The magic of indies, delivered to your inbox

At The Shelf Talker, we believe that independent bookstores are places of unparalleled magic. There is no better feeling than walking into a neighborhood bookstore, and discovering the unique world within.


With this newsletter, we aim to bring that bookshop experience to your inbox. Now, you can step inside an indie bookstore while you’re sitting at your desk or commuting to work.

And, best of all, you get book recommendations in all genres from the booksellers who know these titles best. No algorithm or influencers here: just an independent bookstore helping you find your next great read.

Hi, I’m Francesca. Each week, I introduce readers to a new bookshop and hand-deliver their bookseller recommendations.


In addition to being independent bookstores’ #1 fan, I’m the author of Trouble the Living, a novel about mothers and daughters, emigration, and the Troubles in Ireland. I live with my wife and dog in Brooklyn and host literary trivia events around the city.