An amusing book about a writer and bibliophile who moves with his young family to Hay-on-Wye, Wales, a town with 40 book stores. Well written and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. ( )

Just a delightful read.

Paul Collins, his wife Jennifer, and toddler Morgan decide to relocate to England to experience an idyllic English countryside life. But, where to go? As they both have mobile careers (he - writer, she - artist) -- they pick Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh/English border, a town of more bookstores than people.

The story is about their experience of being ex-pats (one I know well), attempting to buy a house with the bizzare English estate system, and live and work in town without driving a car. ( )

“Sixpence House: Lost in a Town of Books” is a refreshing first person account of life in Welsh (UK) town – a book town – perhaps THE quintessential used book town. Wonderful anecdotes highlighting the contrasting American and British worldviews. Multitudinous quotes from very obscure books. Recommended for all who love browsing for used book treasures. ( )

Quick read that I enjoyed, chuckled at some funny bits, wrote down titles/authors. Sometimes I get tired of hearing things like, "Why do you read so much?" or "You've read everything!" and it can be nice to read about people who would never even think of saying such nonsense. ( )

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/3... ( )