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 | 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
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 an interviewer (TBC) 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 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!
by Gudrun Bowers | 27, Sep 2024
Sadly, not OUR event, but we are excited to be involved as the official booksellers, so we encourage you to buy a TICKET + BOOK option for the ONLY South East event that Hardest Geezer is doing to celebrate his new book ‘Mind Over Miles’.
The Hardest Geezer aka Russ Cook is a regular guy from WORTHING who set out to be the first person to run the length of Africa. He went VIRAL on socials and millions of people (including me!) tuned in to view the moving scenes of him finishing his epic run with hundreds of supporters running alongside.
10,000 miles. 16 countries. 352 days. From his starting point in Cape Agulhas, South Africa, up to the finishing line in Tunisia on the 7th of April 2024, Russ experienced everything the great continent had to offer. From sandstorms in the Sahara Desert to rainforests in the Republic of Congo, Russ ran the equivalent of 386 consecutive marathons, covering 10,000 miles. His epic journey took 354 days, traveling through 16 countries and saw him raise over £1 million for charity!
Russ will be sharing his remarkable story LIVE at JOY CONCERT’S EVENT at Worthing Assembly Hall on Friday 1st November at 7.30pm.
We are handling the book sales so we’d LOVE to see some of you there!
Head over to JOYCONCERTS.COM for tix or follow the link below:
https://joyconcerts.seetickets.com/event/in-conversation-with-hardest-geezer/assembly-hall/3179138
by Gudrun Bowers | 26, Aug 2024
Something a bit different this time… Due to various circumstances we are not able to have an in-person book-signing at the bookshop for JONTY GENTOO’s launch – instead, we have a very special ‘Reading & Drawing’ book launch with both JULIA DONALDSON AND AXEL SCHEFFLER, which will take place at Tottington Manor Hotel & Restaurant. Attendees WILL receive a book pre-signed by Julia AND Axel but we are sorry, there will not be the chance to get books name-dedicated, or to meet the authors in person.after the event.
Join Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler for a special Reading & Drawing book launch event for their stunning new picture book JONTY GENTOO: THE ADVENTURES OF A PENGUIN. Listen to Julia read the wonderful story and watch Axel draw the cute creature characters. Find out some fascinating penguin facts too!
Suitable for families with children of 4 years and over, no unaccompanied children.
EVENT INFORMATION
Saturday 14th September 11.00 – 11.30am at Tottington Manor
This is an exclusive seated event for a maximum of 90 attendees, lasting around 30 minutes.
The lead £12.99 ticket-holder will receive a goody bag including a copy of JONTY GENTOO pre-signed by both Julia and Axel.
Additional seats (without books) are £5 per seat – maximum of 2 per booking.
Additional pre-signed copies of JONTY GENTOO can be purchased as ‘Sundry Options’ and collected with your main book on the day.
We are sorry but this event does NOT include an in-person book signing.
Book online here:
Or get your tix in person at the bookshop / by phone on 01903 812062
ABOUT JONTY GENTOO
Jonty the little gentoo penguin longs to find his true home at the South Pole. One night, he sneaks out of the zoo and sets off on an amazing adventure, all the way to Antarctica (with an accidental detour to the North Pole!) Children will be cheering Jonty on as he finally finds his way, in this captivating story of bravery, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
A heartwarming story with lyrical rhyming text and stunning illustrations of the natural world, with lots of details to spot, including seals, polar bears . . . and lots and lots of penguins!
Hardback picture book with foiled dust jacket. RRP: £12.99
by Gudrun Bowers | 23, Jul 2024
Join writer Annabel Abbs for a journey into the night as she discusses her fascinating new book, Sleepless.
In the winter of 2020, Annabel Abbs experienced a series of bereavements. As she grieved, she kept busy by day, but at night sleep eluded her. And yet her sleeplessness led to a profound and unexpected discovery: her Night Self. As the night transformed into a place of creativity and liberation, Annabel found she wasn’t alone. From the radical fifteenth-century philosopher Laura Cereta and subversive artist Louise Bourgeois to Virginia Woolf and the activist Peace Pilgrim, women have long found sanctuary, inspiration and courage in darkness. Drawing on the latest science, which shows we are more imaginative, open-minded, and reflective at night, Annabel set out to discover the potential of her Night Self. Sleepless follows her journey, from midnight hikes to starlit swims, from Singapore, the brightest city on Earth, to the darkest corner of the Arctic Circle, and finally to that most elusive of places – sleep.
A moving, revelatory voyage into the dark, Sleepless invites us to feel less anxious about our sleep, and to embrace the possibilities of the night.
We look forward to hearing Annabel’s stories from her wide-ranging adventures while researching the book!
ABOUT ANNABEL ABBS
Annabel Abbs is an award-winning writer of fiction and non-fiction. As Annabel Abbs, she is the author of The Language of Food, a historical novel about Eliza Acton, and Windswept: Why Women Walk, voted a top ten 2021 travel book. As Annabel Streets she wrote 52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time and cowrote The Age-Well Project: Easy Ways to a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life. She has written for a wide range of titles, including the Guardian, Daily Mail, Telegraph, Tatler and the Paris Review, and is a Fellow of the Brown Foundation. She lives in London and Sussex with her husband and four children.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Venue: The Methodist Church, Steyning. Doors open 7pm, Talk start 7.30pm. FORMAT: Author talk followed by Q and A. Teas and coffees will be served. Tickets £12 including a paperback copy of SLEEPLESS.
Tickets online via Ticketsource button below or direct from the bookshop.
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