BOOK REVIEW Book Review
n days gone by there was one sure thing for me in my Christmas stocking, apart from the squishy clementine, bruised apple and shriveled walnut and that was the obligatory book my mother would stash at the bottom. It was sometimes funny, sometimes educational but always much appreciated. For me books of any kind are the best presents and I’ll be handing them out liberally over the festive season. they fit the bill for all sorts from secret santa to the impossible aunt/uncle so here’s a few suggestions that might tick a few boxes on that never- ending Christmas list. The Bookshop Book by Jen Campbell (£12.99, Constable Publishing) will suit anyone with a love of books, bookshops and weird and wonderful facts (Did you know, that for the last 13 years of his life, Casanova was a librarian!) the book is simply a love letter to bookshops all around the world. It is filled with the history of books, curious bookshops stories from all over the globe along with conversations with famous authors about their favourite bookie places. As a former bookseller at the Harbour Bookshop I can relate to the magic and inspiration of the dusty shelves
STOCKING FILLERS I
that Jen Campbell is passionate about and she has an eye for a quirky tale. For me it’s the book equivalent of a hot chocolate with extras of sweet marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles. It’s easy to pick up and suitable for anyone who can’t resist the lure of a window filled with books. For any ‘rellies’ and local friends the obvious one is Dartmouth Through Time by Ginny Campbell (£14.99, Amberley Publishing). recently published, it’s a fascinating photographical history of the town, showing how things have changed and evolved. A ‘must’ for any Dartmouth coffee table and it’s a handily good size to post too. see the feature elsewhere in this issue of By the Dart. For children, David Walliams and Wimpy Kid are no doubt high on the list but for something a little different for those tricky under 10’s how about a bit of a poetry to fill a quiet moment. Don’t Poke a Worm Till it Wriggles by Celia Warren (A & C Black, £4.99) is sure to raise a giggle and is a delightful collection of poems for children all about - you’ve guessed it - worms. the author has written many poems over the years, mostly for children and she is a frequent
by Emma Jones
contributor to BBC tV and radio. she is also local so do take a look at her work which is enchanting and a great way to get small ones interested in poetry. My final selection focuses on a Christmas essential –
wine. The Pocket Guide to Wine: Featuring the Wine Tube Map by nikki Welch has just been released by Birlinn Ltd Publishers (£7.99). If you want to find out more about wine and how to navigate through those bulging shelves at the supermarket or wineseller without getting too bogged down in detail, this is the book. the author is the owner of Convivium Wine Ltd and has been in the wine business for over 10 years. she is keen to share the “feeling of discovery and potential that wine offers” encouraging us to venture past the safe and familiar bottles towards new and exciting favourites. she introduces the ingenious Wine tube Map representing different types of wine as ‘stations’ like Valpolicella and
Languedoc along lines themed on a certain flavour eg. the Fizz Line and the White Central. the lines interchange at stations, which fit on to more than one line (eg. Beaujolais and sauvignon Blanc) and the idea is to “hop aboard at your local, favourite station and travel along to discover some different wines.” It sounds like a good idea to me so - Bottoms up and a Merry Christmas to all!
Open all year but times vary seasonally.
12 Higher Street (opposite The Cherub Inn) 01803 839571
info@dartmouthcommunitybookshop.co.uk www.dartmouthcommunitybookshop.co.uk
A not-for-profit co-operative organised by volunteers.
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