The Grumpy Swimmer

The Grumpy Swimmer is an amazing little bookshop in Elwood on Ormond street. It is small, but what they have is selected well. I found a cheap copy of a book I didn’t know I wanted and while I was waiting in line I saw another person buy a copy of a biography of Montaigne. This made me realize that I also wanted a copy of Montaigne’s essays. As it turns out, they didn’t have a copy in stock but the man, who I can only assume is the owner, offered to order me a copy and text me when it arrived. Less than a week later, he duly texted me and I picked up my copy.
I have been back several times since and been happy every time. Highly recommended if you are strolling around Elwood and are looking for some beach reading.

Gorgeous little book shop with an eclectic range of books, cultural icons and music on offer — they even have a Ryan Gosling colouring book range! Friendly owner and regular events help to keep it interesting. I’m lamenting the number of book shops that are closing of late — hoping this one doesn’t succumb as well.

Excellent place! Unlike the name suggest, I highly doubt you’ll find such a person in there as there is ‘bound’ to be something for everyone. Haha the pun was indeed intended!
Offering a wide genre of publications you’ll find a great selection of the non– mainstream authors and publications that only the hippest of hipsters will read amongst the many top ten or twenty paperbacks trending at the moment as well as garden, architecture, design and cookery books. But speak to the owners as their passion is about books and they can recommend or source for you. Brilliant!
The mood is perfect inside and you’ll while away hours and forget your worries inside. Jazz plays in the background, the lighting is perfect for reading as browsing and there’s a children’s section at the back of the shop that’s obviously there to engrain in little ones what a joy reading can be.
There’s also a nice selection of great gifting items from quirky gifts like time robots to some alchemy and of course cards. Nice, arty, humourous cards that will make you lol. I did.
¹⁰⁄₁₀. And the prices ain’t bad. I am in love with this shop as I’m a non reader but this definitely makes me want to.