Unexpected inspiration from Tiny Bookshop

Tiny Bookshop was one of my favourite games of 2025. I loved the idea of setting up a cozy little bookshop in a cute seaside town. Even more, I loved that community and friendship are a major theme of the game. It also helps that the residents of Bookstonbury seem to have endless cash for buying books. Even the kids!

Something I didn’t expect from Tiny Bookshop was how inspired I felt by the customers’ desire to learn. They will ask for a non-fiction book, any subject matter, just to learn something new.

I am primarily a fiction reader, and it never occurred to me that I could just pick up any book on any subject, just because. So I decided to do just that!

It’s been a nice way to spend some time in the evening instead of mindlessly watching YouTube.

So far, the books I’ve chosen are things I’ve had some interest in, but don’t know a lot about. Things that maybe I would have googled an article here or there, but never took a deep dive into the subject.

I thought I’d share the books I’ve selected so far, in hopes of inspiring you to do the same thing!

These are the books I’ve read so far:

1. Planting for Native Birds, Bees and Butterflies: How to create a garden that attracts Australian wildlife by Jaclyn Crupi

I decided I wanted more butterflies in my garden! Also just more flowers and nature and this book helped me gain some knowledge and a little confidence to give it a try. This one is very specific to Australia, but I’m sure there are similar options where you live.

2. The Secret Life of the Universe: An Astrobiologist’s Search for the Origins and Frontiers of Life by Nathalie A. Cabrol

This book blew my mind! I have always had an interest in space and the universe, but reading this made me realise just how little I know. I learnt so much about our universe (and beyond) and it amazes me that we are alone here among the stars, for now at least. One of my favourite facts from this book is: A day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus.

3. The Untamed Thread: Slow stitch to soothe the soul & ignite creativity by Fleur Woods

This book is so beautiful! The pages are full of colour and art and inspiration. Most importantly, among all the beauty is reminders that our creative endeavours don’t need to be perfect. That we don’t need to follow ‘the rules’. That we all have creativity inside of us, just waiting to get out. Release your inner child.

And this is what I have up next:
Just My Type: A Book About Fonts by Simon Garfield

Late last year I read this interview with Bernie Wicks (developer for Fading Serenades) and he got me interested in reading up on the history of fonts. So, I bought a book about them! I haven’t started it yet, but I’m looking forward to learning stories and titbits about fonts and how they shape our world.

I hope you give one of these a try or have been inspired to branch out to a new topic when you’re next on a hunt for a good read.