Latest Events in West Kirby(September Updated)

We're incredibly excited to announce that best selling author, Elizabeth Day will be joining us to celebrate the publication of her latest novel, One of Us! We'll be at West Kirby United Reformed Church (Meols Drive, CH48 5DA) on Wednesday 1st October, 7pm, when Elizabeth will be in conversation about the book, before answering questions from the audience and signing copies of One of Us. Tickets are £8 standard admission or £24 including a copy of One of Us (rrp £18.99). Additional copies of One of Us and Elizabeth's other books will also be available for sale on the night. Tickets are non-refundable and if you can't make the event and would like to reserve a signed/ dedicated copy of the book, do get in touch! West Kirby United Reformed Church is a short walk from the bookshop, on the corner of Meols Drive. It is fully wheelchair accessible but if you have any further queries regarding accessibility please do get in touch - hello@thewestkirbybookshop.com - and we'll be very happy to help. We're really looking forward to welcoming Elizabeth to West Kirby and hope you can join us! About One of Us : 'I practically murdered this book in an evening I loved it so much. The Party is a terrifying, hilarious, brilliantly written original with a wit to die for.' --- Phoebe Waller- Bridge 'One of Us is intelligent, darkly humorous and brilliantly written. It is a story for our time.' --- Stanley Tucci 'Funny, sharp, sophisticated, this is Elizabeth Day’s writing at its finest.’ --- Dolly Alderton ‘The thinking person’s thriller. Part Highsmith, part Waugh ... A superbly gripping plot with a gimlet-eyed interrogation of class, privilege and power in modern Britain.’ --- Lucy Foley 'A tantalising portrait of privilege and power.'--- The times 'A well-paced slow-burner of a literary thriller. Think Donna Tartt’s The Secret History or Alan Hollinghurst’s The Line of Beauty. A gripping page-turner.' --- Observer In the inner circle, where can you hide a secret? Martin and Ben were friends for decades — best friends, Martin would have said — before the terrible events at Ben’s 40th birthday party tore them apart. So when Martin receives a surprise invitation back into the inner sanctum of the dazzling Fitzmaurice family after seven years of silence, he can’t resist the chance to get his revenge. Ben has risen through the ranks of power, and is now touted as the next Prime Minister. But Martin can’t help but notice certain flies in the ointment… Ben’s wife, Serena, for instance, whose privileged existence is beginning to feel like a gilded cage. Or their daughter, Cosima, an environmental activist fighting against everything her parents once stood for. Or the disgraced MP Richard Take, determined to make his big comeback. And then there’s Fliss, the Fitzmaurice black sheep, whose untimely death sparks more suspicion than closure. Through their intertwined stories, we see a family – and a nation – unravelling under the weight of its secrets. With everyone watching, the stage is set for a reckoning. It's time for Martin and Ben to confront what love truly means when everything—family, power, and loyalty—is on the line. About Elizabeth Day: Elizabeth Day is the award-winning author of five novels and four works of non-fiction, including her Sunday Times bestselling novel Magpie, hit memoir How to Fail and instant number 1 Sunday Times bestselling work of non-fiction Friendaholic. She is also the creator and host of the chart-topping podcast How To Fail With Elizabeth Day and founder of Daylight Productions, whose recent shows include How To Date and How To Write A Book, which has been nominated for Best Podcast at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. Information Source: The West Kirby Bookshop | eventbrite

We're incredibly excited to announce that best selling author, Elizabeth Day will be joining us to celebrate the publication of her latest novel, One of Us ! We'll be at West Kirby United Reformed Church (Meols Drive, CH48 5DA) on Wednesday 1st October, 7pm, when Elizabeth will be in conversation about the book, before answering questions from the audience and signing copies of One of Us . Tickets are £8 standard admission or £24 including a copy of One of Us (rrp £18.99). Additional copies of One of Us and Elizabeth's other books will also be available for sale on the night. Tickets are non-refundable and if you can't make the event and would like to reserve a signed/ dedicated copy of the book, do get in touch! West Kirby United Reformed Church is a short walk from the bookshop, on the corner of Meols Drive. It is fully wheelchair accessible but if you have any further queries regarding accessibility please do get in touch - hello@thewestkirbybookshop.com - and we'll be very happy to help. We're really looking forward to welcoming Elizabeth to West Kirby and hope you can join us! About One of Us : 'I practically murdered this book in an evening I loved it so much. The Party is a terrifying, hilarious, brilliantly written original with a wit to die for.' --- Phoebe Waller- Bridge ' One of Us is intelligent, darkly humorous and brilliantly written. It is a story for our time.' --- Stanley Tucci 'Funny, sharp, sophisticated, this is Elizabeth Day’s writing at its finest.’ --- Dolly Alderton ‘The thinking person’s thriller. Part Highsmith, part Waugh ... A superbly gripping plot with a gimlet-eyed interrogation of class, privilege and power in modern Britain.’ --- Lucy Foley 'A tantalising portrait of privilege and power.' --- The times 'A well-paced slow-burner of a literary thriller. Think Donna Tartt’s The Secret History or Alan Hollinghurst’s The Line of Beauty. A gripping page-turner.' --- Observer In the inner circle, where can you hide a secret? Martin and Ben were friends for decades — best friends, Martin would have said — before the terrible events at Ben’s 40th birthday party tore them apart. So when Martin receives a surprise invitation back into the inner sanctum of the dazzling Fitzmaurice family after seven years of silence, he can’t resist the chance to get his revenge. Ben has risen through the ranks of power, and is now touted as the next Prime Minister. But Martin can’t help but notice certain flies in the ointment… Ben’s wife, Serena, for instance, whose privileged existence is beginning to feel like a gilded cage. Or their daughter, Cosima, an environmental activist fighting against everything her parents once stood for. Or the disgraced MP Richard Take, determined to make his big comeback. And then there’s Fliss, the Fitzmaurice black sheep, whose untimely death sparks more suspicion than closure. Through their intertwined stories, we see a family – and a nation – unravelling under the weight of its secrets. With everyone watching, the stage is set for a reckoning. It's time for Martin and Ben to confront what love truly means when everything—family, power, and loyalty—is on the line. About Elizabeth Day: Elizabeth Day is the award-winning author of five novels and four works of non-fiction, including her Sunday Times bestselling novel Magpie , hit memoir How to Fail and instant number 1 Sunday Times bestselling work of non-fiction Friendaholic. She is also the creator and host of the chart-topping podcast How To Fail With Elizabeth Day and founder of Daylight Productions, whose recent shows include How To Date and How To Write A Book , which has been nominated for Best Podcast at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. Information Source: The West Kirby Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us for an enchanting evening with Fiona Williams at The West Kirby Bookshop as we celebrate the publication of her debut novel, "THE HOUSE OF BROKEN BRICKS". We are honored to have Fiona Williams, the winner of the prestigious 2021 Bridport Prize, Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award, with us on Wednesday 20th March at 7pm. During this captivating event, Fiona will read excerpts from her remarkable novel, "THE HOUSE OF BROKEN BRICKS", which has been selected as our January Book of the Month. Delve into the deep truths about loss and love as Fiona discusses her heartfelt portrayal of family relationships, grief, and the possibility of hope. Be prepared to be moved by this clever and poignant tale of acceptance, healing, and the power of new beginnings. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Fiona during a Q&A session and have their copies of the book signed. And to make your evening even more enjoyable, complimentary drinks will be provided upon arrival. Tickets for this extraordinary event are priced at £5 for standard admission or £17, including a copy of "THE HOUSE OF BROKEN BRICKS". Don't miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable literary experience at The West Kirby Bookshop, located at 6 Grange Road, West Kirby, CH48 4HA. Please note that tickets are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend the event but would like a signed or dedicated copy of the book, please inform us via email at hello@thewestkirbybookshop.com. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of "THE HOUSE OF BROKEN BRICKS" and discover the magic that lies within brokenness. Secure your tickets today and embark on a truly inspiring journey with Fiona Williams.

Experience an exclusive evening with journalist and writer Claire McGlasson at The West Kirby Bookshop in West Kirby on May 7th, 2024. Celebrate the paperback release of her novel, THE MISADVENTURES OF MARGARET FINCH. Claire will captivate the audience with readings from her book, engage in a discussion with Jordan from the bookshop, answer audience questions, and sign copies of her novels. Set in 1938 Blackpool, THE MISADVENTURES OF MARGARET FINCH follows the journey of Miss Margaret Finch as she uncovers the truth behind a national scandal, all while navigating her own challenges. Claire McGlasson, known for her debut novel THE RAPTURE, promises an evening filled with literary depth and historical intrigue. Tickets for the event are priced at £6.13 for standard admission and £13.70 including a copy of the book. Upon arrival, guests will be treated to complimentary drinks. For those unable to attend, signed/dedicated copies of the book can be arranged by emailing hello@thewestkirbybookshop.com.

Experience an unforgettable evening of songs and music presented by the esteemed Wallasey Choir at St Andrews West Kirby in West Kirby on May 17, 2024. Join in the harmonious melodies and captivating performances in the company of the talented members of the Wallasey Choir. This event promises a delightful opportunity to reconnect with cherished friends and immerse oneself in the enchanting world of choral music. Secure your tickets for this enchanting evening for just £8. Don't miss the chance to witness the Wallasey Choir in action at this exclusive event.

Join the esteemed West Kirby Bookshop in West Kirby as they host the Merseyside launch of Kaliane Bradley's captivating debut novel, THE MINISTRY OF TIME. Taking place on Monday, 20th May 2024, at 7 pm, the event will feature Kaliane in conversation with author Alice Slater, followed by a book signing session. Described as "fast moving and riotously entertaining" by the Observer, THE MINISTRY OF TIME has garnered high praise from literary figures such as Eleanor Catton, Max Porter, and Kate Mosse. Set in a near-future England, the novel follows the story of a civil servant tasked with monitoring Commander Graham Gore, an 'expat' from 1847, as they navigate the complexities of time-travel. Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at £21.28, including a copy of the book, themed merchandise, and a complimentary drink. Immerse yourself in a world where love, history, and the future collide at The West Kirby Bookshop, located at 6 Grange Road, West Kirby, CH48 4HA.

Experience the enchanting performance of the renowned Crosby Gilbert and Sullivan Society as they grace the stage at St Andrews West Kirby in the beautiful city of West Kirby. This event, scheduled for June 15, 2024, is a rare opportunity for the community in Wirral to witness firsthand why this society is celebrated for their magical performances. Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies and witty storytelling that have made Gilbert and Sullivan productions beloved worldwide. Secure your tickets for just £8 and prepare to be transported to a world of music and theatre that will leave you in awe. Don't miss this chance to be part of a truly unforgettable evening of entertainment at St Andrews West Kirby.

Join the esteemed author, Ingrid Persaud, at The West Kirby Bookshop in West Kirby on June 25th for an exclusive evening to celebrate the launch of her latest novel, "THE LOST LOVE SONGS OF BOYSIE SINGH." Experience an unforgettable reading and discussion by the award-winning author, followed by a Q&A session and book signing. This epic tale follows the lives of four remarkable women intertwined by the enigmatic gangster Boysie Singh. Hear their stories of love, struggle, and survival in this gripping narrative. Ingrid Persaud, known for her Costa First Novel Award-winning book "Love After Love," presents a narrative that combines depth, charm, and authenticity. Tickets for this event range from £7.21 to £22.38, offering an evening of wonder, danger, and insight. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of Ingrid Persaud's captivating storytelling at The West Kirby Bookshop.

Explore the captivating world of documentaries at the upcoming Documentary Club event in West Kirby. Held at the Black Lodge Brewery Taproom, located at 3 Banks Road, West Kirby, CH48 4HD, this event is scheduled for October 4, 2024. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking films for a ticket price of £7.21. Join fellow enthusiasts in a night of enlightenment and discovery at Documentary Club.

Don't miss the upcoming RISE & VIBE RUN CLUB event in West Kirby at Little Eye Coffee on 24 Banks Road. Lace up your running shoes and join fellow enthusiasts on March 16, 2025, for a refreshing run. This event is free to attend, providing a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and embrace a healthy lifestyle. So mark your calendars and be part of this invigorating experience.

Join us on Wednesday 30th April at 7pm, when we'll be joined by the critically acclaimed author of Detransition, Baby , Torrey Peters, to celebrate the publication of her latest book, Stag Dance. Torrey will be reading from the book, before being in conversation, answering questions from the audience and signging copies of Stag Dance . This event is being held at West Kirby Grammar School, Graham Road CH48 5DP , a short walk from the bookshop. Tickets are £8 standard admission or £22 (including a copy of Stag Dance ), and there will be a fully licensed bar for drinks and refreshments, on the night. Please note that this event is non-refundable, but if you can't make the event and would like a signed/ dedicated copy of Stag Dance , do get in touch. We look forward to seeing you there! About Stag Dance : A 2025 Book to Watch in the Guardian, Irish Times, BBC & Rolling Stone! 'As innovative, insightful, funny, and confronting as we've come to expect from Peters' work.' --- Independent, Best Books to Look Out for in 2025 'Hot, heartbreaking and thrillingly victorious.' --- Miranda July 'Potent and surprising and takes no prisoners.' --- Carmen Maria Machado 'Torrey Peters is truly a writer like no other. In Stag Dance , she weaves astonishing connections between nature and violence, masculinity and vulnerability, womanhood and constraint, love and betrayals.' --- Shon Faye 'A brilliant literary kaleidoscope. Peters shatters the familiar in four bold and imaginative tales, each powerful enough to reshape our understanding of transness and where we find it.' --- Nicola Dinan Trans life past, present and future is explored in this kaleidoscopic follow-up to the Women's Prize-nominated Detransition, Baby . Deep in the forest, a group of restless lumberjacks working an illegal logging outfit plan a winter dance that some will volunteer to attend as women; the broadest, strongest axeman finds himself caught in a rivalry with a pretty, young jack that culminates in jealousy, betrayal and an astonishing spectacle of transition. Meanwhile, in other times and places, the gender apocalypse is brought about by an unstable ex-girlfriend; an illicit boarding-school romance surfaces intrigue and cruelty; and a Las Vegas party weekend turns dark when a young crossdresser must choose between a thrilling mystery man or a veteran trans woman offering unglamorous sisterhood. In this quartet of tales, Torrey Peters' keen eye for the rough edges of desire reveals fresh possibilities. Acidly funny, boldly inventive and breathtaking in scope, Stag Dance provokes and unsettles, inspires and delights. About Torrey Peters: Torrey Peters' first novel, Detransition, Baby won the PEN/ Hemingway Award 2022 and was shortlisted for the 2022 National Book Critics' Circle John Leonard Prize for best first book. A Times Top Ten bestseller, it was longlisted for the 2021 Women's Prize for Fiction Information Source: The West Kirby Bookshop | eventbrite

The West Kirby Bookshop are delighted to host an evening with the acclaimed, best selling author, Robert Macfarlane. Join us at West Kirby Grammar School on Thursday 8th May, 7pm, when Robert will be in conversation about his forthcoming book, Is A River Alive ? before answering questions from the audience and signing copies of the book. Tickets are £8 standard admission or £30 including a copy of Is A River Alive ? West Kirby Grammar School will also be running a fully licensed bar, with a selction of soft and alcholic drinks available for purchase on the night. Is A River Alive? is one of our most anticipated books of 2025, and we're thrilled to be celebrating its publication in West Kirby. Please see below for further information. We look forward to seeing you there! About the event: This event is being held at West Kirby Grammar School, Graham Road, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 5DP. The venue is a short walk from West Kirby train station, with many local bus links too. If you are driving to the venue, please be mindful of the residents who live on Graham Road and avoid obstructing driveways. Doors will open at 6:45pm for a 7:15pm start. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and if you have any specific accessibility requirements, please do get in touch in advance. Please note that the book & ticket bundle price is only available in advance of the event, however there will be copies of Is A River Alive? (RRP £25) and Robert's other books for sale on the night. This event is non-refundable, but if you can't make the event and would like to reserve a signed copy of Is A River Alive ? please do get in touch. About Is A River Alive?: 'One of the big publishing events (if not the biggest) of 2025 – a new book by Robert Macfarlane . . . Personal as well as political, it’s almost as certain to shift readerly perspectives as it is to be a bestseller .'― Observer 'A rich and visionary work of immense beauty. Macfarlane is a memory keeper. What is broken in our societies, he mends with words. Rarely does a book hold such power, passion, and poetry in its exploration of nature. Read this to feel inspired, moved, and ultimately, alive.' ― Elif Shafak From celebrated writer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book – which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title. At its heart is a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings – who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept. The book flows first to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened by goldmining. Then, to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way. And finally, to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river – the Mutehekau or Magpie – is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign. At once Macfarlane’s most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers – and always has . About Robert Macfarlane: Robert Macfarlane is internationally renowned for his writing on nature, people and place. His bestselling books include Underland , Landmarks , The Old Ways , T he Wild Places and Mountains of the Mind , as well as the book-length prose-poem, Ness. His work has been translated into more than thirty languages, won many prizes around the world and been widely adapted for film, music, theatre, radio and dance. He has also written operas, plays, and films including River and Mountain, both narrated by Willem Dafoe. He has collaborated closely with artists including Olafur Eliasson and Stanley Donwood, and with the artist Jackie Morris he co-created the internationally bestselling books of nature-poetry and art, The Lost Words and The Lost Spells . As a lyricist and performer, he has written albums and songs with musicians including Cosmo Sheldrake, Julie Fowlis and Johnny Flynn, with whom he has released two albums, Lost In The Cedar Wood (2021) and The Moon Also Rises (2023). In 2017, the American Academy of Arts and Letters awarded him the E.M. Forster Prize for Literature, and in 2022 in Toronto he was the inaugural winner of the Weston International Award for a body of work in the field of non-fiction. He is a Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Information Source: The West Kirby Bookshop | eventbrite

T.M. Payne (Tina) was born in Lee on Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wife, Susie, who she works closely with on her novels. Tina is the best-selling author of the D.I. Sheridan Holler series, set in Liverpool. Her debut novel, LONG TIME DEAD was published in April 2024 and went to number one in Crime Fiction in both the UK and Germany. The second book in the series, THIS ENDS NOW was published in October 2024 and went to number one in the UK and Australia. Tina’s third bookPLAY WITH FIRE has just been published and Tina is currently working on the fourth. Tina has spent most of her working life in the criminal justice system, starting out as a Store Detective (where she once got thrown in a river) before becoming a Prisoner Custody Officer (where she once carried a prisoner out of the courtroom single-handedly, when he started hallucinating butterflies) She has been handcuffed to murderers, rapists, and one of the worst sexual predators this country has ever seen. Tina joined the Domestic Violence Unit as a Police Case Investigator. In her 14 years in that role, she dealt with thousands of victims of domestic abuse, with one of her cases earning her a Chief Constable’s commendation. Having left the police in 2019, Tina is now a full time writer. Information Source: Wirral Libraries | eventbrite

The return of our adventure of visiting the island for one day, drawing and painting and then returning for a civilised throw-down in the White Lion. We start of the day with a coffee at Toast café at the train station then walk down to beach and out to the island together. Obviously weather can change our plans there so if the event is rained off we will reschedule for the next doable weekend date and refund anyone who’s not available on that day. We haven’t done this since last summer and it’s a bit of a hike out to the island so remember to bring sun cream, water and snacks and sensible clothes! We really are excited to get our jewel in the crown summer day out back (some ticket discounts are available for LIAS patrons ) Information Source: Liverpool Independent Art School | eventbrite

The return of our adventure of visiting the island for one day, drawing and painting and then returning for a civilised throw-down in the White Lion. We start of the day with a coffee at Toast café at the train station then walk down to beach and out to the island together. Obviously weather can change our plans there so if the event is rained off we will reschedule for the next doable weekend date and refund anyone who’s not available on that day. We haven’t done this since last summer and it’s a bit of a hike out to the island so remember to bring sun cream, water and snacks and sensible clothes! We really are excited to get our jewel in the crown summer day out back (some ticket discounts are available for LIAS patrons ) Information Source: Liverpool Independent Art School | eventbrite

Join us on Tuesday 26th August, when we'll be joined by the acclaimed, award-winning poet, Raymond Antrobus, to celebrate the publication of his debut memoir, The Quiet Ear . Raymond will be reading from the book, before being in conversation with writer, editor and co-host of the Backlisted podcast, Andy Miller, before answering questions from the audience and signing copies of his books. Tickets are £8 standard admission or £22 including a copy of The Quiet Ear . Tickets are non-refundable and if you can't make the event and would like a signed/ dedicated copy of The Quiet Ear , please do email us and we'll be very happy to help. This event is being held at West Kirby United Reformed Church , a short walk from the bookshop and a few minutes from West Kirby train station. The venue is wheelchair accessible and if you have any further accesibility queries, do get in touch. We look forward to seeing you there! About The Quiet Ear : 'This book left me transformed.' --- Caleb Azumah Nelson, author of Open Water 'Read this book.' --- Lemn Sissay, author of Let the Light Pour In 'Destined to become a modern classic.' --- Roger Robinson, author of Portable Paradise 'Brilliant.' --- Seán Hewitt, author of Open, Heaven A memoir. A cultural history. A call to action. Raymond Antrobus was first diagnosed as deaf at the age of six. He discovered he had missing sounds – bird calls, whistles, kettles, alarms. Teachers thought he was slow and disruptive, some didn’t believe he was deaf at all. The Quiet Ear tells the story of Raymond’s upbringing at the intersection of race and disability. Growing up in East London to an English mother and Jamaican father, educated in both mainstream and deaf schooling systems, Raymond explores the shame of miscommunication, the joy of finding community and shines a light on the decline of deaf education in Britain.Throughout, Raymond sets his story alongside those of other D/deaf cultural figures – from painters to silent film stars, poets to performers – the inspiring models of D/deaf creativity he did not have growing up. The Quiet Ear is a groundbreaking and much-needed examination of deafness. About Raymond Antrobus: Raymond Antrobus is the author of three poetry titles: The Perseverance , All The Names Given and Signs, Music ; and two children’s books: Can Bears Ski? and Terrible Horses . His work has won the Ted Hughes Award, the Somerset Maugham Award and the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award, and his poems have been added to GCSE syllabi. In 2019 Raymond became the first ever poet to be awarded the Rathbones Folio Prize for best work of literature in any genre. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2020 and appointed an MBE in 2021. The Quiet Ear is his first work of prose. About Andy Miller: Andy Miller is a reader, author and editor of books, most notably The Year of Reading Dangerously. He writes about culture for the Quietus, the Spectator, the New York Times and more. He is also the co-host of Backlisted, the UK’s most popular and influential independent literary podcast, now in its tenth year and going strong. Information Source: The West Kirby Bookshop | eventbrite

Stick Together - Collage Social Welcome to our Collage Social event! Join us at the Black Lodge Brewery Taproom in West Kirby for a laidback evening of cutting and sticking. Whether you're a seasoned collage artist or a beginner looking to try something new, come along and give it a go! All materials will be provided so just bring yourself and some inspiration. Information Source: Stick Together | eventbrite

The West Kirby Bookshop is delighted to welcome the bestselling, acclaimed writer, Sebastian Faulks to celebrate the publication of his latest book Fires Which Burned Brightly . Join us on Thursday 4th September at 7pm, when Sebastian will be in conversation with Andy Miller, before answering questions from the audience and signing copies of his latest book. Tickets are £10 standard admission or £27 including a copy of the book. Tickets are non-reufundable and if you can't make the event and would like to reserve a signed copy of Fires Which Burned Brightly , please email hello@thewestkirbybookshop.com and we'll be able to help. This event is being held at West Kirby Grammar School, Graham Road, CH48 5DP . Doors will open at 6:15pm, and there will be a full licensed bar for any alcoholic and soft drinks purchases before the talk. We look forward to seeing you there! About Fires Which Burned Brightly : ‘A lovely memoir. Charming, intelligent, inventive, full of sly humour and unexpected connection. A wonderful portrait of an age, and of a writer.’ --- Rory Stewart ‘I gulped it down . . . Utterly fascinating. This will resonate with many people.’ --- David Kynaston In Fires Which Burned Brightly , Faulks, a reluctant memoirist, offers readers a series of detailed snapshots from a life in progress. They include a post-war rural childhood – ‘cold mutton and wet washing on a rack over the range’ – the booze-sodden heyday of Fleet Street and a career as one of the country’s most acclaimed novelists. There are not one, but two daring escapes from boarding school; the delirium of a jetlagged American book tour; the writing of Birdsong in his brother’s house in 1992; and memorable trips across the channel to France. Politics, psychiatry and frustrated ventures into the world of entertainment are analysed with patience and rueful humour. The book is driven by a desire ‘to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.’ It ends with a tribute to Faulks’s parents and a sense of how his own generation was shaped by the disruptive power of war and its aftermath. Sharply perceptive and alive with a generous wit, Fires Which Burned Brightly is a work of subtle yet profound intelligence and warmth. About Sebastian Faulks: Sebastian Faulks has written nineteen books, of which A Week in December and The Fatal Englishman were number one in the Sunday Times bestseller lists. He is best known for Birdsong , part of his French trilogy, and Human Traces , the first in an ongoing Austrian trilogy. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a journalist on national papers. He has also written screenplays and has appeared in small roles on stage. He lives in London. About Andy Miller: Andy Miller is a reader, author and editor of books, most notably T he Year of Reading Dangerously . He writes about culture for the Quietus, the Spectator, the New York Times and more. He is also the co-host of Backlisted, the UK’s most popular and influential independent literary podcast, now in its tenth year and going strong. Information Source: The West Kirby Bookshop | eventbrite

We are delighted to announce that the esteemed Jacqueline Wilson will be returning to West Kirby, for the Merseyside launch of her second adult novel, Picture Imperfect. Join us on Wednesday 10th September at 7pm, when Jacqueline will be in conversation about her latest book before answering questions from the audience. The event is being held at West Kirby Grammar School, Graham Road, CH48 5DP (a short walk from The West Kirby Bookshop). Doors will open at 6:15pm. Tickets are £25, which includes a pre-signed copy of Picture Imperfect (RRP £22). Please ensure you read all of the 'frequently asked questions' below before booking your ticket. If you have any queries please email hello@thewestkirbybookshop.com. Jacqueline's debut adult novel , Think Again , was a smash hit, seeing extensive review and feature coverage in UK media, an incredibly warm and exciting response from readers across the globe, and of course, an amazing sold-out event in West Kirby, so it's an absolute treat to be welcoming her back, for what promises to be another fantastic evening! Picture Imperfect sees us return to the beloved characters from Jacqueline's novel, The Illustrated Mum , turning its attention to Dolphin Westward, now 33, living in a tiny flat, working in a tattoo shop by day and collecting her illustrated mum from police stations by night. Picture Imperfect is the glorious second outing in the world of adult fiction from one of our most loved authors. We really hope you can join us in giving Jacqueline another warm welcome to Merseyside. It's going to be fabulous. About Picture Imperfect: ‘Sorry to wake you in the middle of the night, but we have a lady here who’s not very well. She says she’s called Marigold, Queen of the Sky?’ Dolphin Westward spent her childhood as the supporting character in the story of her beautiful, wild, volatile mother Marigold. Now thirty-three, she’s painfully aware that not much has changed. She lives in a tiny flat, works in a tattoo shop by day and collects her illustrated mum from police stations by night. Dol yearns to climb out of the rut she is stuck in, but has no idea where to begin. Could gardener Lee and his daughter Ava be her chance for a wholesome family life? Or maybe a steamy romance with roguish actor Joel is just what she needs. And what about the offer from her sister Star, now a successful doctor, to move to Scotland and live with her young family? As the choices threaten to overwhelm her, will Dol fall into the role of extra in someone else’s story once again – or find the strength to forge a brand new path of her own? About Jacqueline Wilson: Jacqueline Wilson wrote her first novel when she was nine years old, and she has been writing ever since. She is now one of Britain's bestselling and most beloved children's authors. She has written over 100 books and is the creator of characters such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather. More than forty million copies of her books have been sold.As well as winning many awards for her books, including the Children's Book of the Year, Jacqueline is a former Children's Laureate, and in 2008 she was appointed a Dame.Jacqueline is also a great reader, and has amassed over 20,000 books, along with her famous collection of silver rings.Find out more about Jacqueline and her books at www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk Information Source: The West Kirby Bookshop | eventbrite

Join us on Friday 12th September at 7pm, when we'll be welcoming ecological horticulturalist, conservationist and creator of the hugely popular @nettlesandpetals Instagram channel, Jamie Walton to West Kirby! Jamie will be in conversation with Jordan from the bookshop about his first book, Nettles and Petals : Grow Food, Eat Weeds, Save Seeds , before answering questions from the audience and signing copies of the book. Tickets are £8 standard admission or £22 including a copy of Nettles and Petals. Tickets are non-refundable and if you can't make the event and would like to reserve a signed/ dedicated copy of the book, please do get in touch. This event is being held at West Kirby United Reformed Church , a short walk from the bookshop and West Kirby Train Station. The Church is wheelchair accessible and if you have any other queries in regards to accessibility, parking, or the format of the event, please email hello@thewestkirbybookshop.com and we'll be happy to help. We look forward to seeing you there! About Nettles and Petals: The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller! A compelling call to change the way we think about gardening and growing food, Nettles and Petals is the only guide you need to make your garden more sustainable. Full of essential information and inviting imagery, this accessible guide provides a holistic and ecological approach to gardening and vegetable growing. With a focus on biodiversity, soil health, and the creation of balanced ecosystems , Nettles and Petals is a must-read for any budding gardener. Join Social Media Influencer of the Year 2024 Jamie Walton and the @NettlesAndPetals community on their mission to save the wild plants in our gardens and learn how to begin growing them in your spaces in a practical way. Dig into must-know topics including: Companion planting The wonders of nettles and other weeds The importance of flowers in the vegetable garden Circular and ecological garden planning Growing guides for Jamie’s ‘top 30’ vegetables Seed saving and sowing Urban and small-scale sustainable gardening Harvesting, preserving, and sharing produce An ideal self-purchase or a gift for the green enthusiast in your life, Nettles and Petals is perfect for anyone curious about gardening sustainably. About Jamie Walton: Jamie Walton is an ecological horticulturist and conservationist, growing food, flowers, and microbes in North Yorkshire, UK. His mission is to support others on their gardening journey, regardless of their circumstances. Since founding @nettlesandpetals , Jamie has gained a global audience who share inspiring posts on gardening, conservation, and growing plants and vegetables using ecological methods. By focusing on sustainability, Jamie not only teaches people how to grow their own food but also encourages a deeper connection with nature. Join the community @nettlesandpetals . Information Source: The West Kirby Bookshop | eventbrite

We are delighted to welcome the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet to West Kirby, to celebrate the publication of her first book, The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People's History of Afghanistan . Join us on Sunday 21st September at 6:30pm, when Lyse will be in conversation, before answering questions from the audience and signing copies of The Finest Hotel in Kabul . Tickets are £10 standard admission, or £28 including a copy of the book. Tickets are non-refundable and if you can't make the event and would like to reserve a signed copy, please email hello@thewestkirbybookshop.com and we'll be able to help. This event is being held at West Kirby Grammar School, Graham Road, CH48 5DP , a short walk from the bookshop. Doors will open at 6pm. We look forward to seeing you there! About The Finest Hotel in Kabul : When the Inter-Continental Kabul opened in 1969, Afghanistan’s first luxury hotel symbolised a dream of a modernising country connected to the world. More than fifty years on, the Inter-Continental is still standing. It has endured Soviet occupation, multiple coups, a grievous civil war, a US invasion and the rise, fall and rise of the Taliban. History lives within its scarred windows and walls. Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, has been checking into the Inter- Continental since 1988. And here, she uses its story to craft a richly immersive history of modern Afghanistan. It is the story of Hazrat, the septuagenarian housekeeper who still holds fast to his Inter- Continental training from the hotel’s 1970s glory days – an era of haute cuisine and high fashion, when Afghanistan was a kingdom and Kabul was the ‘Paris of Asia’. It is the story of Abida, who became the first female chef to cook in the Inter-Con’s famous kitchen after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. And it is the lives of Malalai and Sadeq, the twenty- something staff who seized every opportunity offered by two decades of fragile democracy – only to witness the Taliban roaring back in 2021. The result is a remarkably vivid history of how Afghans have survived a half century of destruction and disruption. It is the story of a hotel but also the story of a people. About Lyse Doucet: Lyse Doucet first arrived at the Kabul Inter-Continental Hotel on Christmas Day 1988, the day after her 30th birthday. A junior BBC reporter, she was there to cover the withdrawal of Soviet troops following their decade-long occupation of Afghanistan. Today, Lyse is the BBC's Chief International Correspondent and has led BBC coverage of events ranging from the Arab Spring to the Sudanese Civil War. But she still visits the Inter-Continental Hotel whenever she is in Afghanistan. She counts many of its staff and fellow guests her close friends and here, for the first time, she tells their stories. Information Source: The West Kirby Bookshop | eventbrite