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A review by katykelly
Bookshop Girl by Chloe Coles
4.0
Moran-esque paean to bookshops, a droll story about adolescence, art and taking a stand.
The author seems to have channelled Caitlin Moran for her heroine in this, though I imagine it is probably closely based on both her own life and own bookselling self. No bad thing, either of them. For anyone who loves books, this is an amusing read, though if you aren't keen on teenage protagonists it might not be your cup of tea.
Paige Turner (yes, the character's name) finds herself stepping up to face 'The Man' when her refuge, her part-time job at Bennetts' Bookshop is placed under noticed, the bosses giving the staff four weeks until it closes on the high street of their small town. Paige and best friend Holly, enthusiastic bookshop girls, vow to stop the closure.
Both friends are also keen artists, and the story moves to their college life drawing classes, leading to some funny moments. Paige also meets a boy she 'totally gets the hots for', and we meet a range of memorable secondary characters that Paige's campaign brings together.
It's a funny book for book lovers, and a good example of the 'teenage crush'. There was just one jarring moment for me, Paige's Big Speech near the end, too practiced and preachy for Paige, it didn't sound like her either.
Overall though, highly entertaining with lots of chuckles abounding. And a strong message at its heart, about our local shops and bookshops in particular.
The author seems to have channelled Caitlin Moran for her heroine in this, though I imagine it is probably closely based on both her own life and own bookselling self. No bad thing, either of them. For anyone who loves books, this is an amusing read, though if you aren't keen on teenage protagonists it might not be your cup of tea.
Paige Turner (yes, the character's name) finds herself stepping up to face 'The Man' when her refuge, her part-time job at Bennetts' Bookshop is placed under noticed, the bosses giving the staff four weeks until it closes on the high street of their small town. Paige and best friend Holly, enthusiastic bookshop girls, vow to stop the closure.
Both friends are also keen artists, and the story moves to their college life drawing classes, leading to some funny moments. Paige also meets a boy she 'totally gets the hots for', and we meet a range of memorable secondary characters that Paige's campaign brings together.
It's a funny book for book lovers, and a good example of the 'teenage crush'. There was just one jarring moment for me, Paige's Big Speech near the end, too practiced and preachy for Paige, it didn't sound like her either.
Overall though, highly entertaining with lots of chuckles abounding. And a strong message at its heart, about our local shops and bookshops in particular.