Hurrah! Today's the start of #IndependentBookshopWeek Here I am in front of mine - Backstory - the best place in Balham for Words and Wine, Author events, Music & Tea & Cakes with friends while browsing and making merry. Come & visit!

Customers will of course be advised ‘bear with us’

OMG it’s actually sunny in London. Here’s all the books you should take to your nearest park/beach/bench while stocks of summer last backstory.london/pages/summer-r…

Presumably an eco clown only tells recycled jokes

Tomorrow eve! See you there NYC bookish types

Who’s next for the WaPo confirmation hearings?

Fabulous debut novel. I bought it after Tom Rowley & Backstory | London bookshop raved about it. And as they had recommended my favourite novel of 2023 – Alice Winn’s ‘In Memoriam’ – I thought I’d give it a go. It turns out they have impeccable taste…

Oklahoma! Our Backstory | London bookshop books magazine went on sale in Barnes & Noble across USA this week. Wild to see copies have already sold in branches from Tulsa (OK) to San Antonio (TX) & of course New York (NY). Very exciting!

Time is a flat circle, etc economist.com/leaders/1997/0…

NEW Backstory | London bookshop bookseller and former Economist journalist Tom Rowley offers book recommendations on British politics that share expert insight into the backdrop to the UK general election fivebooks.com/best-books/boo…

On my proofs pile: the new Sally Rooney, the new Elizabeth Strout, Simon Parkin latest… which to read first? Desperate to tear into all three. Solution: start with the new The Fence Magazine, which arrived today, too.

I spy @BackstoryLDN in Barnes & Noble

Thanks to the publisher who sent me tea and chocolates from Fortnums. I couldn’t find a note. Whoever it is, I shall only buy books from you from now on.

We’re hiring a bookseller to work every Friday and Saturday at our lovely bookshop in south London. Come and join our friendly team! More info here - backstory.london/pages/jobs

Come and work in my lovely bookshop!

I am. Are you? (This’ll be great.)

Friends, readers, please join us at brilliant Backstory | London bookshop Balham 30/10 7.30pm, for talk about my memoir #HomeIsWhereWeStart Fig Tree, my 70/80's commune upbringing, rebelling against rebels, memoir writing, home & more. Come & say 'hi'. Book here backstory.london/products/30th-…

Still tickets for this! Come and see me at Backstory | London bookshop and eat some lovely cheese! Profile Books #CheesemongersTour bit.ly/MongersTourBac…

Buried in the details is this big deal for small businesses. ‘De minimis’ currently allows businesses (including ours!) to sell relatively inexpensive products direct to US consumers with no duty (and saves a whole bunch of faff on both sides)

Great mag meets great bookshop. Get your copy now!