Interview

John Newman has had an association with the Newham Bookshop since 1989 and has been their Children’s book buyer since 2002. He has previously been involved in the Bookseller’s Association Children’s Booksellers Group as Chair, World Book Day and the IBBY UK committees. He has judged a number of national children’s book prizes and been part of various Booktrust selection panels. John remains a keen reader and stockist of books in translation.

Can you tell us a bit about Newham Bookshop and your role there?

The shop has existed for 43 years within a very diverse London Borough. The level of diversity has contributed hugely to an ongoing focus on representing an ever changing community and a recognition of social and cultural needs. Alongside that has been a clear recognition of the importance of curating and celebrating world literature and the power and importance of storytelling. This helps connect us in so many ways as well as to help us reflect on the nature of our shared human experience as well as the things that celebrate difference.

My role has always been strongly connected to Children’s books as a buyer and someone who has a life-long interest in books for children, particularly in relation to illustration. My role more recently has widened to encompass bookselling role across both children and adult shops which gives me even greater job satisfaction.    

Who are your typical customers?

Obviously we attract regular customers who are keen readers and as Newham is changing demographically as property prices rise across London this is noticeably changing. We have always engaged with Newham’s very ethnically diverse population and our stock in both the adult and children’s shops attempts to recognise this diversity. Consequently we always try to be inclusive in our approach to acquiring stock as well as being responsive to the changing needs of the community. We have excellent relations with our local schools and they are key customer accounts. Our links to a range of partners is also key to our business particularly in relation to book events such as book launches, festivals and events which takes us out of the shop in order to sell books.  

Do you have many translated titles at Newham Bookshop?

That is a given and we have books in translation in every area of the Children’s and Adults shop be it fiction or non-fiction. We have a dedicated section for fiction in translation in the adult shop which is a personal favourite of mine and my own reading reflects this. Along with this is the value we should place on the contribution of the translator in helping us access literature from around the world.

If you had infinite space, what would you add?

An event space would be useful of course and we would obviously always welcome more shelving space although you have to be practical in terms of managing the shop as a business.

Book design has developed wonderfully this century and having more space to display books face out would be a bonus.

I have very pleasant memories of bookshops I visited in Toronto where there was space for comfortable chairs and sofas so you could browse and sample your discoveries in comfort. 

What makes a great bookshop? 

Firstly a warm welcome is essential but also an ability to recognise the needs of customers and whether they want your help or simply space and time to browse. It helps to have plenty of space and good lighting but some of my favourite bookshops are fairly cramped interiors crammed with books!

Above all, a well organised and interesting stock and people who care about books and have a good knowledge of books and writers. I think that communicating your own enthusiasm without being overbearing or in any way judgemental or prescriptive. For me personally it is the quality of the stock and a clear focus on sourcing books I might not otherwise see.

What’s the most unique or memorable thing that’s happened at the bookstore?

In July 2008 Benazir Bhutto came to the shop to sign “Daughter of Destiny: An Autobiography”. Having a former world leader meeting with and signing books for lengthy queues of local people is something I will never forget.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about running a bookshop?

Perhaps how much time is spent ensuring the shop runs smoothly and the number of routine tasks that need completing on a day to day basis. Luckily I love all aspects of the job including putting the hoover round and tidying the shelves.

What are the challenges usually faced by an independent bookstore in London? 

The ending of the Net Book Agreement which standardised book pricing was always going to be a challenge to Independent Booksellers and obviously this led to discounting in supermarkets and chain booksellers. Added to this is the emergence of on-line retailers and their impact on the perceived value of books. I have learned not to get to caught up in this and to be positive about our role within the community and focus upon the cultural capital a bookshop can provide to an area.

What’ s your earliest/best memory about visiting a bookstore as a child? Which was the first book you remember reading?

Between the ages of 9 and 11 I used to visit a bookshop a couple of miles from where I lived in East London. I would save my pocket money to purchase Armada paperbacks priced at two shillings and sixpence. The imprint specialised in publishing a wide range of children’s authors including Enid Blyton and Malcolm Saville. I also loved buying Ladybird books which were similarly priced. I am currently re-reading the work of Rosemary Sutcliff and enjoying this immensely after first encountering her books in my childhood.

Other than books from reading schemes the first book I recall reading was probably a picture book written and illustrated by Edward Ardizzone such as “Tim and the Brave Sea Captain” I have retained a life long love of his art work.

What book has made the greatest impact on you?

As a seven year old child a teacher read the Hobbit to the whole class at the end of each day. I think this really triggered a need to seek out books and a really began a lifelong process of reading for pleasure.

As an adult it would perhaps be “Pig Earth” by John Berger not just for the books impact upon me but also for the influence it has had on other writers whose work I read and admire.

What are your future plans for the bookshop?

I am in my 60’s now and still enjoying my work. Although I have reduced the number of days I work each week I aim to continue for as long as I can. My colleague Vivian Archer is a positive role model in the sense that she is still as enthusiastic about bookselling as she as ever been in her mid-70’s.

And finally, what surprised you most of your experience with NSB?

Given the number of titles under consideration I was surprised but also pleased that we reached a clear consensus about which books to shortlist. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process so, many thanks to all concerned. 

John Newman

Newham Bookshop 

September 2021