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 | 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.
by Gudrun Bowers | 23, Jul 2024
We are joining forces with Chanctonbury Wines for a ‘Homage to Fromage’ with cheesemonger, author and ‘the UK’s leading expert on cheese’ NED PALMER. This will be a cheese and wine evening with a difference: Ned will discuss his new book A Cheesemonger’s Tour de France, accompanied by a cheese-tasting and fresh French wines to match.
There are just 22 tickets available for this boutique event which will take place at Chanctonbury Wines, and your £35 ticket includes a glass of wine, the cheese tasting, AND a signed hardback copy of Ned’s new book, as well as the fascinating talk and chance to ask your cheese-related questions! Further wine by the glass or bottle can be purchased from the bar on the night.
ABOUT NED PALMER
Ned Palmer is a British cheesemonger and author, and a former jazz pianist. He worked as an affineur for Neal’s Yard Dairy before publishing A Cheesemonger’s History of the British Isles, in 2019, folowed by A Cheesemonger’s Compendium of British and Irish Cheese. Ned lives in London with his wife, the novelist Imogen Robertson, many, many books about cheese, and a piano. He set up the Cheese Tasting Company in 2014, to spread the cheese gospel.
ABOUT A CHEESEMONGER’S TOUR DE FRANCE
The truly fascinating story of some of our favourite French fromages: Ned Palmer wends his way around the country’s regions, meeting the remarkable cheesemongers who carry the torch for France’s oldest and most treasured traditions and exploring the science and history behind cheeses such as Brie, Comte, Epoisses, Munster and Roquefort. As he explains the mysteries of terroir and why each of those different fromages taste as they do, he shows that a French cheeseboard offers genuine insights into la Belle République.
Starts at 7:30PM.
by Gudrun Bowers | 19, Jul 2024
Join Dr Linia Patel for an informative talk on nutrition for perimenopause, menopause and beyond, as she celebrates the release of her book Food For Menopause, published by Murdoch Books in September.
Linia’s book is packed with advice and recipes to help manage and alleviate common menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings, weight gain and low libido. Linia will evaluate the reserach and medical evidence behind beneficial nutrients and give us healthy recipe tips and inspiration.
Linia Patel will be in conversation with Tammy Gee, a Sussex-based nutritionist specialising in perimenopause and menopause, whose mission is to increase conversation and education around nutrition support for hormone health.
ABOUT DR LINIA PATEL
Linia is a leading Dietician and Performance Nutritionist, who has degrees in Biochemistry and Physiology; Nutrition and Dietetics; and Sports Nutrition. She also gained a PhD in Public Health and Epidemiology. She is affiliated to the Health Professional Council, British Dietetic Association (BDA), Sports Dietitians UK and the Nutrition Society. Her numerous TV appearances as a presenter and nutrition expert include: BBC2 Food’s Truth or Scare, BBC1’s Tomorrow’s Food and Rip Off Britain, ITV’s Save Money, Lose Weight and Channel 5’s Get a Holiday Body and Diet Secrets.
ABOUT TAMMY GEE
Tammy Gee is a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist (DipION, mBANT, CNHC) specialising in perimenopause and menopause, on a mission to increase conversation and education around nutrition support for hormone health. Tammy works with clients to optimise diet and lifestyle during the perimenopause and menopause transition to support a healthy life beyond just their hormones. She also works with corporate clients to devise policies and strategies relating to menopause and menstrual health in the workplace.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The venue is the historic Tudor Brotherhood Hall, part of the old Steyning Grammar School campus in Church Street, Steyning. There will be a signboard outside the venue. We apologise but Brotherhood Hall is accessed via a flight of stairs so is not wheelchair accessible.
FORMAT: Dr Linia Patel and Tammy Gee will be ‘in conversation’ for around 45 mins followed by audience Q and A and a chance to get your books signed.
‘Book with Ticket’ tix are £20 to include a copy of Linia’s ‘Food for Menopause’ book (book RRP £20 so you are getting the event for freeeeee!)
‘Ticket Only’ Tix are £8 and you can purchase the book on the night for an additional £15 (making your total spend £23)
DOORS OPEN 7pm, Talk Starts 7.30pm.
Tickets online via Ticketsource below or direct from the bookshop.
by Gudrun Bowers | 15, Jul 2024
We are delighted to announce that popular thriller writer Peter James is returning to Steyning to tell us all about One of Us is Dead, the 20th book in his best-selling Roy Grace series.
The Roy Grace series of gritty police thrillers set in Brighton is a a global phenomenon, with 23 million books sold to date, and has also been adapted into an award-winning ITV series starring John Simm, now on its third series.
Peter James is always an immensely entertaining speaker and will be in conversation with an interviewer, TBC.
The venue is the beautiful historic church of St Andrew & St Cuthman, in Steyning.
EVENT FORMAT
Author talk / Interview followed by audience Q and A.
Book signing/ meet & greet
TICKETS: Single ticket with book £22 / Couples ticket: admits 2 people with 1 book £32
Tickets available via button below or at the Steyning Bookshop or by phone on 012903 812062
by Gudrun Bowers | 15, Jul 2024
Join fantastic children’s author / illustrator ADAM STOWER for an hour of fun, games and DRAWING as he celebrates the release of his latest book MURRAY AND BUN: MURRAY THE KNIGHT... a madcap illustrated chapter book bursting with comic-style illustrations and funny jokes!
Travel through the magical cat flap and prepare for an adventure, packed to the brim with fun, creativity and lots and LOTS of drawing. Hear all about Murray & Bun, and have your pencils at the ready to draw-along with Adam too!
ABOUT THE MURRAY AND BUN BOOKS
Meet MURRAY AND BUN! Murray is a cat. Murray loves snoozing, fluffy blankets, and peace and quiet. Bun is a bun. Bun loves… EVERYTHING! And together they are unstoppable…Perfect for newly independent readers and fans of Bunny vs Monkey, Dog Man, Adventure Mice and Claude.
Adam Stower is an award-winning author/ illustrator who has published LOTS of briliant picture books and who is also the illustrator of books by David Walliams including Spaceboy, Robodog and The World’s Worst Pets.
Child Ticket £7 each includes a book.
Accompanying adults do not need to purchase a ticket.
AGE GUIDE: Adam’s books will be enjoyed by children aged 5-9 years.
START TIME 2.30pm END TIME 3.30pm approx
Tix via link below or direct from the bookshop in person or by phone 01903 812062
by Gudrun Bowers | 2, Jul 2024
CHANGE OF DATE! This event has been postponed due to illness, and the new date is TUESDAY 27th AUGUST at 2.30pm!
Join amazing author & illustrator CLARA VULLIAMY for a DOG-TASTIC event to celebrate her adorable Dog Squad books! There will be stories, a doggy draw-along and fun crafting for ages 5-9.
ABOUT THE DOG SQUAD BOOKS
A delightful new series of chapter books with GORGEOUS illustrations. Meet ‘The Newshounds’: Eva, Simone, and Ash – best friends, budding journalists, and dog-lovers. Their adventures begin when Eva finds a stray whippet puppy and the Newshounds spring into action to try to track down the owner.. Lots more doggy adventures follow, from busting a whippet racing racket to putting on a dog show to help their local animal rescue centre… WOOFTASTIC fun for animal lovers aged 5+.
ABOUT CLARA VULLIAMY
Clara Vulliamy was born in London and studied at Chelsea School of Art, The Ruskin and the Royal Academy. She is the daughter of the celebrated author-illustrator Shirley Hughes and began illustrating picture books when she had her own children. She has since written and illustrated many stories, sometimes collaborating with her mother. She lives in Twickenham, with her husband and their daughters, Leah and Martha. Some of her other brilliant books include the Dotty Detective series, the Marshmallow Pie Cat Superstar series, and the Mango and Bangbang series. Her illustrations have the same warmth and charm as those of her illustrious mother!
EVENT FORMAT: Start time 2.30pm. Stories, a draw-along and a dog related craft activity, with free refreshments for kids, followed by author book-signing. Duration: approx 1 hour.
TICKETS: £5 per child, fully redeemable against a purchase of one of Clara’s lovely books! Accompanying parents do not need to purchase a ticket. Tickets via Ticketsource link below or direct from the bookshop.
AGE GUIDE: Clara’s books are suitable for reading aloud to children from 5 years or for 6+ independent readers.
by Gudrun Bowers | 13, Jun 2024
We are excited to welcome CATHERINE GRAY, author of the best-selling book The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober as she introduces her debut novel, Versions of a Girl, a breath-taking, addictive story about the paths taken - and not taken – in life.
This will be a small, boutique style event at the bookshop, with seats for only 30, and will include a welcome drink.
ABOUT CATHERINE GRAY
Catherine Gray is a Sunday Times bestselling author of five books, including The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober. She’s sold over half a million books, her work has been published in Stylist, Marie Claire, The Lancet Psychiatry and the Guardian, and her books have been translated into nine languages. In 2018, Catherine founded charitable campaign Sober Spring, a Three-Month Sabbatical from Alcohol, and she now runs it with Alcohol Change UK, for whom she is an ambassador. She lives in Sussex and when not writing she enjoys falling off a paddleboard, giving her plants names like ‘Cassandra’ and ‘Miguel’, and spamming Instagram with pictures of dogs!
ABOUT VERSIONS OF A GIRL
A truly compulsive read which I tore through in 2 days!
Do we become who we are because of our parents, or in spite of them? Fern’s mother is a social climber and a former ballet dancer who lives a plush life in a London townhouse. Fern’s father only climbs if there’s a bottle at the top, has an IQ of 133 and lives hand-to-mouth in Californian motels. Aged fourteen, Fern has spent equal time with each of her parents. That is, until an unexpected visitor triggers a life-changing dilemma: whether she should get on a plane to London to be with her mother, or stay in California with her father. Here, Fern’s narrative splices in two. Two possible lives, one person. Each Fern will grow in wildly different, but eerily similar directions. Both must determine who they want to be – and how they deal with a thorny problem which threatens to undo them all: a murder. Fern is a marvellous creation, flawed, spontaneous and relatable, and you’ll be rooting for both versions of her every step of the way!
Online Tickets here, Tickets also available from the shop and by phone on 01903 812062
by Gudrun Bowers | 7, May 2024
Join cookery writer, chef and founder of Higgidy Pies CAMILLA STEPHENS as she celebrates the release of Clever with Veg, her latest cookbook, at this summer evening soiree in the atmospheric rural setting of Charlton Court Barn.
The evening will comprise: mingling with wine & delicious nibbles (food kindly provided by Higgidy Pies) followed by a talk / Q and A with Camilla Stephens. Tickets also include a copy of Clever with Veg cookbook.
About Camilla Stephens
Higgidy’s founder and chief pie maker, Camilla Stephens, began making pies in 2003, having trained as a cook at Leiths School of Food and Wine. She worked as head of food development for Starbucks UK before leaving to follow her dreams and start her own business – Higgidy. Since then, Higgidy has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing food companies making glorious everyday food to help people live well. From wholesome pies and quiches to sausage rolls and mini muffins, its products are now stocked in the UK’s major supermarkets. Camilla is married to Higgidy’s co-founder James, and they have two children. Clever with Veg is Camilla’s third book, and once again her mission is to move more veggies from the edge to the centre of the plate and to empower home cooks to have the confidence to experiment.
About Clever with Veg
Camilla’s latest cookbook is packed with eminently cookable recipes; from gloriously easy roasting-tin suppers, faff-free one-pan wonders, to speedy salads and family favourites ready in under one hour. The book also offers crafty shop-bought shortcuts, ingenious ways to pack more veg into your cooking, and strategies for cutting down on food waste. Whether you are vegetarian or just want fresh ideas for your meat-free days, you’ll find veggie inspiration within!
TICKETS
Single Ticket: £25 per person including food & drink, and a hardback copy of Clever with Veg.
Couple Ticket: £35 admits 2 people but only includes 1 copy of Clever with Veg, to share!
There is parking at Charlton Court, however it is just a pleasant 10 minutes stroll up Mouse Lane, so we do recommend the strolling option!
Event Details
Doors Open at 6.50pm Event Starts 7pm
by Gudrun Bowers | 30, Apr 2024
Guardian journalist and nature writer PATRICK BARKHAM will discuss his book The Swimmer, about the life of Roger Deakin.
Roger Deakin wrote the nature writing classics, Waterlog and Wildwood. But he was also a maverick ad-man, a seller of stripped-pine furniture, an inspirational teacher, filmmaker, music promoter and eco-warrior. Today, he lives on as the patron saint of wild swimming.
Patrick brings this great romantic alive in an illustrated talk, and tell stories of Roger and his generation – perhaps the luckiest and most distinctive that ever lived.
About Patrick Barkham
Patrick Barkham is OUR FAVOURITE nature writer and has been to Steyning on a number of occasions – his talks are always highly informative and he is a lovely chap! Patrick is Natural History Writer for The Guardian and the award-winning author of many brilliant non-fiction books including The Butterfly Isles, Badgerlands, Coastlines, Islander and Wild Child. He lives in Norfolk with his family.
The event will be held at Steyning Methodist Church, teas & coffees will be on offer from the church volunteers (small cash donation appreciated). Doors open 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm.
Tickets from the shop, by phone on 01903 812062 or click below to book online (small booking fee applies)
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