Remainders of the Day: A Bookshop Diary

The third collection of diaries from the owner and operator of the largest secondhand bookshop in Scotland. If you've read the first two, this one is exactly the same as those. More Scottish snark (both affectionate and exasperated), more records of book sales and purchases, more comments on the doings of friends and locals, a few small glimpses into what he's reading and interesting old books he's found, and a few thoughts on bookshops and booksellers.

Honestly, after three books, I still don't know quite why I enjoy these as much as I do. Why should I care about the minutia of this guy's business or his gossip about people I don't know? But I do enjoy them. There is, perhaps, something strangely pleasant and restful about just sinking show more into someone else's life for a bit, and -- for me, at least -- all the more so when it's a life surrounded by books. And Bythell's combination of sincerity and cynicism is strangely charming. show less

It’s a year or so since I discovered Shaun Bythell’s first book ‘Diary of a Bookseller’. It was a revelation - nicely written, witty, sardonic and a heartfelt love of books and the book trade. This is the third diary format penned by Shaun and it retains the same fantastic qualities of the previous two books.

It is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. Amusing anecdotes and some of the characters of Wigtown that have become ’regulars’. I think the foul mouthed ‘Granny’ or Manu is one of my favourites.

Shaun Bythell writes with feeling and passion about his love of books and his frustration with the big online conglomerates.

Who knew that there were so many people who wanted to sell their libraries? Often sim of the show more pickings are slim but trips to look at them can be an adventure.

I would really like to visit Wigtown sometime just to see the Bookshop (and the other bookshops in the town). The description of the area makes it sound attractive (in the better weather).

Shaun also mentions some of the books he reads, which are often ones I’ve never heard of; The Machine Stops by E M Forster, being one. These are good pointers for widening horizons.

Need to get there to see Captain too!

In summary. The book is excellent. The format is perfect allowing easy reading with plenty of natural breaks (day by day).

The endnote of this book is suggestive that there may be no more diary style books forthcoming. Sad. I have his other book - Seven Kinds of People You Find in Bookshops - again excellent. Fingers crossed he hasn’t stopped writing. show less

As usual, this bookshop memoir made me chuckle and yearn for a simple but full life such as that one might find in Wigtown. I actually looked up The Open Book, which is the bookstore airbnb in that town, and even though the memoir tracks the year 2016, the airbnb is still operating. If it weren't for the fact that it would do nothing for my husband, I'd probably see about booking that busman's holiday. Although, perhaps it might be a bit too "behind the curtain" to actually go there, after reading all about it. Still though, my heart beats a little harder each time I read one of these diaries. It's a lovely description of what seems like a satisfying life in the book trade. This one has a coda that makes it seem as if it might be the show more last one -- I can't be sure, but it felt a bit like an ending. I hope not, because I like to look in on Wigtown once in a while. show less

If you’ve read previous installments in Shaun Bythell’s diary series, you’ll know what to expect: a year in the life of The Book Shop that features daily tallies of online orders (and how many of the books ordered were actually found in the shop) and till takings, stories of buying books from people downsizing or processing a loved one’s estate, colourful tales from the Wigtown Book Festivals, snippets of books read, and as always lots of eyebrow-raising moments from customers. I read this book in a day and found myself rather reflective on closing the book, especially when thinking about how Shaun takes the time to go through books from estates, whether to conduct probate assessments or buy stock for himself. Knowing what is show more useful to booksellers, what can go online, and what can just be recycled may help you if you ever have to deal with the library of a loved one. show less

Shaun Bythell has quickly become one of my favorite writers. The 'characters' in his books frustrate and irritate me...mostly Nicky, Eliot and Granny, make me smile...Anna and mom and dad, and of course Captain and make me shake my head...Sandy and his women and most of the other 'regulars'.
I do hope this isn't the last of the Bookshop books as Wigtown feels very comfortable to me now and all the people there have become 'friends'. I want to hear about Shaun's children and wife, know how mom and dad are fairing and sit by the fire and watch Wigtown go by long into the future.

Another very entertaining book by Shaun Bythell and, as in his previous diaries, it is full of his very funny thoughts and anecdotes about customers, staff, friends, and family, as well as the trials and tribulations in running a bookstore. It certainly makes me want to visit Wigtown and his store, not only to shop (it sounds wonderful!) but to maybe be able to meet Mr. Bythell and some of the characters he describes.

It astounds me that a small town can support multiple bookstores, especially independent ones. I am so jealous! Except for a couple of chain-stores, my home state of Delaware really has no bookstores, which is very sad. I have to buy my books (from used or independent bookstores) via the internet. At one time I managed an show more independent bookstore here (new books, not used) so I love hearing about the day-by-day bookstore experiences.

This diary is from 2016 (not a good year in the U.S.!), so it is pre-pandemic. I only wish the diary was more recent, as he does say in his epilogue that he is now married with a child and another on the way (as of late 2022) and it would be interesting to find out how that has changed his life with his store.

I always read his books quickly and am sorry when I finish it. I will have to re-read his other books... show less

Someone else's small problems are ideal reading right now, especially on nights when I can't sleep. I miss Nicky -- Shaun, honestly, have you ever considered ASKING her what you did to piss her off? Because I absolutely guarantee it's your fault -- and I do wish Shaun's way of dealing with every one of his interpersonal problems wasn't "rub some dirt on it and wait," but it doesn't matter. Wigtown seems lovely, and so do most of the people in it.

(Also, thanks to Lincolnshire Libraries for loaning this to me. They let anyone be a member!)