Michael

During the past 10 years Duthie’s motto has been - ‘proudly independent’ - evoking the kind of singular free-thinking bookstore that Bill Duthie started in 1957, where the staff were encouraged to read and recommend freely the latest, most important, original, stylish, compelling, hilarious, horrifying, intriguing, local, must-read books. All the hundreds of staff, over the years, from part-time students to lifers, (and the millions of customers) created an energetic and knowledgeable reading culture with something of a ‘moral imperative’ to persuade the public to read more and better and local books.

Michael Varty has been at Duthies since 4th Ave opened in 1993. He is a lovely guy and a great reader and his recommendations are always reliable. He knows in advance what’s being published, has always test - read the new season and can recommend with the expertise of his wide reading - good, pertinent, important books; when he knows a reader’s tastes and interests he is infallible in finding the right book. His recommendation of Post War by Tony Judt (2005) led to one of the best and most illuminating books of the decade. Travels with Herodotus by Riszard Kapuscinski was another impeccable recommendation. This reader will always be grateful.