#250

The minitruck has hit the road! Here are the stories from the first event!
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Chapters:
00:00 - ARIEL DID IT
15:50 - More Book Truck Stats
50:30 - Reading Updates
58:57 - The Mail Room

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Someday, someone will write a children’s book about a fabulous woman named Ariel who sells books from a mini truck on the east coast of Canada.📚🚚😃

[@uz.kostlivec]

Awww, love this and will buy that book 😄❤️

[@Ver0nica437]

It is so motivating to see Ariel at the start of the year talk about the book truck dream, and now, half way through the year she’s actually doing it. I need to get my shit together 😅❤️

[@MollyRajo]

lolll this was my exact thought.

[@avaa2485]

I CANNOT WAIT FOR A PROPER TRUCK VIDEO

[@leannerae]

Omg, right!?

[@arobinreads]

Same!

[@miguelangelvega7176]

Ariel you should get your best sellers and make a "books my customers think you should read" shelf

[@martaduarte3364]

I’m just at the start of the episode. But as an European, it’s so mind blowing for me all the talk about taxes, I don’t know how you guys live with the prices not having taxes included and constantly having to do the math!!! It’s crazy!!!!

[@michellehoehne]

About selling mugs - it might also be because that’s a fragile item. When you’re out and about, you can just immediately put on the hat. Carrying a book isn’t so bad if you already have a bag. Buying a mug and then going about the rest of your afternoon is a risk that it will break! If you can pack them securely they might sell better!

[@Hikari-58]

Didn't want to forget to comment this; but I think the biggest variable that affected your merch sales is probably seasons! It makes sense for someone to impulsively buy a hat in the summer - especially in the heatwaves occuring. But the same person could be hesitant to buy something associated with hot drinks. If it had been something like a glass tumblr, I bet things may have gone diiferently! Maybe seasonal items could be on the horizon eventually~

[@mirandanayak4633]

ariel's kind of personalized recommendations for people with the book truck reminds me so much of sibling dex and their personalized tea in a psalm for the wild-built :)

[@jenvcampbell]

I didn't listen to Books Unbound when in labour - because C-section, though perhaps I should have blasted it through the speakers in the operating theatre, ha, but I did listen to it the night after giving birth in the hospital. I can't remember what episode it was because I was delirious (super ill with a brain injury, it turns out - all better now, yikes!), but even though I don't remember the episode, I do remember that it very much calmed me, as always, so thanks pals. xx

[@vivianhagedorn2793]

Still waiting for the day we get Connor and Kyle on the pod :)

[@cypriennezed5640]

See this is how I know I'm in the right place: spreadsheets are fully appreciated; nay, loved! ❤

[@housefullofbooks4048]

Congrats Ariel on reaching your goal with the mini-truck. It has been so inspiring to have a front-row seat from seeing you set a dream goal and all the steps to reaching it.

[@jennaserv]

I loved hearing about the books truck!! I would love to get updates as Ariel goes to more events and what she's learned/silly things that happen

[@arobinreads]

Want to recommend some more fantasy for you Ariel. Only the ones that aren't series. I could recommend a lot of series, but that will probably be too much for the truck - Under the whispering door by TJ Klune - A wizard's guide to defensive baking by T Kingfisher - The rest of us just live here by Patrick Ness - Deeplight by Frances Hardinge (could be good for shell fish event haha. Cover is very fitting) - The song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

[@savannahhutcheson8909]

You could do something like for flea markets/yard sales where you have a piece of paper that has the title of the book that you take out and keep when you sell the book! That way you know what you sold! Or something like a label system where you have a number that corresponds to the title!

[@sophiestocks]

I really loved hearing all about the book truck these past few months and today even though it's very unlikely I'll ever get the chance to see it irl. Love these updates too its like being on facetime with my friends that do random side quest type adventures. Feel very proud you had an idea and did it !

[@elisenorth-kirkman968]

Congrats on a successful first book truck event Ariel! Suggestion; get a director’s chair! It’s like a tall camping chair. My stepmom does a lot of markets and she swears by this!

[@retroreads]

Congrats Ariel! I’m so happy your first book truck outing was a success! I hope you have a fun summer with your bookish adventures ❤📚🚙

[@pettyella6607]

I've been inspired by Ariel reading all her goal books and I'm now doing the same! I'm almost finished with one of my 12 books for 2024 and plan to start one of my self destruct books next.

[@samanthageiger5851]

COZY FANTASY REC; Psalm for the Wild Built and Prayer for the Crown Shy. The Blue Castle is my favorite book! The covers I can find are so silly, I relate so much to trying to find a good cover.

[@kantui525]

Ariel's out there livin' everybody's dreams

[@ireneschoonwinkel8738]

Ariel! I don't know if you already mentioned this book or if you bought it already, but I found the perfect book about a moving bookshop you could add to your bookmobile. It's a children's book called "Franklin's Flying Bookshop" written by Jen Campbell and it is about a dragon who loves books and decided to start a flying bookshop - bringing books to people! I think it is absolutely cute and that it will go "flying" off your shelves (pun intended ;). It was so lovely listening to your first book event and I'm glad it went well. May your bookmobile journey continue to be blessed.

[@IAmDeborahB]

I love how the peach has faded to the golden colour in Ariel’s hair. It looks lovely 💕

[@sophiestocks]

I'm from the UK and find it wild that you don't include tax on price labels when shopping. Everything here is the price it says on the item !

[@yemmie112]

it's because tax varies pretty heavily between the provinces so in order to do that it'd have to have a bunch of versions which makes no sense from a production stand point

[@sophiestocks]

@yemmie112 ah that makes more sense. A lot of products in the UK aren't priced on the actual item but instead on the shelf so easily changed but I suppouse books have the rrp printed on the actual book

[@aksez2u]

Same with the U.S. where every state had a different tax as well as city taxes sometimes. Although for stores/items that use UPC's, you'd think they could build it in if they wanted to. Ah, well.

[@katekilroy7827]

Ariel, Congrats on the first book event! I have a suggestion to keep the stool from sinking in the grass and to protect it, you could get plastic feet for the legs. I have some on my wooden kitchen chairs to help them slide better on the floor and to keep the floor and chairs from scratching each other. I have ones that just slide on and off but there are more permanent ones that can be nailed into the stool. They also come in rubber which might work better for outdoor use.

[@jenniwhatsbookin]

I am sure it's not cost effective, but my former local indie bookstore (New Dominion Bookshop in Charlottesville, VA) used to give out their tote bags (which were very high quality and nice) for free if you made a purchase of over $50 -- something to ponder, because people do love a tote bag (and that's free marketing, in a way)

[@savannahhutcheson8909]

You should do a plush blanket that says I’m thinking about books! It’s the perfect reading accessory!!

[@rogueflour4581]

Emily Wild is such a fun series!

[@michelleelford]

Omg haha I got so emotional listening all about the book truck!! 70 books!! The teen who saw they did the stamp at Shakespeare and co!! The reaction to the stamps! Raeleen's support and reactions. Ahh omg it was so amazing. Questions - What were people's general reactions to the truck and all your branding? How many of your customers were podcast listeners or knew you from youtube or something?

[@theautumnreader327]

Haven't watched this episode yet but Boy do I have a recommendation for you two. I remember both of you have talked about gardening or doing something in your yard and I want to recommend that you read Olivia Laing's latest book, ' The Garden Against Time: In Search of a Common Paradise '. It's a part memoir and part researc based book about gardening, it's history, it's connection to storytelling and life itself. She also talks about making her own garden in a house she bought. I am sure you two will enjoy it, something in there for each of you. Thanks!!

[@literaryrealm]

I need to know what books are on CJ’s favourites shelf on your truck!!!

[@belorama8]

Okay, not to jump on the listening while in labor train, but I binged all of your previous backlog of episodes while labor was imminent. That last week was long and uncomfortable and I couldn't focus on reading anything or even watching tv. All I did was take baths, rock in my rocking chair, and listen to your podcast. My husband joked that our son would be born knowing Ariel and Raeleen's voices better than his.

[@Weasleykins]

Thank you for answering my coin question! The episode was a lot of fun!

[@ParadoxKismet]

Love everything about the booktruck. Wish I could see it in person 🙂

[@nbig860]

I just cannot tell you how much happiness this episode brings me! Ariel- your pure joy when talking about the mini truck launch and Raeleen’s amazing support and friendship is so beautiful. 😍🥰❤️😊

[@keycaru]

In antique stores around me, they will have tags on the items and keep those tags when they ring up the items you buy. Maybe you could put a tag on the inside of the book and take it out and put it in a jar by the register when you are ringing people up?

[@alinegr]

So happy that Ariel's book truck business is going well!!! I'm trying to plan a trip to Nova Scotia next year, hope you are going strong then so I can buy stuff from the truck in person!!!

[@jmm4151]

Congratulations on a successful mini truck opening, Ariel! I’m doing a road trip with my husband and two small kids to Nova Scotia from Newfoundland at the end of the month, and I am really hoping to find you and your truck on our travels 😊

[@aksez2u]

Ariel - If you get too busy to write down every book title as you sell it, you could take a quick picture of it on your phone!

[@lydiagappa3938]

i wonder if hats/mugs will be seasonal! Maybe more mugs in autumn and winter and more caps in spring and summer? congrats on the launch ariel!! it's all so exciting!

[@chooseyourthoughts7692]

So enjoying the book truck journey!!😊❤

[@sarahfitzpatrick148]

As a huge fan of cozy fantasy, the list you picked are all A + choices. I have read all of those and would recommend all of them.

[@DecemberMagpie]

Ariel, I recently read Rosie's Travelling Tea Shop by Rebecca Raisin. It's about a woman who owns a campervan converted into a bakery/ tea shop. She travels to various events for other van/bus shop retailers. She befriends a woman who owns a book van. This is a series called The Travelling Shops. The second book follows the bookseller. I wanted to mention it since you said you were looking for other book truck type books.

[@GoodWitchKnits]

Oh! You can manage your inventory in real time is a super easy way with square! I love it! Happy to answer questions about how to do this (I've done it for a small business and my own small business)

[@bethalaksa9104]

Great episode! Love how you both were so excited. Continued great fun throughout the summer. 🛻❤📚

[@rmw1899]

Omg I sell Tundra books to libraries :) That was fun to hear. Also maybe instead of "Sports Books that Aren't About Sports" you could call that section "Books to Get You Ready for the 2024 Olympics" or "If you Loved Challengers You'll Love These Books" ya know something trendy like that.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

"Books to Get You Ready for the 2024 Olympics" is a brilliant suggestion.

[@NYLeafy.V]

I imagine a song … Ariel sort of rhymes with bookmobile … and ❤… I knew you’d be a success.

[@ButtonGirl22]

I think the sports books that aren’t about sports was a great way to present it and I think you should try one more event with them where they are, I wouldn’t give up on the idea

[@Larissa_KD]

Omggg the tote bag is perfect

[@notthemonalisa]

Lucy Worsley is my favorite historian ❤ I read anything she writes and watch all her programs I can find here in the States. I'm excited to see what Ariel thinks of this Agatha Christie biography.

[@rede4trip365]

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan is about a library turned book bus owner. Slice of life/light romance/starting over-all good themes

[@celeste_072]

Waiting for Biblioburro!!!!!!! I love that one (even as an adult lol). So hopeful and I love that Latin representation 😍

[@Talesinmaking]

Loved the episode as always and so glad the first truck outing went so well for you Ariel!! An awesome goal achieved and can't wait to see some possible mini truck adventure vlogs maybe 😉 hint hint haha! Obviously you're still getting used to navigating the shows and how it all works but some clips would be super cute and fun! Also we've heard what Raeleen recommendations are on the truck but not CJ's I'm super intrigued what books he chose to go on there 😁 If I were local and not in the UK the mug would have been on of the first things I'd have picked up, I honestly LOVE that mug soo much!! x

[@jessicadurette6347]

I would do anything for the book truck to be near Halifax on the weekend of August 10. I’m going there from New Brunswick and I wanna support it so bad!

[@scrapgirl82]

Alberta has no provincial sales tax at all. Just GST. So everything is either 5% or nothing, depending on what it is.

[@lcolli096]

The podcast makes my Monday dog walks the highlight of my week 🥰

[@ana-morgana]

Ariel, you can get isbn barcode scanner apps, so you could just quickly scan with your phone when someone purchases a book

[@cathelijnedj]

Wooo! So exciting! Best way to end my Monday evening 🥳

[@Flora_Poste]

I seem to remember that Christopher Morley's Parnassus on Wheels was good. It's about a lady who drives a traveling bookshop wagon and like, recommends books as an act of service? Haven't read it in years, but was the first that came to mind when you talked about books about bookshops!

[@connien7064]

OMG I was somewhat intimidated by King until I found The Long Walk. I loved that book. My legs were weak, my feet burned and my heart ached.

[@andwedanced7355]

People will probably buy more mugs closer to autumn! It's a more cozy vibes item.

[@hisshissboom]

I would buy a fridge magnet of the licence plate or truck! Congratulations on your first event - I wish I was on the correct continent so I could come and see your truck and buy from you.

[@milinkata]

Yay, new episode! Truck news!🎉

[@mayalemaire]

My opinion on why the mug and tote bag aren't selling is that many people have too many of both! I know my tote bag pile and mug collection can't handle many new additions. I think many book people have the same issue. A bookish hat is harder to find, and something most people need. I know I'd go with the hat if I was buying a merch item. :)

[@ochoheido]

You and the customers are mobile. Mugs are delicate. Selling them out at a fair/event might just be a logistical issue. People don't want to carry them around all day with the risk of them breaking. Buy a hat? Put it on your head! Buy a mug? What do I do with this right now? Ha

[@myriam8190]

Maybe you can try the « books about sports… » shelf once more? maybe it just wasn’t for the pirate crowd? 😊

[@eli_drottningu]

I was waiting for this podcast since early yesterday :D (I started to listen on Spotify). Loved to hear about the mini truck! Would love to see vlogs of the events in Ariel's channel!! Wish I was in the area to be able to go to one of the events. Ps. Yesterday I dreamed that I met Ariel and Raeleen and we talked a bit in English and a bit in Spanish.

[@readergonerogue]

I am so curious about how you’re going to manage the unsold themed books you get for specific events. Sort them into the other sections? Keep them for a similarly themed event? Also are you thinking you’re going to change up the shelf categories each time or start to settle on a standard set? I’m so invested in this book truck. I can’t wait to hear more about his adventures! 🚛

[@simonneliaa]

This is so awesome!! Book dreams come true. You two are the only source of all of book news I consume. I dream of a books unbound newsletter…

[@michelleelford]

I realllllly want to buy the truck pins - i fear ill never be able to go in person tho!

[@lindafaught58]

I definitely loved hearing about the first minitruck adventure. Thrilled that it was a huge success! Thanks for the major share of your exciting day.

[@WildCarrie]

Love all the tales about a bookmobile! Would love to do this but living through you! Love your house renovations

[@uz.kostlivec]

I was giddy the whole way through this ep. All the little anecdotes with your customers were so lovely. You may laugh but you actually might have changed that teenager's life by selling her The Bell Jar! 😅🥹 I am so happy for you, Ariel. What an extremely cool achievement. I am sure you'll soon be widely known among the east coasters as The Cool Book Truck Lady and they will be requesting you to attend all kinds of events. It would be a dream to be able to buy a copy of The Blue Castle from you in person one day. Love from the Czech Republic!

[@rafrg6079]

"just call me Peeta" lol

[@moreteavic]

One of my favorite book mobile/book cart books is Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley. There is a sequel set in a traditional bookstore that is less charming, but the first book is super fun (from my memory and now I really want to re-read it.)

[@irhonda31]

I’m so happy that the first truck event went well!

[@witchreads]

I recommend The Most Precious Substance on Earth by Shashi Bha set in Halifax if I remember correctly is such a good coming of age novel.

[@jayciecarter2928]

Congrats on the mini truck event!! I have a recommendation for your book truck shelf - Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey! I think you would really love it, it's about radical lesbian librarians that are also cowboys, fighting the state with their travelling library. It's also a novella, so perfect for your reading goal 😂

[@maybe8029]

omg ariel, you’re living the dream! makes me wish i could be a bookseller, sounds so fun.

[@msg0lightly1]

The joy I’m this episode is brining me life! 🎉 congratulations Ariel. I honestly can’t wait to visit Nova Scotia in the hopes of obtaining a Boooks pin and a copy of Albatross.

[@francineh.7825]

Congrats on your first book event! It was fun hearing about it. If you want a cozy witchy mystery book idea then In the Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace is really good.

[@arobinreads]

Mugs might be less easy to take with people. Easier to break maybe

[@WildCarrie]

Grounding issue/starter or battery. I had to use a jump pack for a little before I bought a new battery

[@jille9650]

I'm so excited you're listening to the Agatha Christie book. Lucy Worsley is amazing, as is the book!

[@carlissashevalier8902]

If kids books continue to sell well, here are some ideas. All of these books are kid-approved and beloved in our house: - Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin (perfect book to gift at a baby shower) - Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke (great for boys, it's my son's favourite picture book) - We're Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen (a classic for a reason)

[@hisshissboom]

As your stock builds you could take fold-up tables or bookshelves to go alongside your truck shelves!

[@monicavigil1027]

I can’t explain how bummed I am your sports books not about sports shelf didn’t do well. It’s that virtual shelf of yours that had me read Headshot and Carrie Soto and I’m obsessssseddddd. Just know I’m a big big fan of that shelf!!!!!!

[@booklady8888]

So happy the event went well. Such a cool experience! It could be the cables to the battery, the battery or starter. Maybe get it looked at just to be on safe side. Can't wait to hear about the next event 📚😊

[@julie-annedorval4755]

Oh my! I was so much thinking I would need a podcast episode to finish my day!!!

[@TwinkTwinkle]

I read Agatha Christie's biography with some people from my bookclub and I really lliked it! That woman has had a crazier life than you expect. Did you know she was part of the crew that excavated pyramids??

[@my_cha]

I'm coming to visit halifax for a week on the 15th! Really hoping for ariel to do another event during that week! 🤞 Might not happen, but it would be really amazing to see the truck irl! :D ....I would buy all the sports books hehehehe

[@Leesmw7965]

Ariel, do you have any reference to the podcast printed or painted on your mini truck? That would be great advertising for the pod and shows what an expert your customers have in front of them 😉 Congratulations and great episode!

[@MarlyIsa]

Please do it again 🎉 maybe the mug is too difficult to carry (i would be scared to break it)😊

[@avaa2485]

Raeleen looks so cute!! The red is redding!

[@teresateri4803]

Have books name or author pre printed in alphabetical order and it could be quicker to just tick alongside listing when you sell one.

[@erilyda]

My nails match Ariel’s right now and it’s such a happy little coincidence lol

[@Ellie-ex2sq]

I really like the comment mentioned in the mail room about the comparison between tomorrow x3 and Daisy jones and the six and how they crossover in their exploration of creative relationships - does anyone have more recommendations of books that are like this?

[@keckiebooks]

May we order/buy the License plate pin? Don't see it in the Bissett Books Merch shop?

[@lemonlemonster]

I wonder if there’s a barcode scanner app for tracking books when you sell them? Also I wonder if rebranding the sports books shelf as a gifts for sports people would work better? Sometimes book people aren’t sports people but they probably know sports people!

[@rubykscube]

would you ever consider coming to the US?? I would love to see the truck in person!!! we need more good books and totes and pins out here