The Bookshop Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ark Books: The Heartening Tale of a Volunteer-Run Bookstore in Copenhagen Dec 04, 2023

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Ark Books in Copenhagen is a non-profit, volunteer-run, International Bookstore. It’s the place to find books published in English, and although they specialize in fiction, those interested in poetry and theory, especially critical theory, will not leave disappointed.
Ever wondered how a volunteer-run, non-profit bookstore operates and thrives in the bustling city of Copenhagen? Join us in conversation with Frida Hammershøy from Ark Books, a unique bookstore specializing in books published in English. Frida unravels the history of Ark Books, crafted by four women a decade ago, and its evolution into a vibrant community hub uniting a diverse team of 15-20 passionate volunteers.
We also get a peek into Frida's personal reading preferences and discuss the nuances of translating literary discussions from Danish to English. Prepare yourself for a heartening tale of literature, community, and dedication - a testament to the power of shared passion.

Ark Books

The Summer Book, Tove Jansson

The Moomins, Tove Jansson

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Discussing Ethical Dysfunction in Literature With Author Paul Vidich Nov 27, 2023

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Ready for a deep dive into the world of writing and publishing? Join me as I chat with author Paul Vidich who traded his corporate media suit for a writer's pen. We'll traverse through his personal anecdotes revealing the inspiration behind his latest novel, Beirut Station. Vidichshares the artistic process behind the book's cover design and we discuss Erroll Morris's newest documentary, The Pigeon Tunnel.
In the same breath, we gear up to navigate the labyrinth of ethical dilemmas in cultures and organizations. Are you a fan of espionage novels? Well, buckle up as we decipher the moral grey areas and high-stress environments faced by the characters in Beirut Station. The conversation extends to the complexities of the publishing industry, reminding us of the crucial role that indie bookshops play for authors and readers alike.

Paul Vidich

The Pigeon Tunnel, Errol Morris
Wormwood, Errol Morris

Beirut Station: Two Lives of a Spy, Paul Vidich

Los Alamos, Joseph Kanon

The Peacock And The Sparrow, I. S. Berry

The Talented Mr. Ripley, Patricia Highsmith

Rebecca, Daphne Du Maurier

Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte

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Jen Bird And Athena Books: Fostering Community Through Literature Nov 20, 2023

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Ever wondered how someone can transition from lawyering to managing an independent bookstore? Meet Jen Bird, the co-founder of Athena Books located in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. As a former lawyer, her unique journey to entrepreneurship promises not only to inspire but also to challenge your perception about career change. She shares how her passion for reading, primarily to her children, became the foundation for this incredible venture, with the bookstore's name and its meaning being an interesting twist to their story.
Athena Books isn't just a bookshop, it is a collaborative, women-focused space with a mission to advance reading culture and community engagement. Jen takes us through her strategic approach to book curation targeted at her community's needs and the pivotal role of organizations like the American Booksellers Association in her success story. Hear from her perspective the evolution of bookselling, the importance of creating an accessible and inclusive environment, and how Athena Books is navigating this dynamic industry.
Step into the world of Athena Books, a haven for diverse age groups and book genres. Find out what book genres are making the rounds in Old Greenwich and get a scoop on the attractions around for the perfect bookish getaway. If you're passionate about independent bookstores, community building, or you're just in for a good story, this episode is your ticket!
Athena Books

She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World, Jennifer Palmieri

Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver

Tom Lake, Ann Patchett

Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon, Michael Lewis

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library, Michiko Aoyama

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder, David Grann

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The Literary Path: How Dr. Stefanie Caeners Found her Passion Nov 13, 2023

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Imagine having an indie bookstore all to yourself for an entire night. Join me in this episode as I chat with fellow book lover and Bookstagrammer, Dr. Stefanie Caeners, a Literary Studies lecturer who had just that experience. We talk about indie bookshops, books we love, Edinburgh, and reading.
Stefanie's journey is a fascinating one. From discovering her love for Southern California at the tender age of 16, choosing an office job over college, to her apprenticeship in the media business, and finally, her transition into studying literature, it's a story worth hearing.
Stefanie's passion for British literature will captivate you, as will her insights on the topic of her PhD thesis and the freedom she found in studying something she adored.
Dr. Sefanie Caeners

Stefanie on Instagram

The Wishing Game, Meg Shaffer

Books by Stephen King

A Quiet Life, Ethan Joella

Yellowface, Rebecca F. Kuang

Farrell Covington and the Limits of Style, Paul Rudnick

James Fahy

The Displacements, Bruce Holsinger

The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Satoshi Yagisawa

James Fahy The Bookshop Podcast

Paul Rudnick the Bookshop Podcast

TJ Klune The Bookshop Podcast

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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The Intersection of Creativity and Education with Rachel Ignotofsky Nov 06, 2023

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In this episode I chat with illustrator and author, Rachel Ignotofsky about blending illustration and education, crayons, women in STEM, and her latest book, What's Inside A Caterpillar Cocoon?
Rachel Ignotofsky is a New York Times Best Selling author and illustrator, based in California. She grew up in New Jersey on a healthy diet of Star Trek and pudding and graduated from Tyler School of Art in 2011 with a BFA in Graphic Design. Rachel’s career as a scientific communicator started by nurturing her own curiosity. Out of college, she created art and infographics about topics she found interesting and important- with a focus in science literacy. She had many friends starting their careers in teaching, and Rachel wanted to create resources to help them with their lessons. Soon Rachel’s online store was selling her posters to schools, labs and science enthusiasts across the country and her work was scooped up to be featured on the likes of Scientific American, Fast Company, PRI and PBS. Rachel’s art has been embraced by the science community and she has spoken at and partnered with institutions like NASA, The Salk Institute, The San Diego Natural History Museum, The Chicago Field Museum, The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University and many more!

Rachel believes when you take the time to organize complex information—and then take the next step to make it beautiful with art — you can reach even the most reluctant learner. Illustration is a powerful tool when it comes to education. With her first book Women in Science (2016), Rachel used her art to address the growing gender gap in STEM and shed a light on women’s stories. It became an instant success and was on the NY Times Best seller list for over 90 weeks.

Since then, Rachel has continued to use her background in graphic design and her skills as a storyteller to make dense information and fun and accessible. Her work is published in over 24 different languages and enjoyed by readers all over the world! She has written more books about women’s history like Women in Sports (2017) and Women in Art(2019). As well as tackling topics like conservation and climate change in her book The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth(2018). She has introduced backyard biology to the youngest readers with What’s Inside a Flower?(2021) which is the first installment of her new picture book series with Random House Kids. Now she is excited to share her newest book The History of the Computer (2022). This book is the first of its kind — a fully illustrated book that spans over 25,000 years of human history and tells the story of our evolving relationship with technology. Rachel sees all of her books as a love note to educators, and is thrilled to see them used in classrooms.

Rachel Ignotofsky

Rachel’s Etsy Shop

Rachel’s Books

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, Steve Brusatte

The Rise and Reign of the Mammals, Steve Brusatte

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Sheryl Shurville's Journey: From Nursing to Nurturing Bookshops Oct 30, 2023

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Ever wonder how a small indie bookstore doesn't just survive, but thrive in today's digital age? Meet Sheryl Shurville, the dynamic co-owner of the Chiltern Bookshops; Chorleywood and Gerrards Cross in the UK. Sheryl's fascinating journey from nursing to bookselling is one that will inspire you, as she shares the secrets behind the success of her bookshops. From celebrating Chorleywood Bookshop's 50-year anniversary to discussing the distinct curation of books in her two bookshops, Sheryl's anecdotes are a treat for every book lover.
Sheryl gives insight into the extensive school programs and unique services her bookshops offer, including their response to COVID with a pre-ordering system and the creation of the “Gift A Book” donation program. Sheryl's observations of the changing publishing landscape and how her bookshops have managed to evolve, are particularly enlightening. From organizing literary festivals to cheese tastings, her innovation is impressive. Her current reads, her dedication to community engagement, and the passion she pours into her bookshops make this episode an enlightening journey into the world of indie bookselling.
Chiltern Bookshops – Chorleywood and Gerrards Cross

Maggie O’Farrell Books

Barbara Kingsolver Books

Unlawful Killing, Wendy Joseph KC

David Mitchell Books

Yotam Ottolenghi Books

Toni Morrison Books

Ian McEwan Books

Katherine Heiny Books

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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Exploring the Art of Mystery Writing and Magic with Crime Fiction Author Tom Mead Oct 23, 2023

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Tease your curiosity with Tom Mead, a UK crime fiction author whose passion for golden age mystery authors and locked room mysteries will captivate your attention. Tom unravels the craft of creating an intriguing whodunit, discussing locked room and closed circle mysteries, and the allure of puzzle style mysteries that have fascinated readers for centuries.
We then dive into the fascinating intersection of mystery writing and magic. Through Tom's insights, we discover how principles used by magicians can be instrumental in mystery writing. We also take a peep into the golden age of mystery pre-World War II England through Tom's meticulous research process and his use of language. Engage with an author's journey from a first manuscript to a publishing deal, as Tom shares his experiences with The Mysterious Press, an Imprint of Penzler Publishers. This episode is a treat for all mystery lovers, filled with rich insights, captivating anecdotes and a deep dive into the world of locked room mysteries.
Tom Mead is a UK crime fiction author specialising in locked-room mysteries. He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the International Thriller Writers’ Organization. His debut novel, Death And The Conjuror, featured magician-detective Joseph Spector who also appears in his new novel is The Murder Wheel.
Tom Mead

The Murder Wheel, Tom Mead

Death And The Conjuror, Tom Mead

Agatha Christie

Clayton Rawson

Ellery Queen

Otto Penzler on The Bookshop Podcast

The Mysterious Bookshop

Otto Penzler and Tom Mead Interview

Oliver Sacks

Sleight of Mind, Matt Cook

Funeral in the fog, Edward D. Hoch

Borges: Ficciones, Jorge Luis Borges

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Exploring the Power of Writing in Processing Grief with Dina Gachman Oct 16, 2023

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Have you ever pondered the profound impact that writing can have on the processing of grief? Join me as I walk through this journey with award-winning journalist and best-selling ghostwriter, Dina Gachman. Her captivating journey from a horse-loving child writer to an influential scribe is a riveting one. We touch on the fuels of her creativity, and delve into her new book of essays, So Sorry for Your Loss: How I Learned to Live with Grief, and Other Grave Concerns, which is a deep dive into the varied manifestations of grief.
Did you know the loss of a pet could be a child's first encounter with grief? This episode also explores the universal experience of grief as Dina and I share personal anecdotes like the one about Adrian the toad, and how such experiences often serve as poignant life lessons. We also traverse the emotional landscape of grief, the importance of acknowledging it, and the collective guilt that a family may endure due to substance abuse. Tune in to this beautiful conversation that is as heartwarming as it is healing.
Dina Gachman

So Sorry for Your Loss, Dina Gachman

David Poses Interview on The Bookshop Podcast

The Weight of Air, David Poses

Margaret Renkl Books

R. Eric Thomas Books

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Exploring the Enchanting Yet Eerie Literary World of Catriona Ward Oct 09, 2023

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Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the captivating life of Catriona Ward, a beloved international best-selling author. Traverse the globe with us as we uncover her unique childhood experiences in various countries and delve into how these experiences shaped her trajectory as a writer. Discover how her stint studying English at the University of Oxford almost doused her passion for writing, and how her love for storytelling eventually rekindled it. The magic of her writing process, where each reading experience becomes fuel for her craft, is sure to leave you spellbound.
In this thrilling episode, we also navigate through the eerie episodes of Catriona's teenage years, when she was haunted by an uncanny presence. Unmask the complexities of fear as we discuss how it often carries a sense of shame and embarrassment. Unlock the powerful allure of the horror genre and uncover why Maine's unsettling landscape makes it a prime setting for such tales. Finally, accompany Catriona on her publishing odyssey - from her initial ventures in creative writing to finding an agent, landing a book deal, and penning her second novel. This episode promises to be a fascinating exploration of the writing journey, the allure of horror, and the twists and turns of the publishing world.
Looking Glass Sound, Catriona Ward

Death of a Bookseller, Alice Slater

Mrs. March, Virginia Feito

Holly, Stephen King

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Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Author Oct 02, 2023

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In this episode, I chat with British author Laura Shepherd-Robinson about her latest novel The Square of Sevens, switching from politics to writing, historical research, and her publishing story.
Laura Shepherd-Robinson has a BSc in Politics from the University of Bristol and an MSc in Political Theory from the London School of Economics. She worked in politics for nearly twenty years before re-entering normal life to complete an MA in Creative Writing at City University. She lives in London with her husband, Adrian.

Blood & Sugar, her first novel, won the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown and the Specsaver’s Debut Crime Novel award, was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month, and a Guardian and Telegraph novel of the year. It was also shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger and the Sapere Historical Dagger; the Amazon Publishing/Capital Crime Best Debut Novel; and the Goldsboro Glass Bell; and longlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year.

Her second novel, Daughters of Night, was been shortlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year, the Goldsboro Glass Bell, the Capital Crime Fingerprint Historical Novel Award and the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown, longlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger and was a Book of the Year in The Times, The Times, and the Guardian.

Her third novel, The Square of Sevens, is a Sunday Times bestseller and available from all good bookshops now.
Laura Shepherd-Robinson

The Square of Sevens, Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Blood and Sugar, Laura Shepherd-Robinson (UK Only)

Daughters of Night, Laura Shepherd-Robinson (UK Only)

We Begin at the End, Chris Whittaker

The Winter Spirits – anthology (UK Only)

The Lioness of Boston, Emily Franklin

Saving Democracy: A User’s Manual For Every American, David Pepper

Please Unsubscribe, Thanks! Julio Vincent Gambuto

All You Have To Do Is Call, Kerri Maher

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