabbing events but also domestic and personal moments.
Travis is a regular contributor to the Observer and the Guardian but has also written for the Times, Sunday Times, New Statesman, the Oldie, BBC History magazine and Kinfolk among others and frequently appears on BBC Radio 4 and Five Live.
He lectures on many subjects and is currently a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Westminster, teaching M.A. creative writing students. He has appeared at various literary and music festivals, including Latitude and Green Man.
We look forward to giving Travis a warm Steyning welcome – he grew up near Steyning and has fond memories of teenage drinking in the Chequers Inn!
Critical praise for Travis Elborough:
‘One of Britain’s finest pop culture historians‘ The Guardian
‘Elborough is an English nostalgist in the mode of John Betjeman …as a cultural commentator he is a terrific companion‘ Sunday Times
by Gudrun Bowers | 18, Sep 2018
Come down to the bookshop on the evening of Thursday 4th October, and celebrate National Poetry Day with local poets Simon Zec, Marilyn Martin, and Judy Krolick.
Sit amongst the book-lined shelves, sip a glass or two of wine, and enjoy verses read by Simon, Marilyn and Judy, interspersed with musical accompaniment.
Simon Zec recently published his debut volume of poetry ‘Death of the Suburb’, which will be on sale on the night, alongside our special Poetry Day offer of 15% off all poetry books.
We would love audience members to bring along a favourite poem to share, too.
Tickets are £4, to include wine /soft drink and nibbles. Start time is 7.30pm.
by Gudrun Bowers | 30, Aug 2018
On Saturday 20th October at 2.30pm fans of Julia Donaldson will get another chance to meet her as she celebrates the release of not one, not two, but THREE new books – a delightful alphabet of animals: Animalphabet, a new story with the fabulous illustrator Lydia Monks: The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes, and a beautiful new illustrated hardback edition of Julia’s play about the second World War: Bombs and Blackberries. The book-signing is an amazing chance to buy one of these wonderful new books in first-edition hardback, and get it personally signed and dedicated by Julia.
In order to make the signing an enjoyable experience for everyone
- Entry will be strictly by prior booking only, and limited to under 100 families.
- You can book your place by calling the shop on 01903 812062 and purchasing any of Julia’s new books (or her older titles!)
- Your pre-order allows entry of 1 family group (1/2 adults and up to 4 children).
- You may purchase additional books on the day – all Julia’s books will be available for purchase and signing.
- There is no way to host a Julia D signing without some queuing, but we will attempt to reduce the queue time by staggering the entry times: 2.30 pm for the first 30 families to book, 3.30 pm for the next, and 4.30 for the final group. You will be advised of your recommended signing time when you book.
- The signing will take place inside the shop /the back room of the shop, there will be refreshments and activities for children, but space is fairly limited.
- Please do not bring ‘books from home’ or books purchased elsewhere for signing.
- If you are unable to attend the signing but would like to order and pay for a book to be signed/dedicated by Julia, to pick up in person later, please call in/ phone the shop and we will be happy to arrange this for you.
- Don’t forget – for those who live further away – you can get a signed Julia Donaldson book anytime from our website store!
JULIA’S NEW BOOKS
Animalphabet is Julia’s delightful alphabet of animals with stunning illustrations by Sharon King-Chai.
Julia’s cleverly written, rhythmic text invites children to compare one animal to another, and ingenious hints and peep-through holes within the artwork make the book a hugely entertaining guessing game as well! Each intricately cut page draws you further into a beautifully vibrant world of huge elephants, slithery snakes and growling tigers, and the book will make a gorgeous gift. £14.99 in hardback.
The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes is an exciting new story illustrated with glittery magic by Lydia Monks. When Josephine leaves the shoe shop after buying some new running shoes, she hears an unusual sound – Click-click! Click-click! A bear with a backpack is following her! Luckily for Josephine, her new shoes are anything but ordinary – these are magic shoes. But can they help her escape the bear when there’s a mountain, a bog and even a lake in her way? £12.99 in hardback.
Bombs and Blackberries is a dramatic and touching play which brings Manchester during the Second World War and its people to life.
World War Two has been declared and the Chivers children are sent to the safety of the countryside. They are delighted to be brought back home when it looks like the Germans aren’t going to invade after all. But the air-raid siren goes off and this time it’s frighteningly real. It is perfect for class reading as well as performance, also includes helpful tips on staging and costume. Beautifully illustrated by Thomas Docherty. £12.99 in hardback.
by Gudrun Bowers | 13, Aug 2018
Join the Gin Revolution!
Wednesday 19th September, 7 for 7.30pm at the Sussex Produce Cafe.
In association with Steyning Food and Drink Festival, and The Sussex Produce Cafe, we are excited to welcome Dave Broom, Glaswegian drinks writer and spirits expert extraordinaire, who will join us at the Sussex Produce Cafe for a dinner and gin-tasting evening. Dave has written over a dozen award-winning books on whisky, gin, rum, and the art of bartending, is a contributor to numerous whisky journals, and lectures widely on wine, spirits and distillery. Over a delicious 2 course dinner, Dave will lead us through tastings of a range of artisan gins, and will also share insights into the history and manufacture of gin, and how best to enjoy its subtle flavours.
Tickets £35 to include superb 2 course dinner, gin-tasting, and a copy of Dave’s new book ‘Gin:The Manual’.
by Gudrun Bowers | 16, Jul 2018
On Wednesday 22nd August at 2.30pm we are delighted to welcome back Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet! Sue and Paul are the dynamic duo behind a string of best-selling picture books – from Barry the Fish with Fingers, via Dave the Farting Cat, to the hit Supertato series, their books are full of colourful craziness and are guaranteed to raise a chuckle!
Sue and Paul will entertain children in the bookshop garden marquee with silly stories, awesome activities and maybe a song or two for good measure….suitable for ages 3 – 8, although this is just a guideline.
Advance booking recommended. Tickets £4 per child. Free refreshments included.
by Gudrun Bowers | 4, Jul 2018
ENTRY BY PRE-BOOKING ONLY! Call the bookshop on 01903 812062 to reserve your place.
On Saturday July 21st at 2.30pm Julia Donaldson will join us to celebrate her joyous new picture book ‘The Cook and the King’.
Just out in hardback at £11.99, this hilarious story tells the tale of a very fussy king and his search for a cook who can make just the right dish. With Julia’s signature rollicking, rhyming text and richly detailed illustrations by David Roberts (Tyrannosaurus Drip, The Troll) this is sure to become a firm family favourite!
How does the book signing work?
- Entry will be strictly by prior booking only, and limited to under 100 families.
- You can book your place by calling the shop on 01903 812062 and pre-ordering at least 1 copy of ‘The Cook and the King’ (or other Julia D title). Your pre-order allows entry of 1 family group (1/2 adults and up to 4 children).
- You may purchase additional books on the day – all Julia’s books will be available for purchase and signing.
- There is no way to host a Julia D signing without some queuing, but we will attempt to reduce the queue time by staggering the entry times: 2.30 pm for the first 30 families to book, 3.30 pm for the next, and 4.30 for the final group. You will be advised of your recommended signing time when you book.
- The signing will take place in the bookshop garden. There will be refreshments and activities for children, and as much shade and seating as we can muster.
- Please do not bring ‘books from home’ for signing.
- If you are unable to attend the signing but would like to order and pay for a book to be signed/dedicated by Julia, to pick up in person later, please call in/ phone the shop and we will be happy to arrange this for you.
- Don’t forget – you can get a signed Julia Donaldson book anytime from our website store!
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Jun 2018
Thursday 28th June at 7.30pm – Rescheduled from the Steyning Festival event on June 8th. Original tickets still valid.
An amazing opportunity to meet Salley Vickers, author of the highly acclaimed Miss Garnett’s Angel, and The Cleaner of Chartres, in conversation about her wonderful new novel, The Librarian.
Salley Vickers’ writing is filled with subtle wit and lucid observations of human nature and has been compared to Penelope Fitzgerald and Barbara Pym. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a cleaner, a dancer, a teacher of children with special needs, a university lecturer specialising in Shakespeare, and a psychoanalyst.
Salley will be interviewed by Sara Bowers, the owner of The Steyning Bookshop.
The ticket price of £12 includes wine/soft drink, nibbles, and £5 voucher towards purchase of a book.
‘Salley Vickers sees with a clear eye and writes with a light hand. She’s a presence worth cherishing’ Philip Pullman.
‘Vickers is a novelist in the great English tradition of moral seriousness. Her characters suffer, they struggle to be true to both themselves and the promptings of the human heart. If you enjoy reading the work of Marilynne Robinson, Penelope Fitzgerald and James Salter you should be reading Vickers.’ MICHAEL DIRDA Washington Post
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Jun 2018
‘Death of the Suburb” LAUNCH PARTY!
Come and join us for an evening of poetry, wine and song, as local performance poet Simon Zec launches his debut book of poetry, ‘Death of the Suburb’. By turns angry, tender, hilarious, and nostalgic, Simon’s verses capture the the complexities and contradictions of modern life and encroaching middle age.
The evening will feature some readings by Simon, some strummings and singings from local Razz-up musicians, and wine, soft drinks and nibbles.
Copies of ‘Death of the Suburb’ will be on sale at £8.99.
Entry is FREE but please, if you’d like to come RSVP to The Steyning Bookshop on 01903 812062, or by email to info@steyningbookshop.co.uk
More info on the book at www.therealpress.co.uk
by Gudrun Bowers | 4, May 2018
We are very lucky and super-excited to have bagged a visit from best-selling novelist Robert Goddard!
Robert Goddard, aka ‘The world’s greatest storyteller’ (The Guardian) will be introducing his 27th novel, Panic Room, a contemporary thriller set in Cornwall, which sees him at his nerve-shredding best. Robert will be in conversation with Sussex thriller writer William Shaw.
We are looking forward to hearing about the background to Panic Room, his research and inspiration, his array of past best-sellers, and just how he achieves such mastery in the art of suspense and plotting!
Tickets include a delicious 2 course meal, and a copy of ‘Panic Room’. Robert’s other novels will also be on sale for signing.
Robert Goddard is the author of 27 novels, many of which are Sunday Times Top Ten Best-sellers, including The Wide World Trilogy, Fault Line, and Past Caring.
He was born in Hampshire in 1954. He was educated at Peterhouse, Cambridge where he read History. He unsuccessfully pursued various career options, finally spending ten years as a local government officer. Frustrated with a lot of contemporary fiction, he set out to write a novel that did what he wanted more novels to do: tell a tightly constructed and densely plotted story engrossingly and satisfyingly. The result was Past Caring (1986) and when it became a success he realised that he had, in fact, always been a writer.
‘I was a writer, in the sense of being a storyteller – an avid elaborator and re-fashioner of events for my own and others’ entertainment – from my childhood on. I was also an eager student of history, spending every Saturday I could in the local reference library poring over history books in a bid to understand the world I grew up in. These two impulses – to alter reality and also to master it – are the foundations of my fiction. It’s become an addictive occupation and it’s not an addiction I
have any intention of trying to kick. I’m in it for life.’ – Robert Goddard
‘For 30 years Goddard has been my go-to guy for a certain kind of storytelling, full of
easy charm blended with sinister menace, propulsive pace with twisty plotting,
and likeable characters in bad situations. If you’ve read him, join the discussion: is
this his best yet? If you haven’t read him, start here and work backwards.’
– Lee Child
by Gudrun Bowers | 5, Apr 2018
7.30 pm on Tuesday 1st May at the Gluck Studio in Steyning.
Join us for a very special evening as American writer Justin Hopper is joined by folk musician Sharron Kraus and special guests Geraldine Mitchell and Peter Pick, to perform a collaborative composition inspired by Chanctonbury Ring and the Downs around Steyning.
The performance combines readings from Hopper’s book ‘The Old Weird Albion’, a haunting work of psycho-geography tracing myths, memories and forgotten histories from Winchester to Beachy Head, with new folk compositions written and performed by Kraus on recorders, voice, synths and percussion.
Besides performing collaboratively, there will be short performances from Hopper and Kraus individually, as well as pieces from Sussex musician Peter Pick, and the first-ever UK reading by Irish poet Geraldine Mitchell.
Tickets, priced £8, are available at the shop or can be reserved by phoning us on 01903 812062. Tickets include wine/soft drinks, nibbles, and a £3 off voucher towards a copy of ‘The Old Weird Albion’.
Justin Hopper is an American writer of landscape, memory and myth, whose childhood visits to his grandmother’s home in Steyning inspired his life-long love of the South Downs. His journalism, poetry, audio projects and curated exhibitions have appeared in both his native USA and adopted UK home. He now lives in Constable Country with his partner and their son. His book ‘The Old Weird Albion’ is a lyrical and beautifully-written psycho-geographical memoir, charting Justin’s journeys amongst the South Downs, meeting New Age eccentrics, scholars, artists and folk historians in his search for forgotten myths and overlooked histories along the South Downs Way.
Sharron Kraus is a singer of folk songs, a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose solo work and collaborations offer a dark and subversive take on traditional folk music. As well as drawing on the folk traditions of England and Appalachia, her music is influenced by gothic literature, surrealism, myth and magick. She has released 6 albums and has been featured in The Wire, fRoots, and Uncut. She has also appeared on Radio 3’s ‘The Verb’, and recorded sessions for BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Shropshire, and Freakzone on Radio 6.
by Gudrun Bowers | 7, Mar 2018
On Thursday April 19th at 7.30pm, join us for an intimate evening at the bookshop with novelist Catherine Chanter, who will be discussing her second novel The Half Sister.
Catherine visited us in Steyning to talk about her first novel The Well, which received widespread critical acclaim and was much enjoyed by all at the bookshop, and by our book groups. The Well was Winner of the Lucy Cavendish Prize in 2013, was a Richard and Judy Book Club Pick for Autumn 2015, and was long listed for the CWA John Creasy (New Blood) Dagger 2015.
So we are very pleased to welcome Catherine back to hear about The Half Sister, a compelling story of loss, grief, revenge and redemption. The novel follows estranged half sisters Diana and Valerie, who are reunited for their mother’s funeral but quarrel in bitter recrimination over past rivalries, setting off a tragic chain of events. It is a dark and finely nuanced study of moral uncertainties, and we are all looking forward to discussing it with her! Both novels are published by Canongate.
Catherine is a novelist and poet. She won a scholarship to read English Literature at Oxford and went on to work as a lobbyist, both in the UK and the USA. Somewhat disillusioned with the political process, she returned to England where she re-trained as a teacher and has since led education provision for vulnerable and excluded young people in a wide range of settings. She currently works for a charity which seeks to re-engage children with mental health problems with education.
Catherine has written for Radio 4 and had short stories and poetry published in many anthologies and publications. Her novella and short story collection Rooms of the Mind was published by Cinnamon Press in 2011. She has a Masters, with Distinction , in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes University.
The event price is £8, which will include wine, nibbles, and a voucher towards purchasing the novel (£14.99 hardback)
by Gudrun Bowers | 7, Mar 2018
Vicky Woodgate is a professional artist and illustrator from Brighton who is fascinated by all things NATURE!
Urban Jungle is her first picture book, and what a treat it is! A beautifully produced collection of city maps detailing the sometimes unexpected animal inhabitants of cities around the world – from flying squirrels in the heart of New York city to wild boar snuffling around the streets of Berlin. Vicky has gathered a cornucopia of weird and wonderful international animal antics, all illustrated with characterful, colourful accuracy!
Vicky’s event will include: animal guessing games, drawing activities, quizzes, and lots of fascinating animal facts! It will suit nature lovers aged 6 – 12 years.
Tickets are £5 each to include free refreshments. The ticket will entitle the bearer to £5 off the book which is priced £20.
Please book in advance as spaces are limited.
by Gudrun Bowers | 7, Mar 2018
Wednesday 28th March at 7.30 pm.
We are thrilled to be hosting the Sussex launch party for Matt Hopwood’s beautiful book A Human Love Story.
Matt Hopwood grew up near Steyning, and has spent many years travelling, gathering stories as he goes, so this launch is a home-coming of sorts. Matt is a storyteller and a facilitator of sharing space. He is a graduate in Applied Anthropology from Goldsmith’s University, a former teacher and has worked alongside community projects in Kenya, Palestine and Israel.
A Human Love Story is the result of a journey Matt undertook, on foot, with just a small bag and a walking stick, walking many hundreds of miles, from Lindisfarne to Callanish in the Outer Hebrides. He relied entirely on the generosity of strangers for shelter and as he went, he asked people to tell him their transforming stories….. it is these profound, honest and moving stories of love, weaving a web of tenderness, connection, and compassion, which are gathered in the book. Matt plans further books for the stories he harvested in other parts of the UK. The fascinating original recordings of the stories can be heard on Matt’s website here.
Matt is a popular guest on national and local radio shows, including the Sunday Morning Show on BBC Radio 2, and with Clare Balding on ‘Ramblings’ with BBC Radio 4, which generated one of the biggest audience responses in the entire series. He was featured again on ‘Ramblings’ in mid February when the book came out.
The launch is mainly by invitation to Matt’s family and friends, but we may have some space for interested locals! Please call in at the shop or phone us on 01903 812062 if you’d like to come along. There will be wine and nibbles, Matt will share insights and stories from his journey, and we will have plenty of copies of the book on sale for Matt to sign!
by Gudrun Bowers | 6, Mar 2018
Julia Donaldson will be at the bookshop at 11 am on Saturday 7th April, for a signing session celebrating the paperback release of The Everywhere Bear and What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday. An amazing chance to get a hot-off-the-press paperback copy personally signed and dedicated by Julia!
The Everywhere Bear, beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, is a really lovely story about a classroom teddy bear’s adventures after he falls out of a child’s backpack. What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday is the third installment of the crime-busting ladybird’s adventures, told as ever in jaunty rhyme and joyously brought to life by Lydia Monk’s bright illustrations! Both are picture books perfect for ages 2-6.
The signing will begin at 11 am, and finish no later than 1.30 pm. We will have all Julia’s books available for purchase and signing, books may be purchased from the shop from 9.30 am, to relieve congestion in the shop during the actual signing period. Depending on demand, we may issue timed slots for signing to reduce queues. If the weather is warm we may be able to use the bookshop garden but if it’s chilly we will be inside, in which case space will be limited. Children’s activities and free refreshments will be on offer, plus no doubt Malcolm Donaldson and his trusty guitar will entertain you as you wait!
If you wish, books may be reserved and paid for in advance by phoning the shop on 01903 812062. Please make it clear when ordering whether you are coming to the signing, or whether you’d like the books to be dedicated and signed by Julia for you to collect at a later date.
This is not a ticketed event – just turn up!
by Gudrun Bowers | 26, Jan 2018
On Thursday 22nd March at 7.30pm we are very excited to welcome back award-winning novelist Claire Fuller, who’ll be discussing her new novel ‘Swimming Lessons’, in the atmospheric ambience of the Gluck Studio.
Claire’s first novel ‘Our Endless Numbered Days’ was one of our favourite reads of 2015 – a dark, disturbing story with a punchy twist in the tail, beautifully written with a very distinctive voice. It won the 2015 Desmond Elliott Prize and was a 2016 Richard and Judy Book Club Pick. She came to Steyning and talked to our bookshop bookgroups about that novel, so we are thrilled to have her back!
Her new novel ‘Swimming Lessons’, published by Penguin, follows husband and father Gil Coleman, and his turmoil after a sighting of his wife, Ingrid, who has been missing, presumed drowned, for twelve years. His children, Nan and Flora, return home, and together they begin to confront the mystery of their mother. Is Ingrid dead? Or did she leave? And do the letters hidden within Gil’s books hold the answer to the truth behind his marriage, a truth hidden from everyone including his own children?
The Sunday Times described the book as ‘Thrilling, transporting, and delicately realised’.
Tickets are £12 – public / £10 – Bookshop book group members – to include the book, wine/soft drinks, nibbles, and of course, a fascinating evening of literary insights! Call 01903 812062 to book.
by Gudrun Bowers | 8, Jan 2018
Come down to the bookshop at 11 am on Tuesday 13th February for some arty fun!
Author and illustrator Guy Parker-Rees (illustrator of Giraffes Can’t Dance, Never Ask a Dinosaur to Dinner, author/illustrator of Be Brave Little Penguin, Dylan the Teacher and more) will entertain children with stories and live drawing (with audience participation!) and then we’ll get the pencils out and kids can get busy creating our own colourful characters!
Advance booking advised as places limited to 20 children.
£2 per child, ticket entitles bearer to £2 off one of Guy’s wonderful picture books, which he’ll be happy to sign. Age guide 4-8 ish.
