Buchhandlung Storm

Langenstrasse 11, Bremen

Storm is a bookstore with over 125 year of history.

Like many bookstores, this one is designed with dark colours and at first glance resembles an Orell Füssli store. The size is manageable, but the assortment is very pleasant to browse. 

I found the staff very friendly. The bookseller's recommended book is really very beautifully chosen.

Heinz Strunk: A summer in Niendorf

A man named Roth takes a sabbatical of several months and spends it in an apartment in Niendorf on the Baltic Sea. There he wants to write a book about his family and makes acquaintances with locals and tourists. He also receives a visit from his daughter and Melanie, a former fling.

His prey pattern is clearly defined, but a completely different type of woman suddenly enters his life.

Roth's attitude towards almost anyone and everyone is extremely disrespectful and judgmental. I found his thought processes particularly amusing (e.g. when Melanie comes to visit for 19.5 hours and the way she eats her tagliatelle totally turns him off).

Linguistically, this book is a work of art. The novel is peppered with exceptional vocabulary.

For me, however, there was a bit too much booze and the reading adventure would have been a bit more intense in the first-person narrative form.

In addition: I would like to see a book about the everyday life of the Klippsteins. The wonderful neighbors were especially dear to my heart.

Bookshop: 

****

Book: 

****

Press & Books

Bahnhofplatz 15, Bremen

It is always nice for travellers to find a bookstore in a train station. P&B is a mixture between a kiosk and a bookshop. Unfortunately, the shop in the railway underpass is very dark and not very inviting for browsing. However, its purpose of providing travellers with entertainment is more than fulfilled.

Linus Geschke: Die Verborgenen (the hidden ones)

The Hidden Ones is a thriller about an outwardly perfect family who have an unwanted secret inhabitant (phrogger) in their house. And this one wants to take revenge of Franziska, the wife/mother of the family. 

Strange occurrences are happening in the house. The stranger the events in their house become, the more the flawless facade of the perfect family crumbles.

Added to this is a murder case of a teenage girl who was acquainted with the family's daughter. 

The narrative style of the thriller is exciting, because the situations are written from the perspectives of each character.

For a thriller the ending is unfortunately a bit thin.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

***

Buchhandlung Fiederer

Wilhelmstrasse 19, 

Friedrichshafen 

The Fiederer bookshop is just a few steps away from the much larger RavensBuch bookshop. A completely different flair awaits you. The interior is very sober and offers plenty of space. The shop is much smaller and has a nice size.

It is totally quiet in this shop. You can subtly hear the music in the background.

The selection is limited, there is a lot about the region and the books recommended under "Reading" are often related to Lake Constance.

This bookshop seemed very masculine to me, but I felt very comfortable there. Definitely support it so that the diversity remains.

The bookseller took great pleasure in "my" choice of book.

Pirkko Saisio: The Backlight

Not read yet

Bookshop: 

****

Book: 

RavensBuch

Karlstrasse 42, 

Friedrichshafen 

One of the two entrances is on the waterfront promenade, where the Zeppelin Museum is located, the car ferry from Romanshorn and the ships to Konstanz dock.

The shop acts like a bridge. On the lake side you enter the children's section, on the centre side the section with the novels.

There are different themes on a raised floor (the bridge).

The selection is very varied and it's great fun to browse.

I loved the recommendations of the dachshund girl Walli, who also issued book recommendations. Her interests are perhaps a little biased with books such as "in 80 dogs around the world" or "Wow". She has the title of employee motivator.

The interior is beautifully modern, but for me personally there are a little too many red and orange tones. It's a lovely shop that you should visit when you're at Lake Constance.

Isabelle Autissier: Acqua Alta

Not read yet

Bookshop: 

****

Book: 

Buchhandlung Christiansen

Bahrenfelderstrasse 79, Hamburg 

A beautiful bookshop that has divided up the space very well. There are promotions at the entrance, then lots of shelves and tables with a wide variety of topics.

I liked the section with the staff picks, where each bookseller recommends several books.

What struck me in Hamburg's bookshops were the many books dealing with war and anti-Semitism.

A very worthy alternative to the nearby Thalia shop.

Herbert Clyde Lewis: Gentleman Overboard

The first thing I would like to say is that the German version of the novel is beautifully produced. For this reason alone, it is worth adding this book to your library.

However, the story about the stockbroker Henry Preston Standish is also well worth reading.

Standish is travelling with eight other passengers and the crew of a freighter. One morning, he slips on an oil slick and falls into the sea. Nobody notices his absence, at least not at first.

Standish is left alone on the seemingly endless ocean. The only people who keep him company are a group of dolphins.

At first, he comes to terms with the situation and lets himself drift on the water. But the longer and more desperate the situation becomes, the more he comes to terms with himself and his surroundings.

Will he be rescued?

A really successful novel that deals with society in particular. I liked the way the author addressed the individual reactions of the travellers on the ship. How quickly people make judgements about someone.

The epilogue is also well worth reading and I can only agree that this novel should never have been artificially drawn out, as authors often do.

Bookshop: 

****

Book: 

****

Thalia Hamburg Mercado

Ottenser Hauptstrasse 10, Hamburg 

This bookshop is located in the shopping centre Mercado. From the outside you wouldn't expect such a large selection.

This bookshop is a pleasure to visit and also has many non-book products.

There is a lack of light, which cannot be solved by the nature of the building, and it seems quite impersonal. I paid for the book at self-checkout.

Klaus Pohl: Sein oder nicht sein (To Be Or Not To Be)

The book is about the 1999 production of Hamlet by director Peter Zadek as well as the events during the rehearsals in Strasburg.

Comedies, fights, but also love stories are part of these months of rehearsals.

For example, Angela Winkler suddenly disappears and completely disrupts the rehearsals. The director didn't want to do without her, because she of all people is supposed to play Hamlet.

The last few pages describe the happy ending.

Unfortunately, I didn't like the language or the content of the book. I would call it theatre humour for intellectuals. Maybe I just didn't understand this sense of humour.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

**

Zwei Eins Drei

Grosse Bergstrasse 213, Hamburg 

It took a while before I realised why the shop was called that. It was probably based on the house number.

A small but friendly shop near the Ikea shop in Hamburg Altona.

The selection is limited, but you are welcomed at the shop window with wonderful staff picks.

Very likeable.

Jane Campbell: Cat Brushing

A beautifully crafted book with several short stories that mainly tell the stories and destinies of older women.

Mostly situations such as illness, imminent death, but also love and revenge. Nevertheless, humorous in their own way.

The stories themselves are beautifully self-contained, but these tales would unfold better in a longer novel. I often missed the "bang" at the end. Something I really appreciate in short stories.

Nevertheless, it is a pleasant read and always very nice when older people are given so much space in a book. In my opinion, they are often more exciting than those who take centre stage.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

***

BuchKultur Opitz

St. Stephans-Platz 45, Konstanz

A somewhat strange shop, even if I like the idea of the antiquarian bookshop combined with new books.

Maybe it was my first impression as I mistook two customers for the sales staff. And they were having a really strange conversation.

You could certainly get more out of this shop, especially in terms of the interior and the selection.

Maurizio De Giovanni: Zu kalt für Neapel

Up until the halfway point, I was very excited about the personalities De Giovanni has created.

First, there is Mina, the social worker, who helps all those who usually experience rejection. She is working on a matter related to a powerful family.

Whereas her ex-husband De Carolis is investigating the murder case of an elderly man whose 10 year old clever granddaughter made me curious.

Are the two cases connected?

What raised so much hope in me unfortunately ended in a mediocre ending. Too bad, especially a thriller should be exciting until the end.

Bookshop: 

**

Book: 

***

Homburger & Hepp KG

Münsterplatz 7, Konstanz 

A very nice bookshop in the old town of Constance. It has many promotions and invites you to browse. It is divided into several rooms and has the charm of an old building.

The staff is very dedicated. A bookstore where you can get advice with pleasure.

IanMcEwan: Atonement

13-year-old Briony, pubescent, dreaming of a career as a writer and thus endowed with a great deal of imagination, observes two situations in one day, which she interprets in her own way.

These observations end fatally for the families involved; first and foremost for Robbie, the son of Briony's family's cleaning lady. Not only does he make a faux pas with a letter, he is also accused of rape. Briony had identified him as the perpetrator.... Robby maintains his innocence.

He is arrested. His girlfriend Cecilia (Briony's older sister) breaks with her family and swears eternal loyalty and love to Robbie. Years of war follow.

But Briony also becomes more mature through her role as a student nurse during the difficult years of war. She realises her mistake and wants to correct the statement she made at the time.

Novels that recount wartime experiences are not among my favourite reads. However, with this book I must confess that I have rarely felt this way about a book.

Ian McEwan's narration triggered strong feelings in me. I found myself gritting my teeth as Briony, in the role of the student nurse, removed splinters from a wounded soldier's wound.

Atonement is a very powerful novel about love, jealousy, remorse and forgiveness.

Bookshop: 

****

Book: 

*****

Hugendubel

Bodanstrasse 1, Konstanz

This bookstore is located in the Lago shopping mall in Konstanz. It's worth a visit if you don't expect anything out of the ordinary.

Nevertheless, I like to visit this store because it is very spacious and the interior is very neat. I usually go there just before I get on the train and then miss the next connection because I forget the time.

John Ironmonger: The Polar Bear

This book can be seen almost everywhere at the moment. A very intelligently narrated book about climate change: I found it exciting, scary, and very close to human ignorance.

It all starts with a bet in a Cornish village between two men from two different generations who couldn't be more different. But much more than this bet will tragically bring the two closer together.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

****

Osiander

Kanzleistrasse 5, Konstanz

Osiander has a large selection on several floors.

Right at the entrance you find several shelves dedicated to the staff's personal recommendations. It was quite difficult for me to choose a book from the very diverse selection.

This store is not very nice to look at in terms of interior design. There are metal passerelles everywhere, rather reminiscent of jetties. Maybe they wanted to express the proximity to Lake Constance.

Anthony McCartén: Going Zero

Going Zero is told on the basis of a countdown of 30 days, in which 10 chosen individuals of a beta test try to go underground. Whoever manages not to get caught wins 3 million dollars. The secret service and a billionaire are behind the test.

The introduction of the protagonist is superbly done. There is a mirror in the house entrance, which on the one hand describes the atmosphere and on the other hand, the librarian Kaitlyn who looks at herself in the mirror.

However, the story takes a surprising turn when the supposedly inconspicuous librarian suddenly turns out to be a woman who is not participating in this experiment by chance and wants to find those responsible for her husband's disappearance.

The story remains exciting until the end and narrated like a film.

Bookshop: 

****

Book: 

****

Buch & Café am Andelsbach

Andeslbachstrasse 4, Laufenburg

The bookshop is located on the German side of the Rhine in the well-kept but almost deserted village of Laufenburg. There is no official at customs to check the identity papers.

The bookshop is only about five minutes away from the customs bridge and is half café, half bookshop.

It has a relatively small selection, but I was still able to spend a lot of time there because the range is very exciting and lovingly put together. 

There were no staff picks, so I grabbed the first book, which was presented right at the entrance. The bookseller is great and very engaging, but mentioned that this novel wouldn't be her first choice. After all, the book is about the region and is signed.

Petra Gabriel: Madame Codman and the Sad Countess

The bookseller did not recommend this book to me. It's understandable why that was the case.

It was on display right by the entrance. As the book mainly takes place in the village of Laufenburg, I bought it anyway. Out of curiosity.

The novel is based on a true story about the Russian woman and researcher Olga, who settles in Laufenburg in the house now known as the "Russenvilla". The story is about the life of a woman whose difficult and complicated past is brought to light.

To me, this book seems more like research than a novel, journalism rather than storytelling.

As a result, I found it less appealing. The characters didn't arouse my curiosity in any way.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

** 

Altmöller'sche Buchhandlung No1

Bindergasse 4, Lindau

Altmöller's bookshops include the Café Augustin, the Gutenberg store (see separate entries), der Club der Idealisten and this bookshop on Bindergasse.

Each of these bookshops has a focus. This one is all about health, whether in the form of cookbook or staying healthy for body and soul. There were also children's books and books for various hobbies.

The store has a very mixed feel. There is a large sofa standing around that has no other purpose than to steal space, empty wooden tables and carpets that should not be combined in terms of color. The fabric store opposite is similarly cluttered and only recommended for one customer at a time.

I also didn't find either store particularly friendly.

Monica Gutiérrez: the Fabulous Bookshop of Mr. Livingstone

not read yet 

Bookshop: 

**

Book: 

Buchcafé Augustin

Fischergasse 33, Lindau

The Buchcafé Augustin is more café than bookshop and perhaps even more cake counter than bookshop.

If you only visit it for the books, you have to be aware that you won't be able to look at the entire range because of the occupied tables and that you'll be in the way of guests at the back who want to go to the toilet. 

But the café is pretty and it smells wonderfully of cake. It's also lovingly decorated, just far too crowded.

But definitely worth a visit to at least have a coffee.

Jochen Gutsch/Maxim Leo: Frankie

not read yet 

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

Gutenberg-Laden  

Hofstattgasse 1, Lindau

A bookshop full of flair. It looks like a second-hand bookshop housed in a two-storey apartment. It's wonderful to browse through.

When you go up the stairs, there are several small rooms. It seems that the same furniture was used here as in the one on Bindergasse. It's better not to take a closer look and concentrate on the product range. I liked it much better than the other stores. This may be because the Gutenberg store focuses on literary works.

Normally I would give this store 4 stars, but the friendliness of the bookseller is really very questionable. The fact that he greeted me at all was nothing short of a miracle...

Incidentally, the Club der Idealisten (club of idealists) is located opposite. The interior, which is very reminiscent of a living room, is available to rent. The concept is great. Unfortunately, I couldn't buy a book there because I was left alone for several minutes and no one showed up, thus living up to the name...

Benjamin Myers: Open Sea

not read yet 

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

Buchhandlung Papillon

Cramergasse 16, Lindau

This bookshop is located in a corner between Altmöller'schen and the Osiander book chain. So it's not an easy constellation. 

However, I quite liked this store because the interior is very unusual. The floor is made of cobblestones and the ceiling is made of wood. It looks like a covered alleyway. Unfortunately, the lighting is very poor and the neon tubes should be replaced with a friendlier light. 

The selection is small and it seems very feminine. I was all the more pleased that a book by Erich Kästner was so wonderfully displayed.

The bookseller is very friendly in contrast to the neighbouring stores. Which clearly speaks in favour of preferring Papillon.

Erich Kästner: When I was a little boy

not read yet 

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

Buch-Insel

Krummgasse 3, Lindau

This bookshop is located in the middle of the beautiful old town of Lindau.

And the store's name lives up to its name (book island): you can visit it even at the height of summer. It's really rare, but this bookshop proves that you can keep the temperature cool even in older buildings. The store is a wonderful size with a garden and a very dedicated bookseller.

I like the note on the opening hours: Monday is closed because that's our reading day.

Perhaps it was because I've been in such packed stores before (Altmöller'sche bookshops) that I found the space here to be suboptimally used. I would make the range more unusual.

David James Poissant: Lake Life

not read yet 

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

Autorenbuchhandlung

Wilhelmstrasse 41, Munich

This bookshop is a little off the beaten track. 

The author's bookshop has been around since 1973 and one of its missions is to stand up to the big bookshops and instead offer selected quality in a personal atmosphere, a culture that I very much welcome and should be supported.

It's a small and cosy shop that could be given a lot more attention with its decoration. A bit cramped to be able to browse properly. There are no staff picks, but the bookseller recommended me the below mentioned book in a very friendly way.

Nele Pollatschek: Kleine Probleme (Little Problems)

It's the last day of the year. Lars usually, or actually always, puts things off. But that was about to change on this very day. His wife and children are travelling and he wants to complete his list by the time they return.

A funny idea in itself, written in a relaxed way, but unfortunately not at all my humour or a style that appeals to me.

I was glad when it was finally New Year.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

**

Bücher Lentner GmbH

Marienplatz 8, Munich

The bookshop is located on the beautiful Rathausplatz in the heart of Munich. You would expect something different from the outside. The shop is old (not beautifully old), but the wooden floor crackles wonderfully underneath the feet. The sales area on the upper floor has almost less choice than the staircase area. 

It's very cramped. There are no staff picks either. I indicated to the bookseller that I would like a recommendation. She didn't go for it. I grabbed one at the counter side where I couldn't obstruct other customers from shopping as we were all in each other's way.

Somehow bizarr this shop.

Rešoketšwe Manenzhe: Scatterlings

The book is set between the beginning of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa.

A family: mother black, father white, 2 children mulatto. And then comes the bad news that a law is being enacted that prohibits relationships between black and white people. 

Love is a crime. But another act will turn the life of the man and the older of the two children upside down in an instant: The mother sets a fire and takes her younger girl with her to her death. 

Together, the father and the older girl flee to Southern Rhodesia, where they stay with a former friend along the way.

The book begins impressively, describing the problems in South Africa in terms of interpersonal relationships and circumstances. The problems of the mother, who searches for her roots in Africa and does not find them, are told well at the beginning.

Unfortunately, the novel drifts off again and again as stories and rituals, as well as tales from the mother's diary, take over. Perhaps it didn't touch me either, as I don't believe in such things.

Unfortunately, I wasn't particularly moved by this book. A pity, as it would have had great potential. Perhaps the author should have stuck to the initial storytelling. It seems to me that the story wasn't thought through enough and sometimes she tried to pack too many things into one novel rather than focussing on the essentials.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

***

Buchhandlung Lehmkuhl

Leopoldstrasse 45, Munich

The bookshop is located on the busy Leopoldstrasse and is arranged over several floors. The shop has a cosy yet somehow quirky feel. The shelves are either painted green or red (for the children's section). Everything looks quite strange with all the stairs. Nevertheless, good selection and staff picks right at the entrance.

It was amusing to watch the very sympathetic and dedicated booksellers. The division of labour at the checkout is fun to watch, but not the most efficient.

Olivia Ford: Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame

Jenny Quinn has been married to her Bernhard for almost 60 years when she is presented with a unique opportunity. She signs up for the TV show Britain Bakes. Baking is her passion.

She keeps it a secret from her husband, who suffers from COPD. But when Bernhard has an accident on the day of the casting, she has to tell him.

What nobody knows, however, is that Jenny has another secret...

I would describe Olivia Ford's novel as a typical women's novel. It is beautifully structured, entertaining, but somewhat predictable. Nevertheless, I was touched by the Quinns' story. It's nice to see an older couple in the role of the protagonists.

I find the German version of the book much more visually appealing than the English version.

The photo of Olivia Ford reminds me a little of the Swiss figure skater Sarah Meier.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

***

Karl Rau

Theresienstrasse 100, Munich

The bookshop is located opposite the Technical University in Munich. I was expecting a lot of specialised literature, but was proved wrong, as the selection is very wide-ranging.

The interior is somewhere between nice and not so nice. Better lighting and new floors would be worthwhile. The size is ideal for a bookshop. 

Extremely friendly, even if I had to wait a long time at the till. No staff picks. However, I was told that the novel listed below was highly recommended.

Sylvie Schenk: Maman (Mother)

This book contains exactly the two things I don't like to read about: War and disease. 

Nevertheless, I found it worth reading because it is very raw and well written. Just like the times used to be: grey and gloomy, just difficult during the war.

Sylvie Schenk talks about her French mother and her life, her mother's relationship with her father, which was basically not a relationship. But how much does the author really know about her mother? How close was she to her? I had the impression that there were too many gaps in this book and these gaps also seem to me to be between mother and daughter. I also felt that there was no common thread in this novel.

Linguistically, it is nevertheless very impressively told, somehow French, despite the German language. 

There are moments that were clear in my mind's eye and I was almost part of the action. Especially at the beginning of the book.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

***

Texxxt Buchhandlung

Sendlingerstrasse 24, Munich

When I walked in, I asked myself whether this very young staff was legally allowed to work at all.

This shop is absolutely weird. The ground floor is quite small (maybe that's why the staff are so small too), then it goes down into the catacombs - the fourth flight of stairs almost collapsed under me (perhaps a subtle hint that I should lose weight). You wouldn't expect this kind of chaos in a shopping street like Sendlingerstrasse. In the staircase area there are children's books, almost all of which are shelved far too high for a child to look at. On the lower floor, directly under the stairs, there was a HUGE box of deficiency copies for half the price. The shelves are also labelled with scraps of cardboard. A huge mess behind the counter. Absolutely brilliant!

There were no staff picks, so I fished a book out of this mega box.

Wonderful jazz music played in the background.

Shaun Bythell: Confessions of a bookseller

Shaun Bythell, the owner of Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop the Bookshop in Wigtown, has written a truly amazing book about his everyday life in the bookshop.

Funny, likeable and thoroughly Scottish!

I hope that, thanks to his books, people will be a little less stingy when they enter a bookshop (whether second-hand or new). Now that almost all record shops have disappeared, we as consumers must prevent the same fate from befalling the many wonderful bookshops.

I sometimes regretted while reading it that I hadn't read the original version but the German one. It seemed a bit carelessly translated in places (with a few typos - and I don't mean the passages in which Granny was quoted).

It's actually a bit contradictory that I bought this book of all things for half the price. After all, I didn't haggle and paid cash.

Bookshop: 

*****

Book: 

****

Buchhandlung am Obertor

Obertorstrasse 7, Radolfzell

The bookshop is located in a beautiful old building in the charming centre of Radolfzell. The shop is labyrinthine, inviting with its many seating areas.

Finally a bookshop with white shelves. If the lights were better and the green carpet exchanged with parquet, it would be a really beautiful shop.

For me, it's the ideal size for a bookshop. The selection is also very extensive and selected with love. There are lots of children's books and beautiful wrapping paper and notebooks.

Maria Borrély: Mistral (Sous le vent)

As a rule, I prefer to read novels in the original language. Perhaps I should have done the same with "Mistral" (Sous le vent). 

Maria Borrély's story is full of poetry, emotional and indeed highly topical descriptions of nature. Of course, love is not missing either. Such texts often seem a little kitschy in German. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful testimony to the times and a great rediscovery of this extraordinary writer.

Marie's tragic love sometimes lacked depth for me. Perhaps it was because the author gave more space to the descriptions of nature and people.

Nice epilogue by the translator Amelie Thoma. It brings the reader a lot closer to the author.

Bookshop: 

****

Book: 

***

Jona Christliche Buchhandlung

Seestrasse 48, Radolfzell

There are also Christian shops in the wonderful world of bookshops.

The one in Radolfzell catches the eye of passers-by as it has postcard stands in front of the entrance and there are usually people standing around it.

The bookshop itself has a very limited selection and, as you would expect, specialises in Christian books.

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't have much to do with religion and faith. Nevertheless, I felt very comfortable in this bookshop. The bookseller is extremely friendly. 

Regina Neufeld: Die Kraft Deiner Geschichte (the power of your story)

I found the book a personal challenge. As a completely unbelieving and non-religious person, I tried to immerse myself in these 191 pages.

I am happy for everyone who finds support in their faith, but it seems a little too easy for me to simply put deeds and words into the mouth of a god without any evidence.

Regina Neufeld is certainly a wonderful person who, thanks to her God, has been able to draw strength from her experiences, which she now passes on to others.

In her book she mentions again and again how much she likes stories, but I find them lacking.

Unfortunately, it didn't reach me at all.

Bookshop: 

**

Book: 

*

Buchhandlung Rupprecht

Hegaustrasse 17, Singen 

It's worth stopping off in Singen on the way home to visit the Rupprecht bookshop.

A wonderful shop with a great selection on two floors. The interior is beautiful with country house parquet flooring, lots of light and bright shelves. There is also plenty of space to browse and sit down.

Perhaps not ideal if there is only one person there on a Saturday. The customers were slightly annoyed as they had to wait quite a long time at the checkout. I found it amusing to watch.

Sosuke Natsukawa: The Cat Who Saved Books

An antiquarian bookshop is at the heart of Rintaro and his grandfather's business. When his grandfather dies, Rintaro is asked to move in with his aunt. But a few days pass before then, during which the boy looks after the bookshop. The school speaker Sayo keeps him company and a relationship begins between the two.

One day, a cat appears that can talk and asks Rintaro for help. Books were in danger and needed to be saved. Rintaro embarks on several journeys into fantastic worlds. Will he be able to save the books?

A beautifully told story, but for me it lacks imagination and something touching.

Bookshop: 

****

Book: 

***

Inselzauber

Noorderloog 3, Spiekeroog 

An enchanting little house in the middle of the village of Spiekeroog. But you could make so much more of it, both in terms of stock and interior.

For example the counter is in the middle of the store, blocking a lot of space that could be better used.

Lina Behrens: Das Stranddistelhaus (The Beach Thistle House)

During my holiday on the beautiful island of Spiekeroog, Lina Behrens' novel was recommended to me. Perfect fit, I thought to myself.

The cover is very appealing, even if it already gives some idea of the direction the novel is taking.

The novel tells the story of three women who tell their fate during three eras and whose lives "come together" at the end. 

At times, it felt as if the novelist had looked up topics in an encyclopaedia and packaged them into her story such as Einstein quotes, Tucholsky, botany, war and almost clichéd, a female shaman. From the moment the shaman is mentioned for the first time, she had lost me as a reader and made me long for the end...

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

**

of which one star is for the cover

Buchhaus Wittwer-Thalia

Am Schlossplatz, Königstrasse 30, Stuttgart

The shop is laid out on several floors and the selection is a real pleasure to browse through. 

However, this is only recommended when the temperatures are not too high. When I visited in May (on the day of the Nik Kershaw concert), it partly felt like being in a sauna. The interior should also be renovated.

Tanguy Viel: Paris-Brest

As a rule, I prefer to read books in the original language. Tanguy Viel's novel, however, I read in German for once. 

It was 140 pages of great entertainment.

It starts on the first page, with the description of the city of Brest, which could not have been described more aptly.

The story revolves around the young Louis, his controlling mother, his money-embezzling father, a brother with a secret, an inheriting grandmother and her cleaner. And then there is the young Kermeur, the son of grandmother's cleaner. And he sets Louis on a completely new path and some trouble...

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

*****

Bücherdeele im Kaamp-Hüs

Hauptstrasse 12, Kampen

Sylt is a very suitable place for a fasting retreat and read a book.

So I also visited bookshops on Sylt.

The entrance to Bücherdeele is on Wattweg in the basement. I recommend leaving your umbrella open so that you can enter the shop dry even during or after rainy weather. It drips from above.

However, the very competent bookseller's reception is extremely pleasant. She is very interested in making sure you find the right book.

The selection is just as modest as the space available, but you can still browse through this shop.

Iris Wolff: Lichtungen (Glades)

I've seen this book displayed as a recommendation in several shops, so I'm assuming many people like or would like this novel. 

The book is beautifully done. Judging by the title, I already had the feeling when I bought it that it wasn't the kind of literary narrative that appeals to me. And I was proved right.

Unfortunately, this story about friendship and family didn't touch me at all. The novel is told backwards, without the end closing with the beginning. 

I read it as if I were in a depressive phase, letting sentence after sentence and page after page pass by without any emotion at all. I kept checking how many pages I still had to read. 

I felt a lack of suspense, narrative lightness and storytelling. 

It didn't help that the beginning describes a place in Zurich that I regularly pass by. I don't see the pictures described in this novel when I pass by.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

**

Büchertruhe

Am Tipkerhoog 3, Keitum

Do you know the German comedian Sascha Grammel? One of his characters is Josie the tortoise. And this very character works in this bookshop. Same voice, similar appearance.

My first impression of the bookshop was not particularly positive. It smelled a bit like a dog and old books and I wasn't greeted. Then, in the best Loriot manner, there was a discussion with a lady about the cheese roll she wanted to eat.

But then "Josie" spoke to me and helped me find a suitable novel. A bookseller couldn't be more likeable. I walked out bright-eyed with her recommendation.

A visit to this bookshop should be part of every visit to Keitum.

Cho Nam-Joo: Wo ich wohne, ist der Mond ganz nah

The novel is about 30-year-old Mani, who still lives with her parents. Her life is anything but easy, and becomes even more difficult when she suddenly finds herself unemployed. The family lives in a poor area of Seoul.

Even as a child, she experiences bullying, realises that she has no talent to emulate her great idol Nadia Comăneci and is constantly exploited.

Then comes the news that her neighbourhood is to be redeveloped. By chance, the family learns that the redevelopment was to be cancelled. Nevertheless, the opportunity to sell their house presents itself.

The novel is entertaining, but the author didn't manage to reach me emotionally. With novels like this, it is always possible that such themes can be conveyed better in the original language.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

***

Badebuchhandlung Rolf F. Klaumann

Friedrichstrasse 7, Westerland

The bookshop is located in the centre of the shopping mile of Sylt's main town, Westerland. The building is truly not a pretty sight. I don't like the interior decoration either, but it has a concept behind it, because it is the colours of the Sylt flag.

It's a good place to browse, although it can get a bit cramped between the shelves and tables.

I thought the bookseller was great - he is exactly in the right place. And that's why there's one more point in the rating.

Stefanie vor Schulte: Junge mit schwarzem Hahn (Boy with black rooster)

Eleven-year-old Martin is clever and, despite his young age, much wiser than the villagers. But he is shunned in the village and is even associated with the devil. 

His love is for Marie, whom he leaves despite everything and moves away with a painter. He lives through heaven and hell and is able to save people's lives thanks to his cleverness. But he never forgets someone - Marie.

A book told like a fairy tale with beautiful language such as:

They gaze up into the glittering darkness, into all this splendor that is not made for man, for he is supposed to be asleep at this time of night.

I found it a little lacking in surprises, especially towards the end of the story, which affected the rating. 

Bookshop: 

****

Book: 

***

Bücherwurm

Strandstrasse 13, Westerland

IWhen I saw the house, I had great expectations. They were not fulfilled. The shelves were beautiful, but I thought the red stone floor was terrible. The bookshop lacks charm.

The bookseller was very friendly, but unlike the other two bookshops, she only recommended crime novels.

Tess Gerritsen: Gute Nacht Peggy Sue

Tess Gerritsen is an American crime novelist who is known for series such as Rizzoli & Isles which are based on her novels.

Although not the kind of crime stories I like, I was still excited about this book.

In principle, it is exciting and pleasantly written, but for me the characters are too feminine. I didn't find the protagonists very fascinating.

At the end, she must have realised that she needed to go back to the book title. I would have included the section about this Peggy Sue much earlier. It seemed quite contrived. 

What's more, she has little or no idea about pharmaceutical companies. There are probably few to no pharma bosses who are at home at 6pm and I doubt there are pharma labs where you can step into without protection. But that's just the details...

Bookshop: 

**

Book: 

**

Buchhandlung an der Wilhelmine

Wilhelmstrasse 3, Westerland

I didn't like the bookshop near the station at first. I found the interior extremely beautiful with the wooden floor and the turquoise colour accents. I soon realised what was bothering me: it was the music, or rather the waves that were constantly playing in the background. It was really strange.

There are no staff picks, but the bookseller was very helpful in finding a good book for me. The selection is very limited. Still worth a visit..

Stephanie Holden: Queen of Fashion

Vivienne Westwood was and is the Queen of Fashion. 

In her book, Stephanie Holden summarises the artist's life in the form of a novel.

Although the book is quick and easy to read, I was still not very convinced.

The dialogues are strange and sometimes situations are told in detail, but there is no transition to suddenly appearing people and situations.

The author seemed to me to be very distant from the protagonist, even if she grew up in the punk era. 

Perhaps she should have called the novel ‘Vivienne & Malcolm’ and then worked with flashbacks.

I didn't find the last part with the climate activism very credible. Perhaps it should have been hinted at more in the early chapters that Vivienne always cycled and that it was important where the materials came from. In addition, Naomi Campell seems to me to be a somewhat dubious ambassador.

We also learn little about her children or what happened to Malcolm in the end.

The whole book seems to me to be summarised by biographies and videos, with little flair for suspense.

Bookshop: 

***

Book: 

**