From the moment I could read I was enamoured with books, and that love affair has only grown stronger the older I get.
"When I grow up, I want to be a librarian or
own a bookstore" – Kirsty, aged 41
Anyone who knows me knows that I am often the over orderer of books in the shop. I just love books, the smell, the feel, the anticipation of what is on the pages. The mere thought of books makes my heart flutter with excitement.
From the moment I could read I was enamoured with books, and that love affair has only grown stronger the older I get.
I have anxiety right. And am a complete over thinker. This is REALLY hard to stop. But the only, and I mean ONLY time that it stops is when I read. I get lost in words, stories, facts anything, and I think I love it so much because while I am reading, I cannot think of anything else. This is peace.
Reading is good for your soul because it can transport you to different world, inspire new perspectives & help you connect with others through shared experiences & emotions.
In short, you’re never ever really alone when you have a good book!
So I don’t own a book store perse, but our little gift store is pretty close; and I get to order my old faves & so many fabulous new books, read them & then share them with you!
So here are some of my top picks to get you started!
A Girls Guide To Being Awesome; Empowering Advice For Teenage Life
– By Suzanne Virdee
Hands up who wishes there was a handbook to turn to when you were in your teenage years?
I first picked up this book a couple of years ago as I have two daughters 11 & 14. I remember how hard being a teenage girl was, and that was without all the crap that they have to deal with now with the likes of social media & the constant images of “the perfect body” being rammed down their throats 24/7.
A girls guide to being awesome is a book aimed at young girls with advice on helping build confidence, self-esteem & resilience in many areas like relationships with others & self, health, wellbeing & more.
It is written in a kind & nurturing style with engaging anecdotes & relatable examples that will resonate with this age group.
I love the concept of this book & the lay out, both my girls loved it too.
Who Should I Gift It To?
It Is my go-to for teen gifting!
Phosphorescence
by Julia Baird
Absorbing, achingly beautiful, inspiring, and deeply moving. And one of the most incredible books I have ever read.
My copy has a beautiful worn cover & pages covered in stars, underlines, markers & notes in the margin.
Phosphorescence" is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book that encourages readers to embrace the beauty and complexity of life, and to find joy and hope even in the darkest of times.
The book is divided into short essays, each focused on a particular topic such as nature, friendship, solitude, and love. Julia Baird shares stories from her own life and the lives of others, as well as scientific research and historical anecdotes, to illustrate her points and provide inspiration for readers.
This book will have you holding your breath, thinking “YES!” as big fat tears roll down your cheeks. Yep. You will ugly cry reading Julia’s moving words, and it will have you longing for more.
Who Should I Gift It To?
My go-to gift for anyone going through a hard time, or just loves reading. I’ve gifted this at least 10 times.
Tuesday’s With Morrie
By Mitch Albom
I don’t know where to begin with this author. He is just one of my all-time faves.
His writing is just bloody easy to read, you lap it up & just keep turning the pages and then before you know it, it’s 2am & you’ve finished the entire book!
This happened to me with this book which I have now read many times, as well as The Five People You Meet In Heaven & Stranger In A Life Boat.
Tuesdays with Morrie is a beautiful story of when Mitch, the author, reconnects with a college teacher who made a huge impact on his life. Their paths cross many years later and Morrie spends his remaining days teaching Mitch about how to live life.
It is a beautiful chronicle of their time together & one of those books you will always come back to.
Who Should I Gift It To?
Yourself! It’s soul food.
Please Stop Touching Me
… and other haikus by cats
Holy Oprah I nearly peed my pants reading this for the first time. Actually, every time I pick it up, I am always made to uncontrollably giggle. This book is SO FUNNY.
But you will only get it if you have ever owned a cat (or been owned BY a cat!)
This little book is filled with hilarious haikus and adorable cat pictures.
“Cat Vs Dogs”
It’s telling really.
You train them to sniff out bombs
You tell us your life.
“Children”
Beware the small ones.
They stroke the fur the wrong way.
Abominations
Who Should I Gift It To?
Any cat lover!
Crap Taxidermy
Ok, while we’re on the animal train, this is another hilarious book & one of our consistent best sellers.
Such a funny coffee table book full of the WORST attempts at taxidermy you have ever seen. Seriously, I don’t know what else to say, it’s so weird, it must be seen. You will not regret buying this book!
Who Should I Gift It To?
Anyone who has a warped sense of humour or buy it for yourself to leave on your own coffee table to weird people out. Such a great conversation starter
I could bang on about books all day - but please make sure you check out our Books & Decks section to have a look for yourself at all our awesome books.
Happy reading!
Kirsty x