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In this episode, I chat with Paddy Screech, a co-owner of Word on the Water. Paddy shares the story of London's famous floating bookshop, housed in a 1920s Dutch barge moored along Regent's Canal in King's Cross, London.

Paddy takes us from his early days as a literature-loving boy in an agricultural school to his unlikely friendship with a "trampy-looking man with a fabulous mad collie cross dog" that would change his life forever. When these two bibliophiles partnered with a French boat owner, they created something extraordinary—a floating bookshop that would navigate London's canals, facing bureaucratic battles and financial uncertainty before becoming a cultural institution.

Far from witnessing decline, Word on the Water reveals a renaissance in independent bookselling, especially among younger readers seeking authentic connections in our digital world. Paddy shares fascinating insights about curating a tiny space that often sells as many books as major chains, the profound impact of the pandemic on reading habits, and how a floating bookshop became a vital community hub in an often isolating urban landscape.

The conversation explores the legacy of co-founder Jonathan Privett, whose daughter now continues his meticulous curation philosophy, shaped by his own extraordinary life experiences. You'll hear about their transition from secondhand to new books, life aboard a narrowboat, and the unexpected political intervention that saved them from closure.

This episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom about building a community around literature. Follow us on social media, subscribe wherever you listen, and share this episode with fellow bibliophiles who believe in the transformative power of books.

Word on the Water

The Little Prince, Antoine De Saint Exupéry

Wind, Sand And Stars, Antoine De Saint Exupéry

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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In this episode, I chat with Baker Rogers and Mattilyn Kortney, co-owners of Queer Have Books in Colombia, South Carolina.

Nestled in Columbia's historic Arcade Mall, this cozy 680-square-foot sanctuary defines queer not just as gender and sexual identity but as active resistance against all forms of discrimination. The shelves hold carefully curated collections addressing LGBTQ+ experiences alongside works on anti-racism, feminism, and social justice, creating a space where intersectionality isn't just acknowledged but celebrated.

What makes Queer Haven remarkable is how it thrives despite challenging political circumstances. While South Carolina faces potential legislation that could lead to widespread book bans, the shop has leaned into controversy by prominently featuring banned titles. "We have people come in here every day saying 'I've got to get this before it's sold out,'" Baker shares, noting the irony that censorship attempts have actually boosted interest in these books.

Beyond retail, Queer Haven functions as a vibrant community center. In its first year as a brick-and-mortar location, it hosted an impressive 160 events, ranging from book clubs and writing workshops to drag story hours and queer comedy nights.

In a world increasingly dominated by algorithm-driven recommendations and instant delivery, Queer Haven Books represents something profoundly different: human connection, thoughtful curation, and a physical space where marginalized voices are centered rather than silenced. It's not just about selling books—it's about creating community one page at a time.

This episode is brought to you by Saturn Press. Indie Bookshop owners, click here to receive 10% off your first order: www.saturnpress.us

Queer Haven Books

TJ Klune Books

Farrel Covington and the Limits of Style, Paul Rudnick

TJ Klune episode on The Bookshop Podcast

TJ Klune episode on The Bookshop Podcast

Paul Rudnick episode on The Bookshop Podcast

The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore, Evan Friss

Pen America Book Bans

The Life Impossible, Matt Haig

The Night Watchman, Louise Erdrich

Stone Butch Blues, Leslie Feinberg

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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In this episode, I chat with historian Peniel E. Joseph about his latest book, Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution.

Joseph's storytelling prowess brings James Baldwin, Martin Luther King Jn., President Kennedy, and Bobbie Kennedy to vibrant life, not as static icons but as complex humans navigating treacherous terrain.

Particularly fascinating is Joseph's exploration of the forgotten women who shaped the movement—Gloria Richardson, Lorraine Hansberry, Diane Nash—who confronted both racial oppression and patriarchal limitations within activist circles. Their stories provide crucial context for understanding today's intersectional movements.

What resonates most powerfully throughout our conversation is how the struggles of 1963 remain eerily familiar six decades later. As we witness contemporary battles over voting rights and historical memory, Joseph reminds us that reconciliation can only emerge through confronting difficult truths about our past, a lesson America is still struggling to learn.

Peniel E. Joseph

Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America’s Civil Rights Revolution, Peniel E. Joseph

Every Living Thing, Jason Roberts

The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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