One of the fringe benefits of reading blogs is that it satisfies my curious nature. I'm one of those people who is compelled to invent a backstory for complete strangers, based on the contents of their shopping trolley. And there's nothing I like more than people watching in railway stations, airports, cafes, just about anywhere really.
Sometimes, I have a brief encounter with somebody and I have to restrain myself from bombarding them with intrusive questions, because they have intrigued me in some way. Nicola Beauman is one of those people.
She is the founder of Persephone Books and I encountered her when Alice took me to a lunch event at the Persephone Shop. Nicola gave an introduction to Jane Brocket's talk on The Domestic Arts and I have remained intrigued ever since. Mainly about what leads someone to develop such impeccable taste.
Now, it seems, there may be an opportunity to find out more, because Nicola is coming to Mostly Books in Abingdon to talk about the founding of Persephone (and hopefully much more). Tuesday July 8th at 7.30 pm. Grab your diaries if you can make it - you can contact the shop to reserve a ticket. Or let me know and I'll do it for you. We could do drinks afterwards. I may even be persuaded to do a personalized taxi service from Didcot station.
If you're very very lucky, you might even be allowed to touch our 'Nibbie' award for the New Bookshop of the Year. 
Do you have any idea how much I like my job?
Hmmmm Didcot you say. How much are the tickets?
Posted by: Gemma | 21 May 2008 at 15:03
What wonderful opportunities are coming your way. I am very impressed by Persephone books and your meeting the founder is awesome.
Posted by: June | 21 May 2008 at 15:39
Oooh, I'm going to note that date down. Can't say whether or not I'll be able to 'do' it - depends on contact dates - which have not yet been finalised.
Looking forward to the blog you write afterwards, even if I don't get there! x
Posted by: Kitty | 21 May 2008 at 16:28
Oh, man! I miss out on a lot by being on this side of the pond. :(
I first read about Persephone books on several blogs, and was very impressed. I just received my first catalogue and copy of the Persephone Biannually. Wish I could be there!
Posted by: Katherine | 21 May 2008 at 16:37
(why doesn't your blog remember my address? EVER? and yes I tick the box, everytime. Julie's blog is the same... umph)
anyway... OH YES PLEASE!!! please reserve me a ticket and I'll send you a cheque... for the taxi service too...
can't wait.
Posted by: monica | 21 May 2008 at 19:29
Do you have any idea how close I am to jumping on a train? Unfortunately it's impossible without a Tardis. Mind you, if I arrived in the Tardis David Tennant would be inside and then I might not want to get out ...
Have a fab time!
Posted by: dottycookie | 21 May 2008 at 20:28
I went to a talk about Persephone at the Cheltenham Lit Fest last year and fell in love with the books - the endpapers, the covers and the fact that they are all 'forgotten' books makes them so special (and that's before you've read the actual contents!).
Enjoy!
Cathy XX
Posted by: pinkgreen | 21 May 2008 at 21:18
So nice to read about how much you enjoy your new job. I have just started a little part time job myself. It's in a fabric shop and I get to talk to people about making beautiful things with some really gorgeous fabrics. It's hardly what I call hard work!
Posted by: Allison | 22 May 2008 at 10:37
Sounds lovely - wish I could join you!
Posted by: louise | 22 May 2008 at 14:36
Oh to be surrounded by books! I don't think I'd get any work done, I'd be telling the customers 'could you just wait while I finish this bit'
Posted by: thimbleina | 22 May 2008 at 16:33
Oh. {Sigh.} Do you suppose your bookshop could arrange my ticket from the states? ;-)
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 22 May 2008 at 20:45
I love Persephone books - just love them and try to give them to friends for birthdays. You'll have a great time.
Posted by: Sarah Jayne | 22 May 2008 at 20:46
I read so much about Persephone in Blogland but I've yet to actually read one...I ought to put that to rights.
Posted by: dragonfly | 23 May 2008 at 09:02
I love Persephone books and wish I was nearer to Abingdon!
Posted by: Gina | 23 May 2008 at 13:04
definitely sounds like an evening not to be missed although I'll have to content myself with reading about it on your blog. It really does sound like you've found your perfect job Ali!
Posted by: julie | 24 May 2008 at 00:03
You have my dream job! How I'd love to come and listen to Nicola Beauman! I think I'm going to go to a Persephone tea party event a little nearer to where I live in June, if I survive a trip to the dentist's in the morning!
Kimx
Posted by: kim | 24 May 2008 at 08:39
I have never read a persephone book either, despite reading about them in Blogsville. I think this is a situation that needs rectifying immediately!
Posted by: anna | 24 May 2008 at 12:59
Oh why did I move to Scotland! This sounds like it will be such good fun. Well done on the award!
By the way - Typepad never remembers my details either (like Monica) and I always tick the remember box too!
Posted by: Barbara | 24 May 2008 at 19:21
Yay, you won a nibbie!
I love your job too. I am so glad to be able to experience it vicariously, even in small doses.
Posted by: Megan | 26 May 2008 at 02:17
Aren't Persephone Books great. I lost my copy of Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and lo and behold they have just reissued it. I'd love to come down to Abingdon but it's a bit far from Durham. Congratulations on your Nibbie, it looks very smart!
Posted by: gillie | 26 May 2008 at 16:57
Oh, I was so excited when I read Abingdon. We have a town nearby with that name. Imagine my disappointment when I read you're on another continent entirely.
And imagine my surprise when I saw a neighbor listed on your blogroll. It truly is a small world.
Blessings,
Deb
Posted by: Deb | 26 May 2008 at 20:25
Huh. I never realised that that's such a part of the reason that I like blogs. It's people-watching, but from INSIDE THEIR OWN HEADS.
How fun!
Posted by: Kate | 28 May 2008 at 03:38
I'm going to ring the shop tomorrow to reserve a seat - but would love to meet up with others before/after! I grew up in Abingdon but now live in Gloucester, but that's not too far away! Love, love, love Persephone Books!
Posted by: Karen | 28 May 2008 at 18:25
Hey, we've got one of those too! (Okay, we have two. Shucks.) http://www.snowbooks.com/weblog/2008/05/clink_clink_clink.html
Posted by: Anna | 06 June 2008 at 03:28