8. Why we love bookshops
I.
The Utrechtse Boekenbar has published its own book. It’s called *Loopt het een beetje? *and it’s a celebration of the independent bookshop on Westerkade. It features short stories by writers, interviews with regular customers, and owner Tim van den Hoed reminisces about the past few years.
In one of the stories in the book, Lisa Kuitert describes ten reasons why we love bookshops. I was struck by point 3: because we know that others hate books.
> “The bookshop is, as it were, a safe haven where you know you’re protected – here, the angry, shallow outside world is out of sight. Here, you don’t feel like a vulnerable nerd.” > >
De Boekenbar is run by enthusiastic young people. You can pop in and chat with them about the covers of Murakami books, talk about photography, and they’re more than happy to recommend new books.
I don’t go there every week, but I do enjoy visiting. Alongside the popular titles, you’ll also find quirky zines and lesser-known gems. That’s how I came across Lighthouse Messages by the Spanish writer Jazmina Barrera. The book contains six essays written around various lighthouses – but which, of course, are about much more than that.
The stylishly designed Loopt het een beetje? has been published in a limited edition of 500. 170 were already sold during the pre-sale. There are still a few left in the shop.
II.
I watched the ten-part series Beef on Netflix. It’s a wild ride that starts with a simple road rage incident. After that, things just keep escalating. Alternately tragic, suspenseful and witty, whilst also offering a sharp observation of class differences.
Every episode has a fantastic title card. The first is a painting by the Dutch artist Pieter Aertsen: De Vleesstal. The rest of the works are by the artist David Choe. Incidentally, he plays the character Isaac in the series.
This is my favourite:
III.
On 5 May (505) to see Arctic Monkeys. And the fifth time I’ve seen them. At that point, a five-star show is almost one star too many, but I can’t help it. Everything worked this time: the setlist, the band’s enjoyment, the stage set, the audience’s enjoyment. The perfect balance.
My personal highlight was Body Paint, from the unrivalled latest album The Car. With a build-up like this, the song is of course perfect as the finale to the regular set. Time to savour the moment.
*I felt like a boomer when the whole Ziggo Dome sang along to [I Wanna Be Yours](https://youtu.be/9AoRgmN54AA?t=37) at the top of their voices. When did that become such a hit? The young fans went wild. I read about it later in the reviews. Aha, mega popular on TikTok.*PS.
Tech journalist Joanna Stern from The Wall Street Journal had an AI clone of herself created. She then lets that clone take over her daily tasks.
---Great concept: reviewing croissants in Paris, whilst a large-scale protest against the raising of the retirement age is taking place all around you. Because you’ve got to eat, even when shots are being fired and rubbish bins are on fire.
---Here’s someone using AI the right way. These are images from Alien: The Musical.