Yesterday’s stall bestsellers
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
The Devil You Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry by Gwen Adshead and Eileen Horne
When All is Said by Anne Griffin
Never Brush a Bear by Sam Hearn
There’s a Bear in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
I’m reading now: Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris (out on Thursday!)
I’m reading next: On Java Road by Lawrence Osborne
WOW! Well that took off! Thank you so, so much to everyone who has chipped in to the Backstory crowdfunder so far.
As I write this, 214 people have made contributions in the day-and-a-half since I set the page live, which is absolutely incredible.
I was really nervous on Friday night and wondering whether to do a crowdfunder at all, especially given all the bleak news at the moment. But I’m so glad I took the gamble…the response has been phenomenal.
Of course it’s been really nice to see friends and ex-colleagues supporting the project, but it’s been particularly lovely to see contributions from so many newsletter subscribers. I feel like I’ve got to know quite a few of you over the months now, through comments and emails and your book orders. I’m really glad this adventure has resonated with some of you so much and I’m thrilled you’re coming on the ride with me.
It’s been reassuring, too, to see lots of contributions coming in from Balham locals, some of whom seem really quite excited about having a bookshop on their doorstep. Here are some of their lovely comments:
I think this is a fantastic idea. Balham is crying out for a new bookshop and I'm excited to see it open. Best of luck and look forward to seeing you all set up soon.
Extremely excited that you will be next door to me. As a huge lover of books I am very excited. Xx
I’ve lived in Balham for 12 years and I am delighted to learn that we’re getting an independent bookstore. Thank you for being brave and good luck!
And perhaps most striking of all…
Good Luck. Balham needs you.
It’s so lovely to know that, 27 years after Amazon first started selling books online, there remains such genuine enthusiasm for physical books in a real bookshop at the heart of a community. I only hope I can live up to the expectations of the great people of Balham!
We’re just under halfway to the £20,000 target, so I could still do with as much help as I can get! I’d be so grateful if you are able to chip in anything towards the cost of all those bookcases. Here’s the link.
Either way, see you in the shop soon!
Thanks so much,
Tom