The Mr B’s Team – where are they now?
To celebrate twenty years of Mr B’s, we’re taking a trip down memory lane – and popping in to say hi to some familiar faces along the way! Some of our former booksellers reflect on life at B’s, from funny memories and favourite experiences, to bizarre questions and brilliant encounters.
This time, we’re hearing from Shelbi, who worked at Mr B’s from 2021 to 2023.
A funny memory from your time at Mr B’s?
There was a time when Ransom Riggs and his wife Tahereh Mafi visited Bath. Hannah thought she might have spotted them outside the window from the children’s/YA section of the shop, but we weren’t 100% convinced. You can imagine our surprise the following day when they walked into Mr B’s with their daughter! Us children’s and YA booksellers absolutely lost our minds and had to try very hard to remain professional – I don’t think we succeeded all that well!
What have you been doing since leaving Mr B’s?
I moved back into an education role and now work for the Department for Education. Aside from that, a big part of my life since leaving Mr B’s has actually been getting my first dog and discovering life with this new adventure. He’ll be two next month and we’ve already competed at Crufts twice and enjoyed so many new experiences together. Reading has still remained my favourite hobby and my way to escape, although I did have to learn how to balance puppy parenthood with wanting to read every day – who knew puppies could be so demanding?
What book did you love recommending the most to Mr B’s customers?
Ooh, tough question! I’m going to cheat and give one from each of my favourite genres.
Children’s – Orphans of the Tide, S. Murray
YA – Throne of Glass, S. J. Maas
Fantasy – The Fifth Season, N. K. Jemisin
What 3 books are currently on your TBR?
I’m currently re-reading the S. J. Maas multiverse, but aside from that I have:
1. The Will of the Many – J. Islington
2. Unbound – P. Bloom
3. Phantasma – K. Smith
What was the most bizarre question you were ever asked by a customer?
One of the most bizarre questions I was asked was whether we could recommend a book that would make someone “cry, but not too much, and ideally also make them feel slightly better about their ex.” It was a surprisingly tricky brief!
What was your favourite part about working at Mr B’s?
My favourite thing about being part of the Mr B’s team was spending my days talking about books with people who loved talking about books just as much as I did. Both the team and the customers shared that same passion. The only thing I ever really had to worry about while working at Mr B’s was what book I was going to read next! It’s still my favourite job I’ve ever had and I only wish I could have continued.
