Starting A New Chapter: The Origins of The Bookmonger

Starting a new chapter: The origins of The Bookmonger

Hi there! Welcome to the first official blog of The Bookmonger—your friendly neighbourhood independent bookstore and cheese bar in Bearsden, Scotland. I thought I’d kick things off by telling you a bit about how The Bookmonger came to be. Grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine), and let me share the story of how a small-town girl from America ended up opening a shop in Bearsden, Scotland. It’s a tale filled with highs and lows, rich experiences, and a deep connection to the things that bring us joy.

I grew up in Delaware, just outside of Philadelphia, in a sports loving household filled with readers.  My parents always had a book in hand-my mom adored romance novels, while my dad immersed himself in history. Reading was always present in my childhood, and it remains a way I connect with my family still today. My greatest joys growing up were reading, sports, and eventually fashion. My creativity led me to study fashion and ultimately pursue a 16-year career with a premier retailer in America, where I honed my eye for design, style, and curation.

As an adult, I rediscovered the joy of reading for pleasure, diving into genres I’d never explored before. Thrillers, romance, historical fiction—you name it. My gateway into the world of fantasy was the Twilight Saga (yes, I know, very cliche), but from there, I devoured The Hunger Games, Divergent, and eventually viral bestsellers like A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fourth Wing, and Quicksilver. These days, romantasy is my go-to. Don’t be surprised if I try to convince you to pick up one of my favorites next time you’re in the shop. Fiction may be my first love, but I’m always eager to expand my horizons with a well-crafted autobiography.

But books and fashion weren’t my only creative outlet. I also fell in love with entertaining. I’ve always been the one hosting family holidays and gatherings, experimenting with new recipes and, of course, crafting epic cheese boards. My mother was a hardworking full-time teacher, and she had a remarkable talent for creating delicious meals on a budget. She instilled in us the value of "eating with our eyes," emphasizing the importance of presentation. For our family, food has always been more than sustenance—it’s a way to connect, share stories, and create lasting memories over good conversation. My mom’s influence as a working parent who still made time to create beautiful, thoughtful meals for our family inspired me to do the same. I find so much joy in feeding people food that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Presentation is key, and there’s nothing more satisfying than a building a charcuterie board that makes people say, "Wow."

And then there’s John, my England-born, Scotland-raised husband, whom I met while living in Seattle. Our careers brought us both there, but our love for the Pacific Northwest lifestyle and each other kept us there for over a decade.  He's spent his life studying technology and software design and has had a successful career in those fields with both Microsoft and Amazon.  I met him on my first night living in Seattle, and haven't shaken him ever since.

Together, we’ve built a pretty incredible life. Our kids were born in America in 2015 and 2020. By 2021, we decided to make the move to the UK. Life in America had become increasingly divisive, and we were seeking a safer, more peaceful environment to raise our family. We also wanted to introduce our kids to their Scottish heritage, spend more time with our Scottish family, and embrace the adventure of living abroad. 

Of course, not every chapter in life is smooth. A year after moving to Bearsden, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. It was the toughest fight of my life, but thanks to incredible doctors, nurses, and the Beatson Cancer Centre, I made it through. Now cancer-free, I’m more determined than ever to pursue my passions with enthusiasm and make every moment count. Staying positive and pushing forward through challenges was crucial to my recovery—adversity has a way of building strength and resilience.

Books played a huge role during my treatment. I read 275 books the year I went through chemotherapy. They were my escape, my companions in waiting rooms, and my lifeline on days when reality felt overwhelming. These days, I read closer to two books a week, but I’m still trying to make my way through my ever-growing TBR (to-be-read) list. I love diving into the books everyone’s talking about—it’s such a joy to join the conversation. I’ve also loved leading book discussions. Back in Seattle, I ran a book club called "Grape Expectations" (yes, wine was always involved), and I currently host a virtual book club with my closest friends and family in the U.S. Since moving to Scotland, I’ve joined a few reading groups and can’t wait to bring this energy to The Bookmonger’s own monthly book club, The Bookmonger Society.

That’s why The Bookmonger means so much to me. It’s not just a shop; it’s the culmination of everything I love—books, cheese, wine, and creating unforgettable experiences for others. As you step into The Bookmonger, you’ll be instantly immersed in a dark academia vibe—moody yet inviting, with every corner encouraging you to explore and linger. We take pride in curating a thoughtfully unique selection of books, offering a bookstore experience you won’t find anywhere else. Every author and title is handpicked with care. At the heart of our cheese bar and charcuterie catering service is a commitment to celebrating local Scottish ingredients and presenting them in a bespoke, artisanal way.

The Bookmonger is a space where stories come to life, where community thrives, and where passion, creativity, and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do. The Bookmonger is a safe space for all people, where our differences are celebrated, and everyone is welcome.

So, there you have it—the origins of The Bookmonger. It’s been a winding road to get here, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m beyond excited to share this journey with you and can’t wait to see what new chapters we’ll write together. Here’s to books, cheese, and the magic of embracing exciting new possibilities.

If you made it to the end of this blog, thank you! I’m so glad you’re on this journey with us, and I can’t wait to serve you in our community.  -Caitlyn