This week we’re getting to know Natasha from Book Bonding in Niddrie.
1. Tell us a little about yourself?
Before Book Bonding, I was a secondary teacher (English, History and Politics) which I loved immensely for 11 years but the afterhours corrections made life difficult to ‘switch off’. I met Mark, my husband, when I was 30 so married late but glad I did because it gave me time to kiss and discard a few ‘frogs’! He really encouraged me to follow my passion of opening a bookstore. We’ve no children of our own, though Mark has a 18yo son James who I get on well with. We recently got 2 King Charles Cavalier pups named Jasper and Chobe and are absolutely adorable. My passions apart from reading are finding treasure trove places to eat or markets to visit, theatre (writing, directing and acting), collecting teapots and travelling (having been to over 25 countries so far on African, Asian and European continents).
2. Describe your store in one sentence?
Inviting and child friendly, Book Bonding has an interesting array of adult and kids’ books plus knowledgeable, passionate and helpful staff to help you find the right book!
3. What do you sell?
Children’s books – from young bubs through to teens, adult fiction, plus a good range of adult non-fiction such as biographies, cookbooks, family, etc plus other non book related gift ideas. We also hold five adult bookclubs, host author events, and sell to local schools.
4. What do you love most about what you do?
Interacting with passionate readers and novice readers, listening to what they’ve enjoyed or sharing what I have just read, helping someone find the ‘right’ book, creating our monthly newsletter, reading proof (prior release) copies of new books that you know everyone is going to love, or just gossiping about book related things!
5. What are 3 of your favourite authors or books for kids?
Oliver Jeffers – his illustrations are divine and he always has an interesting take on a story.
Lauren Child – from her younger reader Charlie and Lola series to her older reader Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort books – she has a wonderful humour and way of storytelling.
Classics such as Enid Blyton’s Enchanted Wood series or Roald Dahl’s funny stories – they never lose appeal and the stories are always well loved
6. What’s one item you can’t live without?
My passport and a good book – that way I can travel anywhere!
7. Favourite place to shop for yourself?
I love Venus Day Spa, Ascot Vale if I want indulgent beauty treatment, anywhere that sells Devonshire tea, T2 (I collect teapots) or otherwise farmer’s markets are so fun and full of surprises
8. If you weren’t running the store what other job would you like to do?
Working overseas teaching English or in an orphanage, or proof reading novels for a publisher – getting paid to read!
You can visit Book Bonding at 409 Keilor Rd, Niddrie or visit them online at www.bookbonding.com.au
