The Chuffed Store Book Club: Spring

There’s no greater pleasure than being completely lost in a book. Escaping into a different world of characters, a different time in history, a new corner of the world. It calms the mind, feeds the soul and there is always something to learn. We have asked our makers to recommend their latest favourite reads. We hope you feel inspired..

In Memorium by Alice Winn 

‘A deeply moving but brilliant romantic novel set in the harrowing scenes of the first world war. I was gripped.’ Millie Cowie, The Chuffed Store

Persuasion by Jane Austin 

‘I’ve just recently re- read Persuasion for the 1000th time. It’s my very favourite Austen novel’ Sue Barry, Notch Handmade

Food of the Cods by Daniel Gray

‘Such a funny and cosy read about the history and culture of fish and chips! Makes you instantly want to go and get fish and chips (and a battered mars bar)’ Lilly Hedley

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

‘I read “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow”  this year and looooved it! One of those I didn’t pick up because I didn’t want it to end. I was surprised by how enthralled I was throughout, considering you’re dropped into a world of video games (something I’m deeply uninterested in!).’ Eve Williams, Ede

Notes From Walnut Tree Farm by Roger Deakin 

For the last six years of his life, Roger Deakin kept notebooks. In them, he wrote his daily thoughts, impressions, feelings and observations about and around his Suffolk home, Walnut Tree Farm. Collected here are the very best of these writings, capturing his extraordinary, restless curiosity about nature as well as his impressions of our changing world.

‘Why We Swim’ Bonnie Tsui 

This is a joyous meditation on our innate connection to water and a true celebration of the wonders of swimming.

‘I was given these two non fiction books by friends and both are brilliant!’ Zoe Lynne, Wool Gatherers 

The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn

‘A story of a bohemian creative family. The writing is evocative and captivating. I think it is destined to become a classic. I loved it from the first few pages. 10/10’ Rebecca Cowie Ceramics

How To Quit Fast Fashion by Emma Mathews

‘This book was my lockdown project, published in 2020 it offers 100 tips on small things we can all do to have a more sustainable wardrobe. Nothing preachy, some of the things you’ll already be doing, others are there to spark the fire to have a go. My favourite tip is number 99; learn to darn, as I’m on a mission to re-teach the lost art of darning.’ Emma Mathews, Socko

Meet Me At The Museum by Anne Young

‘I found it to be such a comforting read, nothing too heavy. The relationship the characters build over a shared subject is really beautiful. It feels very personal as it is written through the medium of letter writing. It’s a good easy read for any history nerd!’ Sara Farrag-Kramer, Kano

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a love story that sort of goes wrong. Set in New York, with parties, drinking, and art you take a deep dive into the intricacies of a relationship. Pretty much every character is flawed and infuriating, but you can’t help but root for them anyway.’

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

‘Cloud Cuckoo Land is a story about a story, imagined and influenced by what remains of ancient greek novels. Spanning multiple centuries it has romance, fable, spaceships, libraries, AI and war and all the characters and themes are wonderfully woven together. It completely captivated me from start to finish’ Emily Sinclair, Studio ERS

A Working Her Dispensary: Respecting Herbs As Individuals by Lucy Jones

‘I am loving this at the moment’ Saskia Marjoram, Saskia Flower Essences

Strangers I know by Claudia Durastanti

Following a girl who grows up without a common language with her parents, Strangers I Know weaves a mesmerising tale out of chaotic family communications, a household split between a small Italian village and New York, and the question of how we really become who we are.

‘The novel read like poetry, with each paragraph offering a beautiful and unique perspective on the world / people / relationships.’ Birgit Toke Tauk Frietman and Robyn Smith, Folde

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

‘I loved The Bee Sting, it is an epic tale weaving the lives of a rural Irish family who are seemingly conventional until you dive deeper. It is immersive and intricate, I haven’t read anything like it!’

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

‘Big Swiss is a quirky tale of love, loneliness and secrets. It centers on Greta, an audio transcriber who becomes enamoured with ‘Big Swiss’ – one particular client who she hasn’t met until a chance encounter in a local dog park… I found it silly, sharp and salacious! ‘ Holly Elder