We have taken the decision to reduce our prices on everything on our website - all books on the site are now 10% off the RRP, including the limited edition pre-orders, which have been selling incredibly well. For all of our Games Workshop merchandise however, we have now taken a massive 21% off the RRP, even the biggest sets! You also get a discount code for an additional 10% off your next order when you subscribe to our newsletter. With access to millions of titles, speedy delivery and exclusive Independent Bookshop editions there has never been a better time to shop from local, Independent Bookshops. Take that Bezos!
We presently have multiple book clubs that each meet once a month, but we are always keen to expand and invite more people to share what they think about the books they read. Some of the discussions that we have been a part of have been very thought provoking and really make you think about the book in ways you might not have considered. We provide tea and coffee and 10% off the chosen book for that month so if this is something you think might interest you or someone else, please do get in touch with us to find out more.
Independent Bookshop Week 2022 will take place Saturday 18 June – Saturday 25 June. You can find out more about this week here but basically it is a celebration of independent bookshops in the UK, highlighting the vital role they play in their communities. We at The Bookhouse feel very strongly about this and pride ourselves on the role we feel we play within our local community. As such, we have decided to offer 10% off EVERYTHING in store for that week, AND you get a free £5 National Book Token when you spend over £30 in store.
As I've already mentioned we offer over 20% off the RRP for all Games Workshop merchandise, in store and online. In addition to this, you can request any stock we don't currently have and we can order it in for you and we are frequently getting exclusive pre-orders, like the amazing "Age of Darkness" set.
We have an exciting calendar of events lining up this and next year. You can see the full list on our events page, but I can tell you for now we have three authors confirmed to do events with us this year, one of which is the hugely popular children’s author Julia Donaldson, author of “The Gruffalo”, What the Ladybird Heard” and many, many more. Julia will hopefully be here in early September so we will release tickets for the event, and the others we have scheduled, nearer the time.
That's all for now. We hope you are all keeping well and reading many books and once more, thank you for shopping local :)
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Sadly, here in Scotland, we are not able to fully open due to the lockdown restrictions but don't worry you can still support us by buying books via our website or by phoning the shop. We are still offering a free local delivery service to those who are shielding, self-isolating or vulnerable. For everyone else we are running a click and collect service 7 days a week.
]]>From the No 1 bestselling author of Then She Was Gone. In a large house in London's fashionable Chelsea, a baby is awake in her cot. Well-fed and cared for, she is happily waiting for someone to pick her up. In the kitchen lie three decomposing corpses. Close to them is a hastily scrawled note. They've been dead for several days. Who has been looking after the baby? And where did they go? Two entangled families. A house with the darkest of secrets. A compulsive new thriller from Lisa Jewell.
Lisa Jewell has received international praise for her suspenseful noir and The Family Upstairs is an intriguingly multi-character telling of mysteries and obsessions and a whole lot more set around a large mansion in Chelsea. The house itself perhaps taking on a gothic-like personality as well.
Our bookclub members enjoyed The Family Upstairs and it certainly prompted a lengthy discussion about the whys and wherefores of different character actions. One slight criticism was that the multi-character telling of different stories in different time periods did make this a book not difficult to read/follow but one that required ‘attentive’ reading.
Our group members scored The Family Upstairs an average of 4 out of 5 stars.
Educated was the group’s June read. A Goodreads 2018 Choice Winner, Educated is a telling memoir by American author Tara Westover about her upbringing in a Mormon ‘Survivalist’ home in rural Idaho.
Reading the book prompted some members to look the author up online and research the story further. Some of the specific content is disputed by other family members but, as was pointed out, even if a fraction of it were true it is an incredible story. One member pointed out that, with reference to the car crashes and other trauma injuries that were all treated at home, it’s a wonder no-one died from their injuries.
Tara didn’t go to school and was not home schooled but still she managed to teach herself before going on to study and graduate from Harvard and Cambridge. Bill Gates (not in our book club 😊) wrote, ‘I thought I was pretty good at teaching myself—until I read Tara Westover’s memoir Educated. Her ability to learn on her own blows mine right out of the water. I was thrilled to sit down with her recently to talk about the book.’
Unfortunately, I wasn’t on the ball enough to ask for scores before our Zoom meeting ended but I got the impression that they found it a very interesting book to read. Note to self: Must do better!
]]>For years, rumours of the 'Marsh Girl' have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So, in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life - until the unthinkable happens.
This was a multi-million copy bestseller and is soon to be released as a major film through Reese Witherspoon’s company. It certainly did not disappoint our book club members. They described it as poignant, moving and utterly atmospheric. A couple of our members did wish that some character back stories had been expanded. However, they all agreed it was a thoroughly enjoyable read throughout. This was a five-star pick.
Their May choice was a memoir written by retired teacher, Kate Clanchy, ‘Some kids I taught and What They Taught Me’. This is a book about the writer’s life’s work spent teaching in a national institution. It is described as offering a revelatory picture of school life, and a fascinating look at the role education plays in our society today.
It would be fair to say that this was not one of the group’s favourite reads. Members felt that some of the anecdotes were from past decades and would not be regarded as either humorous or appropriate in today’s educational establishments or in a modern-day tolerant culture. Only one person managed to read the book through to the end, and many admitted to giving up reading at around page 150. An average score of 2 out of 5 was given.
A startling contrast between the two books and shows the value and honesty of bookclubs!!!
]]>The first Sunday of the month is when we meet with our Junior Bookclub, and the past few months we have continued to meet virtually via zoom chats. Although we’d obviously prefer to meet in person at The Bookhouse, the virtual meetings have been a great way to keep in touch, and continue our conversations about the books and authors we are enjoying together as part of bookclub.
This past Sunday was a particularly exciting meeting as we were joined by the author of the month’s pick, Joan Haig. We discussed Joan’s debut novel, Tiger Skin Rug, which received 5-star reviews from our Junior Bookclub members who also described it as ‘exciting’, ‘adventurous’ and had a clear theme of friendship.
The book follows the main characters of Lal and Dilip who have recently moved to Scotland but are homesick and miss India. They are taken on a wild adventure with their new friend Jenny when the tiger skin rug in their creepy new home comes to life and asks for help completing a quest. One of our bookclub members noted that Joan’s experiences of travel throughout her life are evident in the book as the story takes the reader from Scotland, to London, to India, and our club members also felt the storytelling was so realistic that they could imagine themselves there.
We loved getting to know Joan and it was a great opportunity for us to ask her so many questions: from her inspiration for the book, a discussion about other well-known tiger characters in books and films, not to mention what we can expect next!
This was undoubtedly one of Junior Bookclub’s favourite books so far (some even read it twice!), and it was definitely exciting to talk directly with the author about our thoughts and queries. For those who wish to read it, we still have some copies available.
A big thank you to Joan for her time in talking with us, and as always, a thank you to our Junior Bookclub members who always have such interesting comments and perspectives on the books.
Our next Junior Bookclub will be held virtually on Sunday 5th July where we will be reviewing ‘What Stars are Made of’ by Sarah Allen. This book is now available to purchase via our website and remember bookclub members receive a special discount. Get in touch if you have an avid reader (Age 9+) who would like to join our group.
Have a look at our selection in the bookshelves section of this website :)
Please share this news with family and friends who enjoy reading and supporting local small businesses.
]]>How would you live your life if you knew the date of your death? The Immortalists has been read by a number of our book clubs over the last couple of years and has been well received due to its unusual premise and different characters. The two members of Book Club 7 who had read it, or were reading it, found it enjoyable but perhaps not one that would stick in their minds at this time. It scored 3 and 4 out of 5.
Thanks so much to everyone who managed to take part and thank you all for your continuing support to the Bookhouse. Keep Well. Keep safe. Keep reading. See you all again soon. Any questions about accessing the virtual book clubs or any other query please don't hesitate to get in touch.
]]>The Beekeeper of Aleppo was a tremendous hit with all the group. It is set in Syria during the refugee crisis and describes the journey to the UK. It was described as one of these books that you have to read; not a happy book given the context, but one which is full of humanity and hope. Everyone raved about this book and will definitely be recommending to family and friends. Overall score was 5/5 Highly recommended.
Thanks so much to everyone who managed to take part and thank you all for your continuing support to the Bookhouse. Keep Well. Keep safe. Keep reading. See you all again soon. Any questions about accessing the virtual book clubs or any other query please don't hesitate to get in touch.
]]>The Unmaking of Ellie Rook was up first. All agreed that it was good to read a book which was set in an area not far away (Aberdeenshire) and that had added to their enjoyment. Different members identified with different characters in the book, which was interesting. One commented that it reminded them of a modern-day Daphne du Maurier novel. Overall, the book got a thumbs up with a score of 3/5.
The Aosawa Murders is a real whodunnit set in Japan. With the exception of one, this book scored either 3 or 4 (one even giving it a 4.5) out of 5. One person suggested that it is a little more difficult to visualise the characters in your mind when their names are unfamiliar. Those that really enjoyed it said that they had to read it all in one go over a couple of days. “I really, really loved it as a book”. Overall score 3/5
Thanks so much to everyone who managed to take part and thank you all for your continuing support to the Bookhouse. Keep Well. Keep safe. Keep reading. See you all again soon. Any questions about accessing the virtual book clubs or any other query please don't hesitate to get in touch.
]]>Here is an update about what’s going on with us in light of the current public health crisis, and its impact on our bookshop.
To help prevent spread of the Coronavirus, and to protect the wellbeing of our customers and staff, the Bookhouse temporarily closed its doors on Monday 23 March until further notice.
During these times you can still order online at www.thebookhousemonifieth.co.uk where we offer free local delivery on all orders in Carnoustie, Monifieth and Broughty Ferry areas. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep abreast of what’s new and recommended, and please do follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and help us by sharing the posts with friends and family.
Our family very much appreciates the move to online purchasing by our customers, and we are working extremely hard to make sure orders are picked, packed and sent as swiftly as possible. To ensure social distancing, I am now working on my own, with additional safeguards in place.
We are following the latest guidance from the World Health Organisation in relation to the spread of the virus via parcels. This states that the virus can only exist for a period of hours outside the body, up to two days in extreme circumstances. We have therefore taken the following precautions:
We will continue to update our practice in line with the latest scientific and government guidance. We are keen to receive any feedback and are always looking to improve our practice and provide the best and safest service to our customers.
Latest UK Delivery Estimates
Free local delivery (DD5 and DD7) – same day
UK Courier (£2.40) – 2-3 days (estimate)
We are extremely grateful to Royal Mail and Hermes who are working incredibly hard to get all deliveries to our customers as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your continued support for our business.
We will update this blog with any further changes as and when any further decisions are taken. Keep safe and share kindness wherever you can.
Kind regards
Andrew Rome
The Bookhouse
]]>Thanks so much to everyone who managed to take part and thank you all for your continuing support to the Bookhouse. Keep Well. Keep safe. Keep reading. See you all again soon. Any questions about accessing the virtual book clubs or any other query please don't hesitate to get in touch.
]]>HOWEVER subsequent guidance from the UK government states that online shopping sites should remain open (and are encouraged to do so), and postal and delivery services will run as usual.
In line with this guidance we have decided to remain OPEN online and by telephone and FREE SAME-DAY* delivery service within the Monifieth/Broughty Ferry area. Books can also be posted further afield for a small additional charge.
To place an order or enquire about stock, please call 01382 698484 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday, or visit The Bookshelves section of this website. You can also submit a query to us using the "contact us" page of this website.
All books will be hand delivered by us, in the evenings. To maintain physical distancing, books will be left on doorsteps.
Thank you for continuing to support our business throughout this uncertain time.
The Bookhouse Team
*Same-day delivery applies to in-stock items only. Items to be ordered will take slightly longer.
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The welfare of our staff and customers is absolute paramount to us so in line with the UK government guidelines we would like to reiterate if you do feel at all unwell we strongly encourage you to stay at home and self-isolate. All people who are over the age of 70 years old have been told by the government to self isolate regardless of how they feel. In the interest of your own health and safety and others please do adhere to this and take advantage of our new delivery service if you would like a book to help you through the self isolation.
In these trying times we all need to look after each other so please continue to do so, keep in frequent contact with family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are ok and look after yourselves. We will all get through this if we work together.
The Bookhouse Team
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