Tom Rowley
London
Journo-turned-bookseller. Run @BackstoryLDN, edit Backstory magazine. tom@backstory.London 🏳️🌈
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Articles by Tom Rowley
Patrick Radden Keefe's books: a guide
31/03/2026 1 minute to read Tom Rowley introduces the work of writer and investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, from the Sackler exposé Empire of Pain to new book London Falling. 31/03/2026 1 minute to read At my independent bookshop, Backstory, readers often ask me for ‘non-fiction that reads like a novel’. They want to find out more about the world around them, but they don’t want it to be a slog.
Letter: Government shutdown
Without Congress renewing Affordable Care Act subsidies, cost for ACA coverage will skyrocket on Jan. 1, causing many people to become uninsured. The horrors we were told about the Affordable Care Act never occurred. Over three in four marketplace enrollees live in states Trump won. Over 24 million people received health care through the ACA this year.
Letter: Two ballot issues
We have two issues on the ballot for the election on Nov. 4. I believe they both deserve careful attention. The first issue is a road and bridge question. We have been paying a 1/2 of one percent sales tax since 2005 that financed the building of our Justice Center. The center has been paid off now. The ballot question asks whether to keep the tax in place and use it now instead for improving our county roads and bridges.
Things can only get Butter
Summer is finally here and what better time to look at the remarkable rise and rise of the English wine scene. Henry Jeffreys will take us through the quirky characters behind what is now a multi-million-pound industry with quality to rival Champagne. Backstory summer sessions — the return of our popular music nights at the bookshop.
A gaggle of economists walk into a pub in Castlebar and reckon they’re in Cascais
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"Understanding Factors Influencing Nursing Faculty Departure and Intent" by Matthew Anderson, Noelle Taylor et al.
There is a known shortage of nursing faculty in academia. Understanding factors influencing the shortage will help to develop strategies to reduce it. The purpose was to identify the underlying factors influencing the decisions of current and former nursing faculty to leave or consider leaving their teaching roles. A cross-sectional state-level survey was distributed to licensed registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses.
Why this lullaby about a little lad and his dad never fails to hit a raw nerve
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A timely and urgent new post
Karen Joy Fowler - Booth Thursday 20th July, 7.30pm, Backstory Visiting from across the pond, Booker-longlisted author Karen Joy Fowler talks about Booth, which tells the story of the ill-fated Booth family and their attachment to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
An unmissable Zoom. No, really.
(all at 71 Balham High Road) BRING YOUR TEENS TOMORROW! Yaba Badoe: An introduction to YA (young adult) Tuesday 11th April, 7.30pm Yaba Badoe is a Ghanaian-British documentary filmmaker and writer who has judged a few YA book prizes. We're going to talk about her experience writing for young adults and judging prizes in that category. Come to learn about all things YA, what it takes to build new worlds and create memorable characters.
Where is the love?
(all at 71 Balham High Road) Jessica Andrews Wednesday 5th April, 7.30pm One of Tom’s favourite authors, who writes so well about modern relationships and the body. Talking about her latest, Milk Teeth. Yaba Badoe: An introduction to YA (young adult) Tuesday 11th April, 7.30pm Yaba Badoe is a Ghanaian-British documentary filmmaker and writer who has judged a few YA book prizes. We're going to talk about her experience writing for young adults and judging prizes in that category.
And our survey says
(all at 71 Balham High Road) SOLD OUT 1999: Manchester United, The Treble And All That Wednesday 29th March, 7.30pm Award-winning sports writer Matt Dickinson talks about Manchester United’s unprecedented 1999 season with Times deputy sports editor James Restall Jessica Andrews Wednesday 5th April, 7.30pm One of Tom’s favourite authors, who writes so well about modern relationships and the body. Talking about her latest, Milk Teeth.
Will the last person to buy Claire Keegan please turn out the reading light?
(all at 71 Balham High Road) Reading the Ocean Tuesday 21st March, 7pm We can’t breathe underwater, but lots of amazing animals can. We’re so excited to welcome two thrilling storytellers to talk about how and why we can look after the ocean.
Why women rule
We tailor our subscriptions, matching the subscriber to the Backstory team member whose tastes are most compatible so they can pick a book to surprise and delight them every month, then gift wrap it. Choose from three, six or 12 month subscriptions. Order now and we can post you a token in time for you to present on the day, or you can pick one up from the shop. (all at 71 Balham High Road) Reading the Ocean Tuesday 21st March, 7pm We can’t breathe underwater, but lots of amazing animals can.
It's our anniversary
(all at 71 Balham High Road) Jessica George Wednesday 8th March, 7.30pm The author of Maame, an exciting debut novel that sharply depicts Maddie’s sense of being torn between two worlds as she navigates flat shares, dating apps, microaggressions at work, the shock of grief, and learning how to become the woman she wants to be – one frantic Google search at a time. Reading the Ocean Tuesday 21st March, 7pm We can’t breathe underwater, but lots of amazing animals can.
Oh go(o)d, it's World Book Day
(all at 71 Balham High Road) Jessica George Wednesday 8th March, 7.30pm The author of Maame, an exciting debut novel that sharply depicts Maddie’s sense of being torn between two worlds as she navigates flat shares, dating apps, microaggressions at work, the shock of grief, and learning how to become the woman she wants to be – one frantic Google search at a time.
My Freudian slips
(all at 71 Balham High Road) Jessica George Wednesday 8th March, 7.30pm The author of Maame, an exciting debut novel that sharply depicts Maddie’s sense of being torn between two worlds as she navigates flat shares, dating apps, microaggressions at work, the shock of grief, and learning how to become the woman she wants to be – one frantic Google search at a time.
In with the new
(all at 71 Balham High Road) Tom Crewe Wednesday 15th February, 7.30pm Author of The New Life, one of the hottest debuts of 2023, about forbidden love in Victorian London Jessica George Wednesday 8th March, 7.30pm The author of Maame, an exciting debut novel that sharply depicts Maddie’s sense of being torn between two worlds as she navigates flat shares, dating apps, microaggressions at work, the shock of grief, and learning how to become the woman she wants to be – one frantic Google search...
Our favourite love stories
(all at 71 Balham High Road) Tom Crewe Wednesday 15th February, 7.30pm Author of The New Life, one of the hottest debuts of 2023, about forbidden love in Victorian London SOLD OUT David Nicholls Wednesday 22nd February, 7.30pm An evening with the bestselling author of One Day, Us & Sweet Sorrow Music night: Ben Cipolla (almost sold out) Saturday 25th February, Doors open 7pm An evening of music with one of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming jazz singer-songwriters Jessica George Wednesday...
Reading fast and slow
We’re looking for part-time booksellers to join our small and friendly team. Applicants must be able to work every Sunday and regular weekday evening shifts. Apply by Thursday at 5pm. Details here.
Five go printing
Book your tickets now Screening: Putin Vs The West Friday 3rd February, 7pm Screening of new BBC documentary followed by Q&A with its award-winning creatives Tom Crewe Wednesday 15th February, 7.30pm Author of The New Life, one of the hottest debuts of 2023, about forbidden love in Victorian London SOLD OUT: David Nicholls Wednesday 22nd February, 7.30pm An evening with the bestselling author of One Day, Us & Sweet Sorrow Music night: Ben Cipolla Saturday 25th February, 7pm An evening of...
Rory writes: I've got customer envy
Rory recommends: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke Piranesiis exquisitely strange. It’s laced with myth and magical realism, but with Clarke’s footnotes and Piranesi’s own forensic diary taking, it feels like a lost historical document. Piranesi himself is deeply pure and good-natured. You’ll want to protect him from harm. Piranesi lives in a labyrinthine house which conceals another world. Piranesi’s world. Tides move through the rooms. Clouds stalk the upper halls. Thousands of statues line the walls.
The author formerly known as prince
****We accept National Book Tokens.
Last orders!
Hello everyone, Just a quick note to let you know the last day for ordering Christmas presents from us to be posted to UK addresses is tomorrow (Thursday). We are sending all Christmas deliveries first class. (It is now too late for overseas orders before Christmas. Sorry.) The last day to order books for collection from our shop before Christmas is Saturday. You can still browse our range hereand our pick of 2022’s best books.
I'm £96k in debt and it's all going very well
What Just Happened?! by Marina Hyde - signed copy Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan Free: Coming of Age at the End of History by Lea Ypi - coming to our Backstory book club this month Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout Taste by Stanley Tucci The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell - winner of the Baillie Gifford prize for non-fiction...
Our books of the year
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka Taste by Stanley Tucci The Startup Wife by Tahmima Anam Murder in the Falling Snow: Ten Classic Crime Stories Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa (all at 71 Balham High Road) 7th Dec, 7.30pm Daniel Harding, Gay Man Talking 14th Dec, 7.30pmSebastian Payne, The...
What a fortnight
Sorry for the silence. I’m not sure if I mentioned but I opened a bookshop. Let’s just say the first two weeks have been…quite busy. The team and I have made 314 coffees, poured 115 glasses of wine, sold 198 tote bags and thousands of books. The hardest thing has been getting books back on shelves quick enough - which is a pretty good problem to have. (Even so, after that fortnight, I think I’d like to claim the 116th glass of wine.
Six lessons from six months of bookselling
Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe - Backstory book club(meeting #1 - 17th October) Lessons by Ian McEwan The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan Treacle Walker by Alan Garner REQUEST A BOOK Brrr! It was a bit parky at the pop-up yesterday. So for shelter alone, I’m looking forward to moving into the shop in a couple of weeks, even if the consequent heating bill is a rather less appealing prospect.
The big guns arrive
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Last Colony by Philippe Sands Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Sheehan Karunatilaka The Trees by Percival Everett Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan Treacle Walker by Alan Garner Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout The Booker Bundle: Buy all six shortlisted novels from Backstoryfor £65 (RRP £73.95) Please...
The mother of all 'to do' lists
September’s most exciting non-fiction The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our Worldby Max Fisher If you’ve ever had the uneasy feeling that social media isn’t great for you, or anyone else, this devastating book will confirm all your fears and more.
Halfway there
BACK THE CROWDFUNDER Yesterday’s stall bestsellers Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie The Devil You Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry by Gwen Adshead and Eileen Horne When All is Said by Anne Griffin Never Brush a Bear by Sam Hearn There’s a Bear in Your Bookby Tom Fletcher I’m reading now: Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris (out on Thursday!) I’m reading next: On Java Road by Lawrence Osborne WOW! Well that took off! Thank you so, so much to everyone who has chipped in to the...
I've found a shop!
OUR CROWDFUNDER After months and months of searching and negotiations, I’m very excited to finally be able to tell you that… I’ve found a shop. I’m actually going to have a bookshop. Hooray! So please forgive my sending this update ahead of the normal email, but I wanted to share the news with you as soon as I could. Much, much more on our plans to follow. But, in the meantime, I wanted to ask a big favour… The start-up costs are rather daunting.
Stock my bookshop
My pick of July’s new releases Order now from Backstory. They’ll be delivered on, or soon after, publication day: Milk Teeth by Jessica Andrews (21st Jul, 256pp, £16.99). Billed as a lush and intimate love story from the award-winning author of Saltwater. A girl grows up in north-east England amid scarcity, precarity and a toxic culture of bodily shame, certain that she must make herself ever smaller to be loved.
Surprise, surprise
Our picks this week Order these books, and hundreds more, from Backstory: Brace, brace: The Seaplane on Final Approach by Rebecca Rukeyser. If Sally Rooney’s characters went to Alaska and actually did something interesting with all their yearning, they might end up in the wilderness lodge in this sharply humorous debut novel, where the wholesome facades of the young staff crack to reveal a dark pursuit of sleaze and vengeance. - Tara Campus power play: Vladimir by Julia May Jonas.
The elephant in the room
Our picks this week Order these books, and hundreds more, from Backstory: Paved with gold: Serious Money: Walking Plutocratic London by Caroline Knowles. I loved this fascinating field guide to wealthy London, from Shoreditch to Mayfair, by a sociologist and director of the British Academy’s cities and infrastructure programme. Packed with sharply-observed insights into how the super-rich make their money and how they spend it.
Selling while British
Our picks this week Order these books, and hundreds more, from our shiny new website. Free UK delivery for the whole of May! Sex on the beach: Fire Island: Love, Loss and Liberation in an American Paradise by Jack Parlett.After a break-up, Jack Parlett found himself on Fire Island, a long, thin strip of land south of New York’s Long Island, anticipating “hot nights and midsummer dreams”.
Free books!
Our picks this week Order these books, and hundreds more, from our shiny new website. Free UK delivery for the whole of May! War wounds: The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. A beautiful book about war. One of my all-time favourites, it is a series of short stories about Vietnam and, as the title alludes to, the burdens - physical and emotional - borne by the soldiers. - Tom Big in Japan: All The Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami. Kawakami is a fascinating writer.
Your favourite bookshops, by the numbers
Our picks this week Click on the link to buy a book directly from Backstory. Free UK delivery on orders of £30 or more. In the Mail: Mail Men: The Unauthorised Story of the Daily Mail by Adrian Addison. If you're a fan of journalism or gossip, you'll love this book. Part gripping history of the Victorian birth of tabloids; part anthology of weapons-grade anecdotes about Paul Dacre. Great fun. Tom Deaths foretold: The Premonitions Bureau by Sam Knight.
Handle with care(lessness)
My favourites this week Click on the link to buy a book directly from Backstory. Golden gossip: The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor - the Truth and the Turmoil by Tina Brown. Bursting with juicy titbits on recent royal dramas from Prince Andrew to Megxit. The former editor of Vanity Fair, The New Yorker and Tatler is impeccably sourced on both sides of the Pond - and has a razor wit. Had me guffawing in public. A glorious summer read: Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler.
Location, location, no location
My favourites this week Click on the link to buy a book directly from me. Sex, lies and sub-zero Moscow: Snowdrops by A.D. Miller. A gripping novel of greed and betrayal in Putin’s Russia. And his Independence Square is partly set in Kyiv Love in North Korea: It’s a running joke among Korea hacks that every article about Kim’s regime offers readers a “rare glimpse” into the country.
Diary of a recovering perfectionist
My favourites this week Click on the link to buy a book directly from me. Hit ‘em in the oligarchs: Butler to the World: How Britain Became the Servant of Tycoons, Tax Dodgers, Kleptocrats and Criminals by Oliver Bullough This made me giggle: A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka My book club loved: When All is Said by Anne Griffin Hi, I’m Tom and I’m a perfectionist. I suspect, being bookish sorts, most of you are, too.
Why I'm starting a bookshop
This week’s recommendations I’m reading: Putin’s People by Catherine Belton. How Putin’s cronies cleaned up when the USSR collapsed Recently loved: Saltwaterby Jessica Andrews. A lyrical debut novel that I loved for its unusual setting (Sunderland, as well as London and Ireland) Golden oldie: My War Gone By, I Miss It So by Anthony Loyd.
OC Media’s top 10 articles of 2021
From the aftermath of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, the pandemic, and political crises throughout the region, 2021 was an eventful year in the Caucasus. We look back at the 10 best articles published on OC Media in 2021. 10. Abkhazia seeks to revive its rail link to the outside world By Marianna Kotova. A railway tunnel in the village of Psyrtskha. Photo: Dominik K Cagara/OC Media.
Guest commentary: LAFCO, the rest of the story
Recently, the Monterey Herald has been deluged with letters making all kinds of wild claims and accusations about the vote on June 28 by Monterey County’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to require an “independent” study of the proposed public takeover of California American Water by the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District.
What Is Barre? The Benefits & How To Get Started
It’s more about posture than pirouetting. Here’s how to plié for physical and mental strength Photograph: Shutterstock Barre has exploded in popularity over the past decade and it’s helping women build strength and get in fantastic shape – it also has a surprisingly erotic past. Originating in the 60s with the Lotte Berk Technique, much of its marketing was bolstered by a promise to improve sexual prowess.
Czech New Wave | The Boozy Cinema You Need Right Now
The Czech New Wave is this insanely rich torrent of creativity that erupts in the former Czechoslovakia in the tiniest of time frames – roughly 1964-1968. It’s a mayfly of a wave, ephemeral and utterly unique. Seen from a distance it feels cut off, similar but completely different to the rest of European film in the 60’s. It’s a cinema of empathy and anarchy, combining thoughtful sensitivity with giddy energy. However, the most comprehensive through line is just how damn boozy it is.
Your Hangover Cure: How To Handle The Symptoms
Image: iStock Search for a hangover cure online and the most common answer you’ll find from medically trained professionals is don’t drink alcohol. It seems they’re fighting a losing battle, though – a 2018 government survey found that only 20% of UK over-16s are teetotal. Alcohol is in most of our lives: sales of booze soared during lockdown and thousands flocked to bars and pubs as they reopened for ‘Super Saturday’.
UNWomen Oxford cancels Amber Rudd – The Oxford Student
The UNWomen Oxford UK Society cancelled its event with former Conservative Home Secretary Amber Rudd shortly before she was due to speak on Thursday of 7th week following complaints about. The event In Conversation: Amber Rudd was due to take place at 7:30 PM on Thursday 5th March as part of their UN Women’s 2020 Trailblazer Series. Rudd was supposed to be interviewed about her role as Minister for Women and Equalities.
Who Dares Wins' Jason Fox shares his suspension cables workout
‘I pack suspension cables in my bag whenever I’m working away from home,’ reveals Jason Fox, the former Special Forces operative turned TV presenter. It’s no surprise to learn that the system of ropes and fixings that make TRX an excellent on-the-move bodyweight training accessory were invented by the US equivalent of the SAS, the Navy Seals. ‘I wish I’d thought of it – I’d be minted by now,’ Fox jokes. Inspired by Fox’s passion for functional fitness, we’ve shared his TRX workout below.
The circuit you need for ultimate obstacle race performance
Do each exercise in turn for the stated number of reps with no rest between the moves. Then rest for two to three minutes before repeating the circuit up to three times. Repeat the workout two to three times a week, or incorporate it into your current routine as a once-a-week full-body blast. Reps: 10 each side • Keep your arms straight throughout the swing and core braced. • Use your hips to initiate the move and shoulders/ back to follow it through.
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