I’m a big fan of independent bookstores (and independent shops in general).  Generally, I find that the larger, more generic bookshops are rather impersonal, and though they have large quantities of books, I can rarely find the more interesting books that I’d like to buy.  That, and their prices are so often rather high.

I much prefer smaller, less-fully stocked bookshops that have an eclectic variety of books, some new, some second-hand – the kind of shops owned by people who love books, and have plenty of knowledge and enthusiasm to share.

So, I’m rather excited to see that there’s a brand-spanking-new one that’s just opened up in my ‘hood, literally ten steps away from my favourite coffee haunt.  What bliss!

It’s at 207 Main Road, Newlands (diagonally opposite Westerford School).  It’s called Folio Books and, well, you can’t miss it – it has a rather colourful exterior that certainly draws attention to itself.  I had a look around and loved it instantly!  The selection is, in my opinion, of a high calibre, with a variety of quality fiction and non-fiction and the prices are outstanding.  It’s small, but varied, and stocks everything from science fiction to body and mind, to travel books and a fun section of kids books.

I was really impressed, and will definitely be visiting them often (any excuse for one of Jaqui Daya’s heavenly double-shot-flat whites!)

Folio Books is located at 207 Main Road, Newlands.  They can be contacted on 021 685 7190.