Jimmy Buchan - this week's must read
As someone who has spent a vast amount of time in bookshops – real and virtual - I thought I had a good idea of what kinds of books people liked to read. However, there is nothing like working in a bookshop to open your eyes to the purchasing decisions people make.
I always thought it would be great to work in a bookshop – and it is. It is absolutely fascinating to watch people browsing the shelves. They pick up books, read the blurb, put them back and reach for another. And then they make a decision.
To buy or not to buy – as a writer with my own novel to sell I would love to know what the magic formula is. I know what kinds of book cover get my interest, but everyone has different tastes. And in the past I have never spent much time in the Crime section or Horror, so I am now learning just how popular some genres are. It is interesting to observe that the fantasy/vampire genre is not so in demand here as it is elsewhere.
Crime novels are really popular in Shetland, so much so that I wish I could change my name to Jo Nesbo. Mr Nesbo’s bookcovers have a strong distinctive style that demands attention, and obviously he writes a good story too, as they fly off the shelves.
Another popular book this week was Trawlerman by Jimmy Buchan, a spinoff from the television series, that seemed to be top of everyone’s father’s day shopping list. It made me wonder what it would be like to have the type of job that inspires dramas, documentaries and bestselling books. Somehow I can’t see some of the job titles on my CV such as Bookseller, Internal Auditor or Civil Servant generating such interest.
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