October Books.
More than just a bookshop, we’re local, radical and eco-friendly!
We are so happy to partner with the Widening Participation team at the University of Southampton, on their Reading Buddies, Books and Stories, and Shapes and Numbers schemes and enjoyed attending this year’s graduation for the pupils.
Jack and Suzanne were delighted to host the inaugural ‘Southampton Primary Reading Alliance’ meeting this month. The Alliance’s mission is to get the city's children enthused and engaged with reading for pleasure, beyond what is already happening so well in local schools.
Local is the New Global is a locally made film which champions the benefits of Doughnut Economics and Community Wealth building and October Books appear as a case study. The film was launched on 17th June at an event hosted by The Southampton Climate Action Network (SoCAN).
This June, our indie book of the month is "Purity" by Andrzej Tichý, a gripping collection of stories that was a finalist for the 2021 Nordic Council Literature Prize. "Purity" delves into the lives of characters navigating the harsh realities of modern society. From a man’s outburst on a bus to a thief finding refuge in books, Tichý presents a raw and empathetic portrayal of humanity's struggles.
Remembering Phil Collins - 31st July 1944 to 16th May 2024
We would like to invite anyone who knew Phil Collins, an October Books cooperative founder, supporter and friend, to a gathering at the shop to remember and celebrate his life. We will come together on Friday 12th July between 6 and 8pm in the October Books community space to share stories and photos of Phil and hopefully hear some of his favourite jazz music. If you have a story you would like to share or a picture of Phil you would like to bring along please drop Clare a line at clare@octoberbooks.org
Just £2 for a book?!
Did you know we have a ‘Blind Date with a Book’ shelf in the shop!
A shelf full of books wrapped up, with just the genre of the book written on the front. Come and pick up your ‘Blind Date’ book today. Who knows what great book you might get and for just £2!
Imagine an alternative election campaign…
That’s exactly what happens in Manda Scott’s most recent book, Any Human Power, which was released just after the election was announced. I have been a follower of Manda’s work since I came across the Boudicca series, which provided me with a deep insight into the ways of our ancestors. This thread is woven into the new book, which see’s grandmother Alanna passing into the Land Between, with a promise to her grandson that she will be there for him if he should ever need. Many years later Lan’s wisdom is needed more than ever to help create a new democracy.