I love independent bookstores. I’ve talked about my favourite before on the blog; The Cut-Price Bookstore in Helmsley! But a close second is Barter Books in Northumberland. It’s slightly different as it’s a much larger, second hand bookstore in a building that used to be a railway station. Even if you’re on a book buying ban, if you’re near I recommend a visit just to have a look around and take in how booky and beautiful it is! … I did buy some books too though.
There is a little train that goes over tracks around the top of bookshelves since it’s an old train station. It’s a lovely touch and it’s charming to be browsing, hear the train coming around and look up to see it pass.
There are two fires burning away that you can sit, read and relax in. And a little cafe in what used to be the waiting room where you can sit and get a cup of tea.
Barter books is not the kind of store that you go in with a list. It’s a browsing store. But I thought I’d have a look for the second Mistbourne book by Brandon Sanderson and found Steelheart, the first book of the Reckoners series
. It was one of those free iBook of the week deals, probably about a year ago, and I read a chapter or two and loved it- it’s about a radio host and we all know I have a soft spot for radio host books- but I’m not a big fan of reading on my phone so I was glad to get a physical copy. Again, it was £2.20 and I’m thrilled to finally have this book.
And a mug to join my collection. Cats and books are two of my favourite things so this was a given.
Imogen's Typewriter. 
