World Book Day 2024 Competition

"Paperback Down delivers book subscription boxes and care packages for book-lovers straight to your door. Based in County Down, and with an emphasis on highlighting local voices and local makers as much as possible, our thoughtfully curated book boxes are designed to make it that little bit easier for you to take time out to relax and unwind with a good book while discovering something new."

COMPETITION - HOW TO WIN

This is an EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS ONLY MAILING LIST competition.  Please ensure you are signed up to our e-newsletter to take part.

Look out for our email from Tuesday 5th March and REPLY with your book choice - 1, 2, 3 or 4!  Details of all the bookish treats below.

Deadline to enter:  midnight on Monday 18th March 2024.  Good luck!

What's in your Bookish Treat Box?

• Your new book.

• Delicious honeycomb chocolate slates to indulge in as you read.

• A beautiful new tassel bookmark.

BOOKISH TREAT 1:  The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

About the book 

Natsuki Books is a tiny second-hand bookshop on the edge of town. Inside, towering shelves reach the ceiling, every one crammed full of wonderful books. Rintaro Natsuki loved this space that his grandfather had created. He spent many happy hours there, reading whatever he liked. It was the perfect refuge for a boy who tended to be something of a recluse.

But after the death of his grandfather, Rintaro is devastated and alone. It seems he will have to close the shop. Then, a talking tabby cat called Tiger appears and asks Rintaro for help. The cat needs a book lover to join him on a mission. This odd couple will go on three magical adventures to save books from people who have imprisoned, mistreated and betrayed them. Finally, there is one last rescue that Rintaro must attempt alone . . .

Why we love it… 

A magical bookshop and a talking cat…what’s not to love? The beautiful and enchanting story about finding courage and friendship in the darkest of times is a must-read for any book-lover. Translated from the original Japanese, Sosuke Natsukawa's international bestseller is a heart-warming reminder of the magic of books and the joy that can be found in the simple pleasure of curling up with a old favourite. 

BOOKISH TREAT 2:  The Watchers by A.M. Shine

About the book

You can't see them. But they can see you. 

This forest isn't charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its tree line. Mina's is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker.

As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams. Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn't reach the bunker in time.

Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers and why are these creatures keeping them imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?

Why we love it…

Set in Connemara and seamlessly blending myth and folklore into a modern-day setting, this atmospheric debut novel from west of Ireland writer A.M. Shine is the perfect book to dive into on a dark and chilly evening - though best enjoyed with the lights on. And with the film adaptation by Ishana Night Shyamalan, starring Dakota Fanning, due for release later this year, we definitely recommend reading the book before you catch the movie. 

BOOKISH TREAT 3:  The Princess Bride by William Goldman

About the book 

Beautiful, flaxen-haired Buttercup has fallen for Westley, the farm boy, and when he departs to make his fortune, she vows never to love another. So when she hears that his ship has been captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts - who never leaves survivors - her heart is broken. But her charms draw the attention of the relentless Prince Humperdinck who wants a wife and will go to any lengths to have Buttercup.

So starts a fairytale like no other, of fencing, fighting, torture, poison, true love, hate, revenge, giants, hunters, bad men, good men, beautiful ladies, snakes, spiders, beasts, chases, escapes, lies, truths, passion and miracles. 

Why we love it 

With epic adventure, cracking humour and of course, true love, it’s just inconceivable not to relish every moment of this iconic romantic fantasy from William Goldman. Written as a story within a story and constantly breaking the fourth wall, it’s a playful yet unconventional novel, layered with satire, that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. If you’ve only ever watched the movie, then it's time to discover the original inspiration behind the magic!

BOOKISH TREAT 4:  Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carre

About the book 

A Russian mole has infiltrated the British establishment - and the spymaster Smiley must dig them out...

George Smiley, formerly of the Secret Intelligence Service, is contemplating his new life in retirement when he is called back on an unexpected mission. His task is to hunt down an agent implanted by Moscow Central at the very heart of the Circus - one who has been buried deep there for years. The dogged, troubled Smiley can discount nobody from being the traitor, even if it is one of those closest to him. 

Why we love it… 

Originally published in 1974 and set during the Cold War, John le Carre’s timeless classic is arguably one of the best spy thrillers ever written. Adapted multiple times into film, radio and television, this iconic story continues to excite and enthral readers of all generations around the world. Perfect for book-lovers who enjoy getting lost in a gripping tale filled with intrigue and mystery.