Harbour Books is in the popular seaside town of Whitstable, Kent, just a couple of streets from the sea, and has been open for 25 years. “We try to bring the community together with our events. We often host book launches and discussions with our wonderful local authors and they support us in turn. We also have a monthly poetry and prose night called Words on Waves,” says bookseller Olivia Rosenthal. “Aside from books, we sell cards, games, stationery – and marbles, which both our children and adult customers love to collect.”

Top five sellers

•Normal People Sally Rooney
•The Whitstable High Tide Swimming Club Katie May
•Disappearance at Oare Julie Wassmer
•The Sportsman
Stephen Harris
•Reservoir 13 Jon McGregor

Five recommendations

•Conversations With Friends Sally Rooney
“This debut novel by a brilliant new writer is so insightful as it examines the way people’s words make us feel.”
•Elmet Fiona Mozley
“Mozley writes so beautifully, truly evoking the taste and feeling of being outside. Our favourite from last year’s Booker shortlist.”
•Crudo Olivia Laing
“Radical, raw and restless, but three words don’t cover the brilliance of Laing’s novel. A must-read for anyone who feels the unending claustrophobia of these times.”
•The Lesser Bohemians Eimear McBride
“A powerful, finely crafted novel about an intense love affair between an actor and an Irish drama student in 90s London.”
•Sabrina Nick Drnaso
“This graphic novel about the haunting ripple effect of a traumatic event is both superbly written and drawn. A crucial read.”

Harbour Books, 21 Harbour St, Whitstable CT5 1AQ; harbourbooks.org