I have a serious book habit. I get through several books a week. But there’s a problem: I’m a writer. I don’t earn much money.
So what do I do?
Answer: I go to charity shops, or I turn to the dark side and order my books from the used books section on Amazon.
But the guilt is getting to me.
I am the world’s worst hypocrite: I would be the first to complain if there were no bookshops left on the streets. It would be like the world being devoid of clouds or trees or birds.
It just cannot happen.
It would be too devastating.
So, from this point onward, I am going to make amends by buying one book a month from a real-life bookshop.
I know it’s not much but it’s a start. And as I earn more (note the optimism), I’ll buy more books – from bookshops I want to support, like my local Bookends in Emsworth, Waterstones in Chichester (where I spend many a drizzly lunch hour), and the amazing One Tree Books in Petersfield.
Anyone fancy joining me on my mission?
Katherine Bassford 
Great idea Katherine. I too initially thought ‘mm,not sure if I can afford it,’ but like you, would hate to see the demise of bookshops on the high street, so will give it a go, but will probably do it bi-monthly. I look forward to hearing which books you choose! x
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Thanks Jo, good to have you on board! I totally get the money thing. It really limits your options, doesn’t it? But at least, in some small way, we can show our support. Hurrah for independent bookshops!
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You have a very good point, I like this movement already. Count me in!
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Brilliant, thanks for keeping me company Mr P!
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I tried something like this a couple of times at Blackwells in Portsmouth – but failed! Pathetic! :) I will be stronger this time, I promise. Count me in! Great Post, Katherine!
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Excellent news, thanks Tom. We can do this! Stay strong!
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Don’t forget to use the local library! OK you can’t keep the books forever but the libraries need people to use them or they will close – and libraries are great in so many different ways.
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Totally. I love my local library. Last time I went in there I got out loads of books on insects to help me research my children’s book. I would never have wanted to buy all those books. Hurrah for libraries too :-)
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Yes, that’s a decent challenge to accept. The last books I bought were on Amazon (including your one) but I could just as well walk into Sussex Stationers on Uckfield High Street and see what’s in there.
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Fantastic, I’ll take a photo whenever I buy a book and post it on here. Maybe we could have a collage of all our photos? Happy people buying books from happy booksellers :-)
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