Visit Your Bookshop : Berkelouw Books @ Eumundi, Queensland

We love the Berkelouw Book Barn at Eumundi, and often make a special trip to the Sunshine Coast just to check out their great range of new and second hand books 🙂

b17 — We’re still at the front of the shop. Don’t make me tell you again … Get inside!

The Eumundi township is pretty small – but has a lot of character, a relaxed country feel and lots of places to get tasty things to eat.

We tend to default to the cafe ‘Eats Eumundi’ when we visit, however there is a cafe attached to the bookshop that we’ve frequented and enjoyed numerous times too.

b31 — Ok, you can stop for ONE coffee – but then it’s book o’clock.

If you’re after a more relaxed book-hauling adventure, I’d recommend visiting Eumundi on a non-market day.

The Eumundi Markets are hugely popular and so finding a car park can be tricksy on a Wednesday and Saturday.

A low-flying bird’s-eye view of the books. You can also use your own eyes.

b32 — The bird is still up there, although now he’s more centred.

New release books greet you (not verbally) as you walk in, along with a great selection of greeting cards (again, not verbally) and bookish merch.

b29 — Bird is descending. I repeat, Bird is descending.

So many beautiful books and cards! Why are you on the internet and not in Eumundi?

We’ve learned over the years that if we see a new release title that we’re interested in at Berkelouw Books, to pick it up – as we might not come across it at other book stores.

They’ve got a great selection and always stock interesting readables.

b24 — I stared at this, and I’d do it again!

Along with all the beautiful books, Berkelouw Books also stock a wide range of cool accessories, stationery and things you didn’t know you needed until that very moment.

b21 — Lots of tea and coffee gear, tote bags, stationery, bathroom and kitcheny things. A plethora of purchasables!

After snooping in the new release section, you can browse your way towards the back of the shop where they keep the second hand books.

b23 — You’re about half-way through the shop, and will probably go home with an illustrated copy of Harry Potter. It’s not your fault. They’re beautiful.

b30 — Love books, but your meat legs get tired? Well take a seat on this seat and browse while you rest.

Heading up into the second hand books. This is where you’ll find lots of paperback gems!

b34 — Go up the stairs properly, you don’t want to do yourself a mischief!

b28 — Stare in wonder at the range of books. You can have them ALL! You might need to buy another tote bag though.

If you’re very lucky, you might find a husband crouching amongst the stacks. You can’t have this one though – he’s taken.

Westward? Nay, good sir. I have books to buy and shan’t be dissuaded …. Yeast? Ok. I’ll pick up some yeast.

b20 — As many famous lives as you can fit into your car!

b33 — Looking back towards the front of the shop. You’ll need another coffee soon, it’s been a long day.

We last went to Berkelouw Books on 15 February 2019 (far too long ago), and this is what I got 🙂

‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is grey. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other.

b14 — Clint Eastwood? No! Read and find out that I’m right!

A second hand book, still in great condition. I have since finished reading this one! 😀 Yay! I ended up giving it 3 out of 5 stars. It was a dark, end of days read with sympathetic characters.

‘Morningstar’ by Peter Atkins

A vicious killer has claimed nearly 20 victims–all apparently unrelated, gruesomely disfigured, and neatly signed “Morningstar”. Although he is aware of the dangers, journalist Donovan Moon can’t resist a scoop–especially when he’s given confidential police information. Soon he is drawn into an arena of death and unholy power–in a search for truth amidst a whirlwind of madness and dark desire.

b16 — In hindsight they should have marketed this book with me on the cover, just kind of shrugging.

Again, this was a second hand pick. I’ve given this one a crack, but DNF’d it. I was drawn to it because of the Barker quote on the front and the promise of devilry – but I just didn’t get on board with this one.

‘Make Room! Make Room!’ by Harry Harrison

First published in 1966, Harrison’s novel of an overpopulated urban jungle, a divided class system–operating within an atmosphere of riots, food shortages, and senseless acts of violence–and a desperate hunt for the truth by a cynical NYC detective tells a classic tale of a dark future.

b10 — So many people, so many foods! At least I think that’s what this is about.

I haven’t read this one yet – still on my TBR shelf 🙂 I was drawn to it, as it sounded like an interesting dystopian read. It also inspired the movie ‘Soylent Green’ – which I haven’t yet seen.

‘Bellevue Square’ by Michael Redhill

Jean Mason has a doppelganger. At least, that’s what people tell her. Apparently it hangs out in Kensington Market, where it sometimes buys churros and shops for hats. Jean doesn’t rattle easy, not like she used to. She’s a grown woman with a husband and two kids, as well as a thriving business, and Toronto is a fresh start for the whole family. She certainly doesn’t want to get involved in anything dubious, but still . . . why would two different strangers swear up and down they’d just seen her–with shorter hair furthermore? Unless Jean stops her, she and everyone she cares about will face a fate stranger than death.

b15 — Two benches and two people? Madness!

Doppelgangers! 😀 The quote on the cover was a good draw – I like unsettling and bewildering reads. This book is also still haunting my TBR shelf. I’m still excited to read it though. Maybe in another 5 months 😉

‘A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World’ by C. A. Fletcher

When a beloved family dog is stolen, her owner sets out on a life-changing journey through the ruins of our world to bring her back in this fiercely compelling tale of survival, courage, and hope.

b25 — Love me an end-of-the-world doggo.

Dystopian dog adventure? Sign me up!

‘Blood River’ by Tony Cavanaugh

Brisbane 1999. It’s hot. Stormy. Dangerous. The waters of the Brisbane River are rising. The rains won’t stop. People’s nerves are on edge. And then… A body is found. And then another. And another. A string of seemingly ritualised but gruesome murders. All the victims are men. Affluent. Guys with nice houses, wives and kids at private schools. All have had their throats cut. Tabloid headlines shout, THE VAMPIRE KILLER STRIKES AGAIN!

b27 — I really want to squeeze this pelican.

Set in my city AND has a pelican on the cover? Shut up and take my money! I’ve had a good run with Australian authors lately, so thought I’d give this a try. Still to be read – but I’m looking forward to it …. now that I remember I own it.

Aside from books, I also bought this sweet Australia map thing. I have no idea what I’ll use it for, but it was MINE and so I took it home to think about what it could possibly do with itself.