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. We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
2. Jonty Gentoo by Julia Donaldson
3. Diary Of A Wimpy kid Hot Mess by Jeff Kinney
4. Rathlin: A Wild Life by Ruby Free
5. I Haven't Been Entirely Honest by Miranda Hart
6. All That Matters by Sir Chris Hoy
7. Mog's Christmas by Judith Kerr
8. Obsessed by Johnny Sexton
9. Guinness World Records 2025
10. Long Island by Colm Toibin
Waterstones Book Of The Year…
This week The Waterstones Book Of The Year and Childrens Book Of The Year 2024 were announced.
The Waterstones Book Of The Year…
Butter by Asako Yuzuki
Teeming with searing insights into sexism, obsession and pleasure, this glorious Japanese cult classic revolves around a famed female chef convicted as the serial killer of lonely businessmen and a story-hungry young journalist who wishes to learn the secrets of gourmet from her.
Reviewed by Pandora Sykes, she says of Butter - “Compelling, delightfully weird, often uncomfortable… Butter will churn your brain and your stomach with panache”.
Waterstones Children's Book Of The Year…
I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery
Rebel is a good dog, and he loves his simple, perfect life on the farm with his owner Tom – until one day the war comes too close… Now Tom is determined to join the rebellion to defeat the king’s men. But Rebel knows war is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to save the human he loves. Rebel must bring Tom home before it’s too late.
"Ross Montgomery captures all that is wonderful about dogs in his characterisation of Rebel...This is a heartwarming crowd-pleaser...The effect is similar to watching a happy dog bound about like a daftie. It cannot help but cheer you up." - The Times
Saturday Storytime…
There is no storytime now until after Christmas.
Waterstone’s Christmas Evening…
On Thursday December 5th we are holding our annual Christmas evening. Join us between 6pm - 8pm for festive drinks and snacks. Booksellers will be on hand to help you find the perfect gift.
Adult Bookclub…
At 7pm, also on Thursday December 5th will be our next meeting of Adult Bookclub.
This time we will be discussing The Red Bird Sings by Aoife Fitzpatrick.
West Virginia, 1897. Young newlywed Zona Heaster Shue is found dead in her house, in what seems to have been a tragic accident. However, her mother, Mary Jane, is convinced Zona was murdered - and by none other than Zona's husband, Trout, the handsome blacksmith beloved in their small Southern town.
But when Trout is put on trial, no one believes he could have done it, apart from Mary Jane and Zona's best friend Lucy, who was always suspicious of Trout. As the trial raises to fever pitch and the men of Greenbrier County stand aligned against them, Mary Jane and Lucy must decide whether to reveal Zona's greatest secret in the service of justice. But it's Zona herself, from beyond the grave, who still has one last revelation to make.
Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you there!