I'm all for books and independent booksellers so I thought I would like this book more than I did. There are some interesting stories about some of the writers who have come to Burton's bookshop to read, there are lots of shorter tidbits about a variety of writers, which I found useful for considering new writers to read. And especially useful is the list Burton provides at the end of each chapter with recommended titles, which she expands on at the end with recommended titles by an assortment of other independent bookshops across the country. I was reminded of writers I read years ago, like Ivan Doig and Wallace Stegner whom I'd like to read again, and others, such as Tony Hillerman and Walter Satterthwaite whom I've never read but will soon. But there was something about Burton, maybe it's her writing style, that didn't agree with me. For one thing, too many parenthetical comments; for another, the use of expressions such as "fast forward two years" to change the time of a story she's telling -- a clumsy method, in my opinion, and finally many instances of too many words when fewer would do. ( )

The strengths of this memoir iare the discussions on employee relations and behavior, the continuing search for a partner that one can live with and the trials and tribulations of author and book signing events. The weaknesses are, of course that King's English only sold new books, whcih takes away the most interesting part of the bookselling experience, and there is way too much emphasis on fiction and on the book de jour. Constant superlatives for an current author or an author's series, stretches credulity and tries one's patience. The extended chapters on censorship and book banning are important, but seemingly repetitive. The poety chapter is overly poetic. Overall, the book is an important example of coping in the new, independent, book trade. ( )

I have wanted to read this since it came out....I love books about books. It seems that the store sells primarily fiction which is of less interest than it used to be. But, I still read it. Maybe I will get there some day.... Readable and fun. Finished 17.09.19 ( )

Charming and enthusiastically written memoir of the The King's English bookstore of Salt Lake City, Utah. Betsy Burton gives us a glimpse into the life of an independent bookstore owner through her amusing anecdotes, painful life lessons, and moments with known and little known authors. Her passion for books and the people she serves are clear through her words. She writes so vividly of her partners, employees, book reps, authors, customers, and the many experiences with them. Bookselling drove her life, and you can understand why by reading this book. ( )

This book is about Betsy Burton's journey in opening and maintaining a little Indie book shop in Salt Lake City, Utah. My love of books and reading lead me to read all books about "books" and "reading". Betsy wrote such a lively and hopeful story about a book store that is well-loved by its customers and authors alike. Her passion for literature radiated throughout the story. The great pleasure I got from reading this book lead me to hunt down and read every single other book about book stores and book selling. ( )