Bookshops are more than just retail space; they are often the glue that holds together a disparate community from all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. They are much more than just a localised hub for literary folk and a collection point for the latest literary blockbuster.
Robbie Egan, CEO of the Australian Booksellers Association said bookshops have a ‘halo effect.’ In other words, they act as beacons.
Thuy On is Reviews Editor of ArtsHub and an arts journalist, critic and poet who’s written for a range of publications including The Guardian, The Saturday Paper, Sydney Review of Books, The Australian, The Age/SMH and Australian Book Review. She was the books editor of The Big issue for 8 years. Her debut, a collection of poetry called Turbulence, came out in 2020 and was released by University of Western Australia Publishing (UWAP). Her second collection, Decadence, was published in July 2022, also by UWAP. Her third book, Essence, will be published in 2025.
Twitter: @thuy_on Instagram: poemsbythuy
