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!

Lydia

I like to read in transit, especially trains. I am less likely to leave the house without my telephone, keys and wallet than without a book. I love reading in busy cafes with plenty of coffee and chocolate cake, tilting the book covers down and watching other customers trying to guess what I’m reading out of the corner of my eye.

I enjoy lyrical writing; books where the language is exotic and palpable. I usually go for style over plot. A book for me must have a unique, evocative sense of place. Like Juliette, I’m not a big fan of the full-circle plot or the happy ending, unless it’s ironic but I do like a bit of humour, a bit of poignancy, a bit of emotional insight.

Ed

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