About Us

We are absolutely delighted to be the new owners of Simply Books. Owning a bookshop has always been a dream, but for it to be one that we’ve been coming to for the past 20 years is even sweeter. We can’t wait to get to know you all properly, and to help with that here’s a quick introduction to each of us.

Karen

My name is Karen, though, to Jess I’m Kaz (the only person I let get away with calling me that!) and to Ben, I’m Mum. Until recently, I was a primary school teacher, something I did and loved for 12 years at local schools- primarily at Vernon Primary School in Poynton.

It has always been a dream of mine to own a bookshop, as I know it likely is of so many of you reading this, so it has not escaped me how lucky we are to be in this position. Everything about it from the smell of the books to the wonderful people, makes me feel happy. I really want to help create a warm and inviting space where everyone feels safe and welcome- with some great books, of course!

With my background, I’m also very keen to expand our links with schools, both deepening existing ones and creating new ones. Working with schools was a key part of what attracted us to Simply Books, and is a big area of our future plans. So, please do get in touch if you’re a teacher!

What I’m currently reading

They Thought I Was Dead by Peter James

Ben

My name is Ben, and I’m thrilled to say I am one of the new co-owners of Simply Books. I have had various jobs in my relatively short career, from training to be a teacher to working for a tech startup, but none more exciting than this!

I have always loved books, something that was partly nourished by Simply Books. I remember attending great events from Frank Cottrell-Boyce, to Jeremy Strong, and more. I still have my Simply Books branded notebook somewhere that I received during a creative writing workshop that I attended. The highlight of my week growing up would have been a visit to get a new book, and a stamp on my card- I absolutely loved it. For me, that is the most exciting part of this new venture. If we can inspire just one more child in the way I was, I’ll count that as a win.

What I’m currently reading

The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable (out August 2024!)

Jess

My name is Jess, and I am very excited to say I am one of the new co-owners of Simply Books.

To say I am finding saying that surreal would be the understatement of the century. I was always a big reader as a child, but like so many, I fell out of love a little with it in my teenage years. It was only after we launched How Novel, the business detailed below, that my love of books was reignited and I couldn’t believe what I was missing out on! I’m especially looking forward to helping other people rediscover their love of reading, who maybe haven’t been into the shop in a while or even picked up a book!

My first job was at my parent’s Chinese restaurant (where I did my first shift aged 13!), after which I went to university to study Psychology and Criminology. I currently work as a SEND teaching assistant at a local school, something I will be continuing as I love it so much!

What I’m currently reading

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson