Welcome to this week’s news, reviews, and ‘all-things-books’ latest from the team at Waterstone’s Ballymena!
This week’s Top 10 bestselling books…
1. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
2. We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
3. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
4. Jonty Gentoo by Julia Donaldson
5. Guinness World Records 2025
6. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
7. Moscow X by David McCloskey
8. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore
9. Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
10. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Saturday Storytime…
Our next Saturday Storytime session will take place on Saturday 5th October at 12pm. We will be reading Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Join a plucky little penguin on the journey of a lifetime, in this fabulous new picture book from superstar author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Julia and Axel are the team that have created picture book favourites such as The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog.
New Releases…
• Simply Jamie: Fast & Simple Food by Jamie Oliver
From a spicy paneer and veg squash bake to a hot and crispy ice cream parcel, Jamie delivers a stunning collection of mouthwatering recipes that place the emphasis on ease, accessibility and maximum flavour.
Simply Jamie is currently in our half price offer and is £15.00 until Wednesday 2nd October.
• Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Two brothers navigate the turmoil and joy of love after the passing of their father in this breathtaking novel from the hugely acclaimed author of Normal People and Conversations With Friends.
We have an exclusive edition which has an exclusive short story.
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson is back in this highly anticipated, brand-new adventure to follow the number one bestseller, Chalice of the Gods. The original hero. A brand new adventure.
Book Clubs…
• Adult Book Club
Our next Adult Book Club will be on Thursday 3rd October at 7pm. The book we will be discussing is Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton.
Everyone is welcome to come along for coffee, cake and lots of book chat.
• Sci-fi Book Club
Our next sci-fi/fantasy book club will be on Thursday 17th October at 7pm.
The book we will be discussing will be The Briar Book of the Dead by A.G. Slatter. Everyone is welcome to come along.
• Children’s Book Club
Our next children's book club will be on Sunday 20th October at 2pm.
The book we will be chatting about will be Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell. This book club is suitable for children aged 8 years and up.
Jigsaws…
Some lovely new jigsaws arrived this week - they make the perfect gift!
• The World of Oscar Wilde
Step into the world of the Irish wit, poet, and dramatist Oscar Wilde. Spot scenes from all across his works, including The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Happy Prince, alongside key figures from Wilde's life as you learn about his incredible creativity and the tragic life story.
This 1000 piece puzzle includes a pull-out poster so you can spot all the characters and read their stories.
• A Book Lover's Christmas
This intricate jigsaw puzzle brings together iconic festive scenes from beloved books, poetry, short stories and fairy tales.
• Michael Storrings Christmas in Paris
Michael Storrings Christmas In Paris 1000 Piece by Galison features joie de vivre of Christmas in the snow-dusted streets of Saint Germain, Paris.