I’ve always loved book shops, I used to read a lot on the train when I worked in London and could spend my entire lunch hour browsing in them, completely lost in this world of stories and possibility. There were always so many books I wanted to read but there were never enough hours in the day, even if a delayed train meant I could read an extra couple of chapters.
But it was only recently I realised why I loved them so much. My children had a World Book Day token they wanted to spend and so we found ourselves in Waterstones. Apart from the endless volumes of stories and knowledge, I suddenly realised why I love a bookshop!
They are treasure troves literally filled with millions of little pieces of art.
As well as all the book covers there are gifts, jigsaw puzzles, tote bags and bookmarks, all with a beautiful or impactful design on them. So many designs and styles, bright and colourful, drawing you in, enticing you to pick them up. I’m quite old school and find books really tactile, the covers feel like silk and reading that first page of your pristine newly purchased book is always a treat.
No wonder we find it hard to choose a book if they all look so enticing! And it got me thinking about what kind of art are we drawn to? Is it the art that makes us pick up a book or the author or title?
Judging a book by its cover has a whole new meaning when you realise you actually want to hold this piece of art instead of reading the story!
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