Mr B

Team B

We thought it would be nice for you to know who you'll be speaking to when you call/email us, or when you drop by the shop. So here's us - two ex-lawyers, an ex-accountant, a fully energised ex-publishing girl, a dog and a monkey who have all set out to create the perfect place for you to buy books - and a bit about our own reading habits:

Nic Bottomley

I love savouring books really really slowly. For example it took me three months to get through Vanity Fair...although I was setting up a bookshop at the time...but even so. I really should stick to short books. I love classic travel writing, early 20th Century classic fiction and anything set in small, slightly scary, towns in America. In the dark ages, when I was a lawyer, I used to alleviate the pain by having a cheeky read at lunchtime or in a pub on the way home. But it still took me weeks to finish each book.

Juliette Bottomley

I love reading when walking Vlashka - although I do tend to veer off in odd directions. I read fiction mostly - books with strong characters and generally those without a perfect, happy ending - the more desperate, ambiguous or unresolved the better! In fact my pet hate is when they completely change the ending of a book in films to make them happy - a total cop-out. The most gripping ending to a book I've ever read must be in "Thérèse Raquin" by Emile Zola. It's unbearably agonising.

Harvey Packham

I love reading in the bath, or on trains or buses in exotic countries. Or by a fire. Or on top of a mountain. Or on a bridge. Or when it's raining outside. Or in the middle of a crowd or an uproar. Or in a theatre during the interval. Really just anywhere that's not wet, cold, or uncomfortable.

Caroline

My love for books was never really an option – my parents always encouraged me to read anything and everything, any time and any place… And my reading habits have continued in the same vein although they are now more self-motivated. I try not to go anywhere without a book since experience has taught me that every time I am bookless I find myself with some reading time. I love discovering new authors and try to keep a healthy mix of styles so any customer recommendations would be gratefully received!

Vlashka

I am the shop mongrel. I love kids. I hate the book monkey. I can't read. Sorry if I greet you over-enthusiastically sometimes. I am learning to be a calm, quiet, shop dog but sometimes it's hard. I have my Very Own Vanity Page which includes a photo of me with the Llewelyn-Bowens! Click here to view.

The Book Monkey

I am the Book Monkey, aka shelf-stack monkey, cardboard monkey, newsletter monkey, envelope monkey etc. I like reading on planes, in hotel lobbies, in taxis etc, whenever I am sent off to find books for the Country of the Month feature. Back at home I read during my weekly hour off. Luckily I read quickly. I prefer main characters who are strong and hairy.

I don't do cameras, so no image, sorry.

Ó Mr B 's Emporium Limited 14-15 John Street, Bath, BA1 2JL Open: Mon - Sat 9.30am - 6.30pm ( 01225 33 11 55 Email: books@mrbsemporium.com