Thebookseller
In2011, Paddy Screechquit his job as adrugs counsellor and teamedupwithbookseller JonPrivett plus another silent partner to
launch London’smost unique independent bookshop.Wordon theWater has spentmost of the years sinceon thecanal right outside
Paddington station, where it is currently applying for apermanentmooring. Thebookbarge, with aphotographof poetWaltWhitman
near theentrance, plays classicalmusic and jazz, and sells everything fromcult fiction to art and kids’ books, with theowners
handpicking fromcharity shops before they sendunbought books tobepulped. For Screech, who lives on theboat, it’s not about
makingmoney: “It’s a symbol of independence. Bookshops areculture, and independent bookshops aren’t strugglingbecausepeople
don’twant them– it’s becauseof thismadpropertymarket. Beyond that, livingon thewater, below thecity, is sane-making. You’re
awareof the seasons, you’re awareof thecommunity around you, and you’re awareof the resources youuse.”
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