Bailey Hill Newsletter October 2011

The weather is more like summer as we write, but with autumn only one weather front away, we are looking to reward you for your devotion to your Local Independent Bookshop with the Guardian Indie Loyalty Card - launched in the Guardian on 1st October.  And to give you some thoughts on what to buy why not come to our book launch for Wessex Diaries by  Guardian writer John Vallins. Local poet and publisher James Crowden will be here and is happily supplying cider and cheddar.  Oates and Musson will also be supplying treats to celebrate the impending opening of their cafe upstairs in the bookshop.

With Christmas in mind we also give some thought to ensuring learning can be fun with a series of books for children's science and maths (fun? surely not...).  We also include some more gift ideas and samples of our new Christmas cards.

We hope you will be inspired by our reader's review of Wuthering Heights to remind you just how good the classics are.

And finally, if you want to become a published author (or simply an unpublished one), read on for details of a series of exciting writers' workshops at Queen Camel.

The Guardian scheme to promote Independent Book Sellers

We are participating in the new loyalty scheme for Independent retailers, being run in conjunction with the Guardian Newspaper.  This rewards readers with a choice of free books once they have reached a set amount of purchases from participating Indie Booksellers. 

More details as launched in the Guardian on 1st October or online.

Events

Book Launch - Wessex Diaries by John Vallins 

 

Saturday 15th October 10 am - 1pm

A regular contributor to The Guardian’s Country Diary column, John Vallin's sketches are small gems of country life preserved not in aspic but subtle prose.  With beautiful Illustrations by Castle Cary artist, Tim Millar, and a forward by Alan Ruisbridger  the book has been very attractively produced by Frome printers Butler and Tanner and would be a lovely  Christmas present for lovers of the West Country.

Writers' Workshop

Local novelist Susan Elderkin is bringing her popular Writers Workshops to Queen Camel.  Saturday afternoon workshops on the first full week-end each month will be aimed at novice writers, those looking to shed old habits or perhaps kick start their writing after a lull. 

A series of Sunday morning surgeries will also be held to help anyone in the throes of writing a book or simply thinking of writing one.

Known for her lively and innovative approach, Susan is the author of two critically-acclaimed novels (Sunset over Chocolate Mountains and The Voices) and was named by Granta magazine in 2003 as one of the 20 Best Young British Novelists.  She has  taught on several of our top writing MAs, including Birkbeck, Goldsmith's, and Manchester.

To find out more, visit www.susanelderkin.com or call 01935 850700.

Robert Goddard Signing

Bailey Hill was pleased to host a very successful book signing by Robert Goddard.  Many of his devoted readers came to get their hands on signed copies of his latest thriller - Blood Count.  Welcome refreshments  were provided by our friends next door at Oates and Musson.

Children's Science Books

How weather works

Why do hurricanes happen? What is a tornado? Why does it snow? And are we really changing the climate?

Tackling both normal and extreme weather events using pop-ups, pull tabs and booklets, this interactive book provides useful background for Key Stage 2 geography and science. Hardback £12.99.

Feel the force

Explore mechanics, forces, sound, light, heat and other aspects of physics, with interactive novelties, fun experiments to try, and humorous comic-book style illustrations. Tackles Key Stage 2 and 3 science subjects in a fun and accessible way. Hardback £12.99.

50 Amazing things kids need to know about mathematics

50 extraordinary scenarios explore key maths concepts in a fun and lively manner that will fascinate children.  From winning the lottery to beating world records, making music to making loads of money, this book breaks down number crunching in a way that excites and entertains. Hardback £6.99.

50 Amazing things kids need to know about Science

The perfect head start for children aged 7+ to the fabulous fundamentals of science. From the bottom of the ocean to outer space, this brilliant book reveals 50 of the most amazing things that science can do. Find out what keeps planes in the air, how explorers survive in the south pole and how to stay alive if you’re struck by lightning. Hardback  £6.99.

Early Thoughts for Christmas...

Signed Books at Bailey Hill

Drop in to pick up signed copies of Sarah Raven's excellent cookery books:  Garden Cookbook, The Great Vegetable Plot and Food for Families and Friends.

Following on from his successful reading and promotion, we have a dwindling number of Robert Goddard signed copies.  Hurry to get the last ones...

Christmas cards now in (examples below) and don't forget we offer a personal shopping service - just give us details of the kind of things the person you are buying for likes and we will make suggestion.

More thoughts for Christmas...

Faber Poetry Series

Faber have brought out new editions for the Romantic Poets all attractively presented and price for Christmas at £8.00.

Virago Modern Classics Editions.

Virago have added to their Modern Classic Series with the following titles: With Good Behaviour - Molly Keane, An Enchanted April - Elizabeth Von Arnim, The Dud Avocado - Elaine Dundy, The Tortoise and the Hare - Elizabeth Jenkins and My Cousin Rachel - Daphne du Maurier.  All priced at £12.99

Again these make lovely Christmas gifts.

Book Token Winner - Customer's Book Review

 

Wuthering Heights - Emile Bronte

Wuthering Heights was first published in 1847 and is the only novel by this particular Bronte sister. Being aware of the reputation this book carries as a revered, timeless classic, it was with high expectations that I began reading.

The story is told by Ellen, a maid at a grand house, at the bedside of the poorly new resident Mr Lockwood who is occupying the house for the Winter. Told in retrospect, the musings of the maid and intimate details she reveals of the characters and the workings of a house of this era make it a compelling read. We unwittingly inhabit the role of Mr Lockwood, an outsider to the events that have taken place and increasingly intrigued by the unfolding history Ellen portrays.

A picture of two houses and the frictions between their masters and inhabitants is revealed, focusing on the troubled relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff. The young lady is the masters daughter at Thrushcross Grange, whilst Heathcliff is of a similar age yet entirely different origins, having been found on the streets of Liverpool as an infant by the master of the neighbouring house, Wuthering Heights. Their influence on one another develops into a close relationship that later becomes fractured by the tensions between their two households as well as the impact their different upbringings impose.

This is a narrative that spans many generations, and the wisdom of Ellen often proves to have affected the outcome of several key events. The book drips with frustration, angst, anguish and longing and despite the sometimes brutal characteristics of the characters they remain wavering between good and evil. Often the book takes a dark tone, with violence, graves and ghosts continually reappearing subject material. It is a love story, but one that seems doomed from the very beginning. Just as those within the pages are haunted, we too are haunted by the powerful sentiments of the characters. Set against a wild backdrop of weather-beaten moors, the emotions rise and fall with the aggression of the wind and keep each chapter as vivid and enchanting as the last.

Susie Cochrane  Thank you Susie for your review – you're reward is a Bailey Hill Bookshop £10.00 book token .

Enjoy your reading

Lynn, Sara, Claire and Alice.