Sales of fiction books in the UK have soared past the £1 billion mark for the first time, with readers increasingly opting for physical copies over digital alternatives. Experts suggest this trend reflects a growing desire to disconnect from screens and rediscover the joy of turning real pages.
One such story embodying this cultural shift is that of Caitlyn Payne, a former footwear fashion buyer from the US. After moving to Bearsden near Glasgow with her Scottish husband, Caitlyn’s passion for reading deepened during the pandemic, particularly while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Books became her sanctuary, with Caitlyn reading nearly 278 titles in a single year as she navigated hospital visits and chemotherapy.
Inspired by her experience, Caitlyn opened The Bookmonger in Bearsden earlier this year. More than just a traditional bookshop, the space also offers wine, cheese boards, and hosts regular book clubs and author events. Caitlyn’s vision was to create a welcoming community hub where literature and leisure intertwine.
“We run two book clubs a month and host author evenings,” she said. “It’s about more than selling books — it’s about fostering connection.” The shop also supports charitable causes, donating 100% of proceeds from one selected book each month to the Beatson Cancer Charity, a nod to the treatment centre that played a pivotal role in Caitlyn’s recovery.
The resurgence in reading is mirrored across Scotland, with book clubs seeing a 350% rise in event listings since 2020. For many, these groups provide both literary engagement and emotional support. One example is Sophie Lambert, who founded a book club in Balfron, Stirlingshire, after relocating from Glasgow. Her group now plans to launch the Balfron Book Festival this September, featuring authors like Coinneach MacLeod and Gill Sims.
Caitlyn believes the shift away from digital devices is fuelling the boom. “People are tired of screens. I hear customers say they’re done with Kindles. They want something tangible — a way to escape that isn’t scrolling or watching TV.”
With its blend of books, wine, and community spirit, The Bookmonger is proving that literature still holds a powerful place in modern life — and that sometimes, the best stories are the ones we live ourselves.
