SODBURY BOOK GARDEN - Opening September 2024!
Stephen King
Sodbury Book Garden is very much a family-run business, and as a family, we have always loved reading - that's one of the big reasons we created the bookshop! Whether it's reading for entertainment, or escapism, or to learn something new, we always have a book or two (or three) on the go at any one time!
Jasmin likes to read romance, fantasy and adventure novels, with the occasional sci-fi adventure thrown in the mix with some late night ancient history to keep things interesting. Matthew prefers things a little darker and reads thrillers and dystopia, but also likes to mix it up with educational and self-development non-fiction.
Reading with our two kids is also a huge priority for us. Their bedrooms are filled (and we literally mean filled!) with books of all types, but our eldest enjoys fantasy and adventure, and our youngest loves anything funny... or anything containing the word 'poop' (parents of boys - I'm sure you know what we mean..!)
Here's the lowdown on what we're reading right now. You never know, you might find your next favourite book down below...!
"I recently picked up ‘You Are Here’ by David Nicholls and he has made another romantic hit again! I found this book relatable and is a story of second chances, adventure and the importance of friendship. Fair warning: by the time you reach the last page, you might find yourself seriously tempted to look up walking holidays or buy a new pair of hiking boots!"
-- Jasmin
Hint: David Nicholls also wrote 'One Day' which became a hit Netflix series and a movie starring Anne Hathaway. Might be worth a read?
"I still remember the first time I picked up this book—it was what first sparked my love for prehistoric history. Most history books I had read before this one were textbooks, but this book is so accessible. As you read it you feel that you are there with Neil as he shows you the artifacts and explains their significance to the era. His passion for the subject really shows and is contagious. Great for fans of Alice Roberts and Dan Snow."
-- Jasmin
"I read Asimov's 'I, Robot' a month or two ago and was surprised how much I enjoyed it as I'm not much of a sci-fi fan. I'm currently reading 'Foundation' which is known as Asimov's iconic masterpiece and one of the cornerstones of science fiction. I love Asimov's writing style and tone; it's quite playful and doesn't take itself too seriously. Definitely one to read if you're looking for an entertaining read that shows where a lot of modern sci-fi originated!"
-- Matthew
For hardcore sci-fi fans, you have to check out Asimov's other works, including the 'Robot' series.
"I read a lot of non-fiction and my favourite type by far is self development books. Especially when starting and running a business (like a bookshop!), you run up against a lot of things that make you uncomfortable. This book is a fantastic antidote to fear and anxiety, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to make a change in their life, but is perhaps a little too anxious to make that change. Give it a go - you have very little to lose, and possibly a lot to gain!"
-- Matthew
"The Strangeworlds Travel Agency" by L.D. Lapinski
"We discovered this in our local library and our daughter, Alyce, was drawn in by the blurb - "There are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right suitcase." A good metaphor for a bookshop, no? We enjoyed reading this as much as the kids enjoyed listening to it! Recommended for fans of magic, adventure, and travel!"
-- Matthew and Jasmin
Look out for other books in the Strangeworlds series including 'The Edge of the Ocean' and 'Secrets of the Stormforest'.
"Goram and Ghyston the Bristol Giants" by Oliver Rigby & Illustrated by Tom Bonson
"We discovered this book about a year ago in another bookshop and it has sparked our youngest, Christopher's imagination something fierce. It's a story about two giants who hollow out the Avon and Severn rivers, creating the iconic Bristol landscape. Now any time we cross the Avonmouth Bridge, we inevitably get 'that's what Ghyston made!' from the back of the car. It's a well-written, well-illustrated children's picture book that as a family we've enjoyed sharing with the kids and using as a hook to learn about our fascinating local area!"
-- Matthew and Jasmin
"This book was given as a gift a few years back and it continues to keep giving. A beautiful non-fiction book written in a story style and wonderful pictures which makes it easy for children follow. It shows 50 different nature stories that happen throughout the year that we may not notice in our busy lives. Although a children’s book, it has taught me some new things and when the children have a nature question, we get out the book and almost always find out something new. This book is definitely a winner for nature lovers! "
-- Jasmin
Keep an eye out for Rachel Williams' new book ‘Patience’ out 15th August.