by Gudrun Bowers | 1, Apr 2020
The eagerly awaited sequel to the Costa Award winning Days Without End by one of Ireland’s greatest writers and current Irish Laureate.
A Thousand Moons extends the sequence of Barry’s eight novels, which touch each time on the worlds of two families – the Dunnes and the McNultys. In this novel, as in Days Without End, we meet with Thomas McNulty and John Cole, American Civil War soldiers, now a couple, living on a tobacco farm in Tennessee. Their adopted Sioux daughter Winona is the narrator this time, and we follow her journey as she deals with the consequences of a violent act against her. Full of memorable characters and written in Barry’s gorgeous lyrical prose, dreamy yet unflinching when confronted by the darker side of humanity, this is a wonderful book.
by Gudrun Bowers | 12, Nov 2018
Lucia Berlin’s collection of short stories, A Manual for Cleaning Women was published posthumously to great acclaim, and Evening in Paradise is a follow-up selection from Berlin’s remaining stories.
The stories are loosely autobiographical, arranged chronologically to follow the arc of Berlin’s life, and take us from a pair of seven year olds running a scam in El Paso, through the beauty and disillusionment of a young girl’s first romantic liaison, to young wives coping with kids, their husband’s addiction, abandonment, to a furious old woman on the roof of her own house while her family try to celebrate Christmas. Savage, funny, shocking and beautiful, they present some unforgettable images – the iridescent, sulphurous smoke of the smelter in a mining town, the yellow aromo blossom sticking to a couple’s skin – in concise writing that brings the reader up short with its power. The dark thread of alcoholism runs through many of the stories as well as the brighter threads of love, romantic and maternal, and of beauty found in the most unlikely places. Outstanding.
by Gudrun Bowers | 21, Aug 2017
We are thrilled to present a fantastic science event with science writer Dr Michael Brooks and TV presenter/writer Rick Edwards. This entertaining and informative show, based on their hit podcast and upcoming book Science(ish) examines the science behind the movies. Illustrating their theories with film clips from iconic movies, Michael and Rick will ponder whether it’s really possible to bring back an extinct species (Jurassic Park), whether we will ever be able to travel back in time and meet our parents (Back to the Future) and if it is possible that we are, in fact, already living in a computer simulation (The Matrix).
Dr Michael Brooks is an author, journalist and broadcaster, holds a PHD in Quantum Physics and is editor-at-large of the New Scientist, as well as writing a weekly column for the New Statesman. He is the author of At The Edge of Uncertainty, The Secret Anarchy of Science and the bestselling 13 Things That Don’t Make Sense.
Rick Edwards is a TV presenter and writer with a particular interest in mathematics and the natural sciences. As a broadcaster Rick has most recently made a foray in to the world of quizzing as the host of BBC1’s daytime show !mpossible which aired in January 2017 and will return for an extended second run in May this year. Amongst his other numerous presenting credits are: ITV2’s comedy roast Safeword, BBC Three’s live current affairs debate show Free Speech and Channel 4’s Paralympic Breakfast Show. He also writes a monthly fashion column for The Observer, and has made forays into stand-up comedy.
Advance booking highly recommended for this event, as it promises to be fantastic fun and very popular!
Start time is 7.30pm, wine and soft drinks will be on sale, and a reduced price of £7 is available for under 18’s.
Booking is available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/FDFIGM
or by phoning us on 01903 812062.
by Gudrun Bowers | 26, May 2017
by Gudrun Bowers | 30, Jan 2025
Meet best-selling author JULIA DONALDSON for a very special BOOK-SIGNING event on WORLD BOOK DAY® at the Steyning Bookshop.
Swap your World Book Day token for one of this year’s World Book Day books, including Julia’s special ‘Who’s in Acorn Wood?’. Or use your voucher to get £1 off any books at the Steyning Bookshop, including any of Julia’s titles. Julia will happily sign and dedicate any of her books purchased in store on the day.
ABOUT THIS BOOK-SIGNING EVENT
There is no charge to attend this book-signing and meet Julia, but to reduce queuing and prevent overcrowding, you must book a ticket in advance. We are offering three 30-minute time-slots from 3.30pm. Each ‘ticket’ allows entry for 1 FAMILY GROUP (of up to 5 people) so please DO NOT book a ticket for each member of your party! There will be around 20 families in each time slot. There will be free refreshments and activities for children to enjoy while you wait to meet Julia!
We will have plenty of Julia’s special £1 World Book Day books which you can swap for your WBD token, plus a wide selection of ALL Julia’s books on sale, so come a little earlier than your slot to allow time to choose and purchase the books that you would like Julia to sign.
Click on the link below to book via our Ticketsource page – all time slots are listed there: 3.30-4pm, 4-4.30pm, 4.30-5pm
by Gudrun Bowers | 27, Jan 2025
A wonderful opportunity to meet best-selling author ELLY GRIFFITHS as she launches the first book in a new series! Elly will be in conversation with fellow thriller writer WILLIAM SHAW.
Elly will be discussing her new novel THE FROZEN PEOPLE, an exciting historical crime thriller – with a dash of time travel!
About The Frozen People
Ali Dawson and her cold case team investigate crimes so old, they’re frozen – or so their inside joke goes. Most people don’t know that they travel back in time to complete their research. The latest assignment sees Ali venture back farther than they have dared before: to 1850s London in order to clear the name of Cain Templeton, the eccentric great-grandfather of MP Isaac Templeton. Rumour has it that Cain was part of a sinister group called The Collectors; to become a member, you had to kill a woman… Fearing for her safety in the middle of a freezing Victorian winter, Ali finds herself stuck in time, unable to make her way back to her life, her beloved colleagues, and her son, Finn, who suddenly finds himself in legal trouble in the present day. Could the two cases be connected? Fresh, gripping and original!
About Elly Griffiths
Elly Griffiths is the bestselling author of the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries and the Brighton Mysteries. She has won the CWA Dagger in the Library, has been shortlisted five times for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, and longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger for The Lantern Men. Her most recent series featuring Detective Harbinder Kaur began with The Stranger Diaries, which was a Richard and Judy book club pick and won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in the USA. It was followed by The Postscript Murders and Bleeding Heart Yard. Elly has two grown-up children and lives near Brighton with her archaeologist husband.
About our guest chair William Shaw
William Shaw has been shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger, longlisted for the Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year and nominated for a Barry Award. A regular at festivals, he organises panel talks and CWA events across the south east. His books include the acclaimed Breen & Tozer crime series set in sixties London, the brilliant DS Alexandra Cupidi series, the latest of which, The Wild Swimmers, is just out in paperback, and two adventure-thrillers under the pen-name G.W Shaw.
About the event
Elly Griffiths in Conversation with William Shaw followed by Audience Q and A
Venue: The Steyning Methodist Church.
Doors Open: 7pm, Talk starts: 7.30pm
Price: Ticket only £7 / Ticket AND book £20 – includes hardback copy of The Frozen People (RRP £22) which Elly will sign & dedicate
Additional books by both authors will be on sale on the night.
Unreserved seating. Teas & coffees served upon entry (with donation to church)
ONLINE TIX VIA THIS LINK OR IN PERSON FROM THE BOOKSHOP
by Gudrun Bowers | 20, Jan 2025
Join fantastic author / illustrator JOHN BOND as he celebrates the release of his adorable new picture book ‘HOW LONG IS THAT DOG?’
There will be stories, a draw-along, and other fun sausage-dog related activities / crafts. Plus free refreshments for kids and £5 off the book for ticket-holders!
Suitable for ages 4-7.
Child Ticket £5 – accompanying adults go free.
ABOUT JOHN BOND
John Bond is an illustrator, author and artist who lives and works in Worthing. He’s the author of Mini Rabbit Not Lost, Mini Rabbit Come Home, Mini Rabbit Must Help and Much too Busy, and has also illustrated several books by Peter Bentley.
ABOUT ‘HOW LONG IS THAT DOG’
A delightfully funny tale of one little girl who is desperate for the dog in the pet shop window to come home with her – if only she can guess his correct size. But can she reach the right answer before it’s too late? Full of John’s classic wit and warmth, and with funny, colourful illustrations throughout, this story of one little girl’s single-minded determination will bring a smile to the face of every little reader.
Event Timings
Start time: Saturday 1st March at 11am Doors Open at 10:45AM
by Gudrun Bowers | 10, Jan 2025
Meet debut novelist LISA CARTER as she introduces her heartfelt novel SIX POPPIES, an achingly poignant portrait of love, regret, and healing.
Afghanistan, 2007. Carl meets Sarah, a nurse, at Camp Bastion and they feel an instant connection. But she’s the girlfriend of his fellow soldier, Danny, so he pledges to keep his distance.
Finally back in England, Carl vows to never forget those who didn’t make it home, honouring each of them with a tattoo of a poppy. While, many miles away, Sarah tries to forget the man she swore to leave behind. But when Carl and Sarah are thrown back together, it’s clear that both of them are broken.
But do the scars of what they went through run too deep, or is there a chance they can find happiness again, together…?
A heartbreaking and authentic military romance, perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kristin Hannah and Jojo Moyes.
ABOUT LISA CARTER
Lisa Carter is a journalist who has worked at The Sun, The Mirror and the Daily Mail, where she edited the Femail pages for over ten years. She lives in London with her husband and three sons. Lisa has a Steyning connection, her brother lives here, so we expect a friendly welcome for her!
ABOUT THE EVENT
Lisa will be ‘in conversation’ with our guest interviewer, Tilly, who’s a well-known Bookstagrammer, part-time bookseller and avid reader. We are trying out a new, comfortable (one might even say, SUMPTUOUS!) venue, the upstairs showroom at Awen Furniture in Steyning, which will be transformed for the evening into a literary salon! Your £5 ticket includes a complimentary drink upon entry, and ticket-holders can purchase their signed copies of SIX POPPIES on the night for £6.99 (£3 off RRP) Big thanks to Justin and Sarah at Awen for their friendly offer!
DOORS OPEN 7pm EVENT BEGINS 7.30pm BOOK ONLINE VIA LINK BELOW OR IN PERSON AT THE SHOP (avoids online booking fee)
by Gudrun Bowers | 23, Dec 2024
We are delighted to present an evening with Caroline Lucas celebrating the paperback release of her wonderful book Another England.
Caroline will be in discussion with a guest chair, Andrew Simms, about her book Another England and there will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.
ABOUT ANOTHER ENGLAND
In Another England, Caroline asks why the Right have hijacked the notion of ‘Englishness’ and whether it can be reclaimed. Today, those who speak of ‘Englishness’ seem to be cheerleaders for Brexit, exceptionalism and imperial nostalgia, but there is another England, hiding in plain sight, which is dramatically more inclusive, radical and forward looking … the England of William Blake, the Chartists, the Suffragists, and the Kinder Scout trespassers.
ABOUT CAROLINE LUCAS
Caroline Lucas was, until recently, the MP for Brighton Pavilion, and the UK’s first Green Party MP. Elected to parliament in 2010, she also served as leader of the Green Party of England and Wales from 2008 to 2012 and as co-leader from 2016 to 2018. She was previously a Member of the European Parliament for ten years. She holds a PhD in English literature. It was her passion for the English countryside that first inspired Caroline to think more deeply about the importance of place in our national life, and her love of literature that led her to respond to the rise of the populist Right by examining the more positive, inclusive stories of England and the English explored in this book.
ABOUT OUR GUEST INTERVIEWER ANDREW SIMMS
Andrew Simms is an author, political economist and campaigner.
His books include The New Economics, Ecological Debt: Global Warming & the Wealth of Nations, Tescopoly: How One Shop Came Out on Top and Why it Matters, Do Good Lives Have to Cost the Earth? Most recently he co-authored Badvertising: Polluting Our Minds & Fuelling Climate Chaos. He is a research associate at the Centre for Global Political Economy, University of Sussex and co-founder of the New Weather Institute.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Venue: Steyning Methodist Church
Doors open 7pm
Talk start 7.30pm
Teas and coffees served (with donation to Methodist Church Volunteers)
Book+Ticket holders will receive their paperback copy of Another England on the night.
‘Ticket only’ ticket holders can purchase a book on the night for £10.
by Gudrun Bowers | 11, Nov 2024
WOW! THE STEYNING BOOKSHOP IS 40 YEARS OLD! Sara and Rob opened the shop doors for the very first time on Saturday 8th December 1984! The shop has weathered many storms, from the scrapping of the Net Book Agreement, to the rise of Kindles, online competition, and the pandemic, but has flourished nevertheless! We wouldn’t be here at all if it wasn’t for our WONDERFUL, loyal customers, so we invite you to come and celebrate with us on our birthday weekend!
We are celebrating on FRIDAY 6th DECEMBER by staying open late, from 6pm-9pm there’ll be mulled and bubbly drinks, nibbles, 15% off all night, and the chance to jingle, mingle and tingle (with emotion!) and share your memories of the shop with Sara, Rob and Gudrun.
Then on SUNDAY 8th DECEMBER, the shop’s ACTUAL birthday, we will be open from midday until 6pm for the annual street festival that is Christmas in Steyning (previously Steyning Late Night Shopping) – the high street becomes a festive wonderland of artisan stalls, food trucks and musical entertainment! We have the fab illustrators Sophy Henn, Steven Lenton, Nick Sharratt and Adam Stower doing a Draw-Off oin the kitchen at 1pm (buy a ticket separately for this as space is limited) and also signing books from 2pm -3pm, plus festive mulled drinks and nibbles from 4pm onwards. And BIRTHDAY CAKE!
We hope to raise a glass with you!
by Gudrun Bowers | 11, Nov 2024
Join Gudrun & Alice for a relaxing afternoon of crafting, and learn how to upcycle old books into various charming handmade decorations.
Over the years, many customers have admired the paper tree garlands that hang over our tables in December, and the various paper creations that we craft for our shop windows, so now’s your chance to make some yourself! There will be a chance to try your hand at one, two or even three different upcycled decorations, depending on how speedy you are with the scissors! All materials will be supplied and there will be festive snacks and beverages.
This crafting afternoon is for adults and older teens (13+) only, as the projects are fairly fiddly.
Only 10 spaces, so we can all fit around the table!
Event Details
Doors Open at 2:15PM
From 2:30PM to 4:00PM
Tickets £7 per person, can be purchased online via link below or in person frpm the shop.
by Gudrun Bowers | 9, Nov 2024
Join our relaxed and informal evening workshop and learn to make a simple linocut Christmas card!
The workshop will be led by bookshop part-timers Alice and Sarah, who in their ‘real jobs’ run Patternmakers, a fabric block-printing company -so they know their cutting tools!
This workshop is for adults or older teens (sharp tools!) and is suitable for beginners. All materials are provided and there will be drinks and Christmassy nibbles too!
7pm-9pm on WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER
Online tix here or pop into the shop!
by Gudrun Bowers | 8, Nov 2024
To celebrate the 40th BIRTHDAY of the Steyning Bookshop (with added festive bells on!) please join us for a FESTIVE BIRTHDAY DRAWING DING-DONG!
This will be a zany, fun, arty event for kids, starring our all-star team of fantastic illustrators: Sophy Henn, Steven Lenton, Nick Sharratt and Adam Stower!
It’s going to be a blend of Draw-Along and Draw-Off, with plenty of interactive audience participation! Each illustrator will lead a quick ‘draw-along’ for one of their own book characters, followed by a riotous competitive DRAW-OFF as they battle their wits and pencils to win the DING-DONG crown!
This is an event for kids aged 5+, we ask that you book your child’s ticket in advance, it’s £5 per child ticket, but we won’t charge for accompanying adults. However, as space is tight we request that each child have no more than 1 accompanying adult! Your child’s £5 ticket is fully redeemable against a purchase of a book by any of the star illustrators!
The fun kicks off at 1pm and finishes at 2pm with book-signing afterwards.
This event will take place in the bookshop rear kitchen/diner – it will be a bit of a squash and a squeeze!
All drawing equipment will be provided.
Tix in the shop or online here
by Gudrun Bowers | 17, Oct 2024
DRESS UP in your SPOOKIEST OUTFITS and come along to the bookshop to meet fab illustrator STEVEN LENTON for a WITCHY HALLOWEEN EVENT with stories, a spooky draw-along and crafts based on his cute new book The Green-Fingered Witch!
With PRIZES for best fancy dress, free refreshments and book-signing!
AGE GUIDE: 4-8 years old (need to be able to use scissors and join the draw-along!)
TICKET PRICE: £5 but if you buy one of Steven’s books or any Halloween-themed book you’ll get £5 off the book!
Accompanying adults do not need to purchase a ticket but due to space restrictions, no more than 1 adult per child, please!
Doors Open at 10:45AM
Starts at 11:00AM
ABOUT STEVEN LENTON
Brighton-based illustrator Steven Lenton has illustrated HEAPS of brilliant picture books including The How To Grow A Mermaid / Dragon /Unicorn books (with Rachel Morrisoe), The Shifty McGifty series (with Tracey Corderoy) and Octopus Shocktopus (with Peter Bentley). He has also written AND illustrated his own chapter book series, Teeny and Genie, and draws the pictures in the Dino Dad chapter books (with Andy Day), as well as illustrating David Baddiel and Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s chapter books. Steven has his own Draw-Along-a-Steven You Tube channel and his own children’s books podcast.
ABOUT THE GREEN-FINGERED WITCH
When Cress starts Witch School, she soon finds out she’s not like the other pupils. Her clothes are wrong, and she can’t fly a broom or make potions. In fact, the only witchy thing about Cress is her green fingers. But, when there are no pumpkins for the school Halloween party, it’s Cress’s turn to show off her own magic and be top of the class! A fun rhyming story about finding your strengths, showing that there’s a little bit of magic in everyone!
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