The Post-Event Post

Last night we had one of our ladies events, and today I am bleary eyed! When you don't close the shop doors until after 11pm you have to take this as a good result! So, what do we do at these events? Laugh, drink tea, eat cake, read and discuss books.  If you couldn't join us, here's what we discussed...

We kicked off with a quote from Sinful Speech by John Flavel (one of the pocket puritan series):

How long does an idle word, or foolish jest, stick in men's minds, and become an occasion of much sin to them?  The froth and vanity of your spirit, which your tongue so freely vents among your vain companions, may be working in their minds when you are in the dust, and so be transmitted from one to another.

Hard hitting and to the point - but that's the Puritans for you. 'I need that' was the immediate cry from one of the ladies, and it was quickly snapped up.

Next book up was First Wives' Club by Clare Heath-Whyte.  The history buff present was very enthusiastic about this book - well written by another history buff, it draws lessons from the lives of 6 sixteenth century women.  With points for Bible Study at the end of each chapter, it could prove useful for ladies meetings?

We talked about the new book by Courtney Reissig called The Accidental Feminist. This takes a look at how feminism has become so prevalent in our culture that many of us have imbibed the feminist principles without question and need to re-examine the Biblical roles for womanhood.  One of the ladies was concerned that it was being counter-cultural for the sake of it.  Only having read half of it I couldn't really answer that one, but someone bought it so we're hoping for a full review next time!

A provocative quote from A Woman's Wisdom started off some more discussion...

The wild fluctuation of hormones at certain times may challenge our tolerance of others or depress our outlook, but nowhere does the Bible gives us a hormonal pass on the call to kindness, patience, contentment, joy and love.

A collective intake of breath while everyone counted to ten... and then admitted that perhaps they had at times failed on that one. The author of this book, Lydia Brownback has also written a series of smaller books On the Go Devotionals, which many of the ladies had read, so interest grew for A Woman's Wisdom, which is a more in depth look at Proverbs. Perhaps Miss Brownback had a point!

Spurgeon's Sorrows by Zack Eswine was another popular choice - with many Spurgeon lovers present and a very enthusiastic reviewer of this book who highly recommends it to all who suffer depression and their carers ('and anyone else in fact').  Spurgeon suffered severe bouts of depression throughout his life but always viewed it as a precursor to greater blessing.  To encourage he says...

Depression of spirit is no index of declining grace; the very loss of joy and the absence of assurance may be accompanied by the greatest advancement in the spiritual life... we do not want rain all the days of the week, and all the weeks of the year; but if the rain comes sometimes, it makes the fields fertile, and fills the waterbrooks.

Awaiting a Saviour by Aaron Armstong, was another that sparked off some discussion.  Poverty and sin - what is the relationship between them?  Aaron very firmly asserts that poverty is in the world because of sin, not the sin of the poor people, but original sin. The discussion ranged over a few topics, but eventually the lady who didn't like the sound of the book, bought the book to give Aaron a fair hearing - I look forward to finding out if he persuaded her to change her mind!

Now, I am not one for verbal diarrhoea, but I have been accused many-a-time of written diarrhoea so let me wrap this up!  Just quickly, some of the other books that we were discussing were...
Far Above Rubies - Lynette Clark
A Little Bird Told Me - Timothy Cross
Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full - Gloria Furman
To Honour God - The Spirituality of Oliver Cromwell - Michael Haykin
When World's Collide - R C Sproul

Whet anyone's appetite?
Lorna

Late night shopping

It's that time of year again... time for our annual 'ladies evening' at the bookshop.  Except that this year I have given up advertising it as a ladies evening because every year at least one chap manages to slip in.  The focus as usual is on the delicious homemade... oh no sorry, the focus is on our 3 for 2 offer on all children's books.  The extra benefits of late night shopping at our shop is the relaxed atmosphere for browsing, the friendly fellowship and advice, the free cuppa and of course the delicious homemade cake.  For anyone local to the shop, it is an experience not to be missed.  And the offer of getting 3 children's books for the price of 2 is certainly not one to be passed over at this time of year.  If any of our mail order customers are feeling aggrieved at not being able to come, don't worry, if you ring us during our late evening opening and make an order, we will be happy to give you the offer too.  Monday 22nd November, anytime from 7pm... put it in your diary, on your calendar, on your fridge, or even on your hand, just be sure not to forget it.
Lorna

Breathing more freely again...

Wow, it's been a crazy couple of weeks! Out of shop bookstalls, evening events, hosting school groups, baking for the events, re-organising the shopfloor to highlight special offers and talking books, books, books! I can't say I don't enjoy it, but I don't think I could quite keep up this pace all year round! (and I don't think I could expect all our loyal helpers to either - thanks everyone!) Now that I'm breathing a little more freely I have realised that the website has been badly neglected and is quite out of date. Apologies. We have had a ton of new books in to add to the chaos and I am desperate to get them on the site so that you all know about them... here's a few as a taster...
This Little Church had None by Gary Gilley, the third title in his 'This little Church' series is apparently a must-read. I really must find the time...
Amazing Conversions by John Ashworth is a reprint of his 'Life and Strange Tales', originally published by Gospel Tidings. Over the years many customers have asked for this title and it had become very scarce. So it is nice to see it available again in a nice quality hardback done by Tentmaker Publications.
Matthew Henry's Daily Readings edited by Randall Pederson. Published in a lovely quality leather bound gift edition. Matthew Henry's portions have been lightly edited and the ESV is used (which sadly I suspect may put many of Matthew Henry's fans off).
Douglas Bond's latest novel The Betrayal is based on Calvin and by all accounts is not only a good read from a fiction point of view, but a profitable read because of the amount of original content from Calvin's own works. Jeremy has been recommending this to anyone prepared to listen to him!
Who Made God? by Edgar Andrews is another one that has been flying off the shelf and is next on my own reading list. The publishers claim that it is 'a really effective riposte to the "new atheism" of Richard Dawkins and others - gently humorous, highly readable, deeply serious, razor sharp, and written by an internationally respected scientist'. I have heard many positive reviews and look forward to getting my teeth into it.
Our 3 for 2 offer on children's books has been running this week and we have decided to extend it another few weeks or as long as stocks last. Have a look at our children's catalogue, there really are some great children's books around at the moment.
Don't forget to get your orders in for the AV Block Calendar, it is selling fast this year and stock levels are getting low.
Lorna

Busy Reading...

Yes, I've been reading! I know that shouldn't be too unusual for a bookshop manager, but thanks to a few bugs kindly being passed around the family, I seem to have had a bit more 'down time' than usual and therefore more time to read. I've been working my way through the children's section - not necessarily an indication of my current mental level, but purely to make sure I am well genned-up on this section before November comes. November is our month for offers on children's books, which includes some late night openings and this year it even includes a local Christian school bringing a group of children to the shop for their English Literature trip!

I can't resist a plug here for one of the fiction books I have read this week... Guilty Verdict by Rosalie Battye. Rosalie is a self published author whose books are not well known (but should be). This book is a typical 'Famous Five' type story. A group of children determined to solve a crime get themselves into a spot of bother with the criminals but somehow still solve the mystery! Within the storyline the relativism of postmodernism is contrasted with the absolute truth of christianity (not in those terms - it might put the children off!). There are clear moral guidelines and the religious content is sound. At only £2.50 this book is a must for any children who like a good detective story.

So, put in a note in your diary. November 9th to November 14th is the week to remember. Buy 3 children's books during this week and you will only need to pay for 2 of them. The whole of the children's section will be '3 for 2'. If you are local, we are opening late on the Monday and Thursday (9th and 12th). These are officially 'Ladies nights' but blokes won't be turned away! Past years have proved these evening events to be popular - relax and talk books over a slab of cake and cuppa - we will be open from 7pm 'til late. How late depends on how much we get nattering, but beyond 10pm would not be unusual.

Now then, I must get back to 'Jungle Doctor'...

Lorna

Musings

Life has been a little busy lately, hence the lack of blogging. The 'ladies' events (at least 3 men managed to slip through the door too) went well last week. We always enjoy these events; the lighting, fresh coffee, and homebaked goodies lend themselves to a cosy atmosphere with plenty of good chat and fellowship. It was particularly good to see some new faces in the shop and we hope these new friends will come back now that they have taken that first scary step over the threshold and discovered what a friendly bunch we are! In the clear up following these events I have been reorganising things in the shop... the sale boxes have been filled up, some present ideas have been picked out, plus all the new titles that have been published just in time for Christmas are piling in and quickly finding a slot on the shelves. Hopefully, Jeremy and I will get a chance to read through some of these and blog on them.

There's still plenty of Christmas cards left for those of you who send them and also lots of 2009 calendars and diaries to suit all tastes. Don't forget, gift wrapping is free!

Now, which book shall I read first...?

Lorna

Ladies Night

Or should that be children's night? Anyway it's for ladies about children's books, hosted by ladies. It's the same November event as last year, but for 2 nights this time. The first is on tonight at 7pm - 10pm, then the next is on Thursday. Lorna is working like a trojan preparing the shop layout for it. As a man I'm strictly banned, so here I am writing about it. The great news for all comers is that a special 3 for 2 offer applies to all children's books - something to brighten up a grey Autumn evening! Even better, this offer is also on for the rest of the month for mail order customers (see website for more details) for as long as stocks last. This may not be too long... Unfortunately the homemade cake doesn't post out too well, so that's the downside for those who can't/don't turn up on the night. Our most represented publisher in the children's section of the shop is Christian Focus Publications. They have been very supportive - thumbs up to them. But we also have much more to offer in the way of sound, carefully chosen material for children and young people. Go to http://www.christianbookshopossett.co.uk/young_people.htm
Jeremy

Ladies Night - The Aftermath

I jolly well think it is 'OK to cry' for a man when you get an eyeful of this cake selection photographed at last night's women's only event! By all accounts it was a definite success - the whole evening, not just the cake. Careful planning was well rewarded. I noticed significant gaps on the shelves first thing this morning. Feedback from customers was along the lines of "It's so nice to be able to have a good look at the books without children fussing around" and "Lovely atmosphere" (I think referring to the mood lighting and friendly service) and "When are you going to do another of these evenings?" One on Sunday School / Bible study materials was specifically requested, so that is a measure in itself of how well things went, as well as a cue for the future. Lorna and her crew have been fantastic - here's a picture of her flanked by her expert advisers on the night, all exhausted but radiant!

Jeremy

1st November 2007 - Ladies Night

Well, what are men to make of a strictly ladies-only function at the bookshop? I feel left out: left to put the children to bed whilst they natter on about children's books (allegedly). No wonder rumblings of discontent have been heard from other quarters as well. Church leaders have even voiced suspicion, and this unrest has undoubtedly been increased by leaked details of the homemade cakes being provided. I can only hope that good sense will prevail amongst the men, and the ladies will not be forced into a lock-in situation! At least I should be well placed to get hold of leftovers next day, even if I have to hunt around the bookstands to find fragments...
Male griping aside, it promises to be a great evening. Bargains like 3 for 2 offers can't be passed over. If you're female, want to get your hands on quality children's books, and live north of Watford Gap, then 21 Queen Street, Ossett, WF5 8AS is the address to put in your Sat-Nav system to get to on Thursday evening from 7pm.
Jeremy

Shop Repaint

External painting. I knew that it needed doing, but hoped it might go away if I ignored it. But on taking a closer examination of the state of the window sills, I realised that it wouldn't, and that because of my neglect more repair work was required than I had supposed. Thankfully a helping hand at just the right time has propelled us towards completion of the work within this week. I now just need to paint the door and it's job done thanks to the heroics of Lorna's Dad (who won't thank me for broadcasting his good deeds.) No vast change to the colour scheme though, so you'll still recognise us - a lighter grey all round, with a black (but hopefully not forbidding) door. We get so much dirt thrown up by the traffic on the road outside that even before the paint has chance to dry it looks dusty, hence the logic that grey shows it least! I admit a black door will show the dirt more, but we probably need to keep it cleaned more frequently anyway to give more welcoming signals out! Of course the shop will need to look spick and span inside and out for the ladies night coming up shortly - ask Lorna for details of how you could come and take advantage of superb deals on children's books.

We were granted a fine though cold day today, as you will see from the photo. Yes, the grey is the finished look and not another undercoat! Like it? Loathe it??

Jeremy