Hello everyone,

リアル書店に行くと、まずNHKテキストコーナーに行き、様々な英語番組のテキストを見た後、英語コーナーに行き、何か新しい本はないか探してしまいますよね？

今年もあと3か月を切りました。やり残したことはないですか？

Here are ten relatively advanced words and expressions along with their explanations in English:

Serendipitous (幸運な偶然)

Explanation: Serendipitous refers to a fortunate and unexpected discovery or occurrence that happens by chance.

Proliferation (急増)

Explanation: Proliferation refers to a rapid increase or growth, especially in numbers.

Desert (砂漠)

Explanation: In this context, "bookstore deserts" means areas or regions where there are very few or no bookstores available.

Profit Margins (利益率)

Explanation: Profit margins refer to the percentage of profit a business makes for each sale, after deducting the costs associated with producing or acquiring the product.

In-person Shopping (対面販売)

Explanation: In-person shopping refers to the traditional method of physically going to a store to make purchases, rather than shopping online.

Curbside Pickup (店頭引き取り)

Explanation: Curbside pickup is a service where customers can order items online and then pick them up directly from the store, usually from a designated area near the curb or entrance.

Pop-up Stores (一時的な店舗)

Explanation: Pop-up stores are temporary retail spaces that "pop up" for a short period, often to promote a specific product or event.

Intellectual Horizons (知的な視野)

Explanation: Intellectual horizons refer to the range of knowledge, ideas, and perspectives that an individual is exposed to or aware of.

Nostalgic (懐かしい)

Explanation: Nostalgic describes a sentimental longing or affectionate feeling for something from the past.

Literary Debates (文学的な議論)

Explanation: Literary debates involve discussions or arguments about topics related to literature, such as the interpretation of a book or the merits of a particular author's work.

These words and expressions are a bit advanced, but understanding them will enhance your comprehension of discussions about bookstores and related topics.

★Small Talk "ZA-TSU-DA-N"

下記の質問に答えてみましょう。

"It's amazing how bookstores hold such special memories for people. Do you have a favorite bookstore?"

"I completely agree about the joy of discovering new authors. Have you stumbled upon any hidden gems recently?"

"The idea of renting shelf space in bookstores is intriguing. Have you ever considered showcasing your work in a similar way?"

"With the rise of e-books, do you find yourself still drawn to physical books for any particular reason?"

"I'm curious, what types of books do you usually look for when you visit a bookstore?"

★例えばこんな雑談を

Hiro: Hey Akira, did you read about that bookshelf service in Japan? It's really intriguing!

Akira: Yeah, I did! I found it quite fascinating, especially the idea of authors and book enthusiasts renting shelf space.

Hiro: Definitely. It offers a unique platform for showcasing books. I wonder if we have something similar in our local bookstores.

Akira: I'm not sure, but it's worth looking into. Maybe we could explore some nearby bookstores and inquire about it.

Hiro: That sounds like a plan. And speaking of bookstores, have you noticed any changes in the book scene here in Japan recently?

Akira: Well, I've heard that more people are leaning towards e-books. It's a bit concerning for our traditional bookstores.

Hiro: That aligns with what they mentioned in the conversation. It seems like a global trend.

Akira: Yeah, it's a challenge for sure. But I hope that our appreciation for physical books will help sustain them.

Hiro: I share the same sentiment. Let's make an effort to support our local bookstores. They hold a special place in our communities.

Akira: Absolutely, Hiro. It's up to us to keep the love for physical books alive and thriving, especially with services like these bookshelves in Japan.

★Websites about bookstores and reading:

Here are some websites related to the topic of bookstores and reading:

1. Goodreads: A social media platform for book lovers where you can discover new books, read reviews, and connect with other readers.

2. IndieBound: A platform that connects you with local independent bookstores, allowing you to shop for books while supporting local businesses.

3. Project Gutenberg: Offers over 60,000 free eBooks, including many classics, that you can read online or download for free.

4. Powell's Books: A renowned independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, known for its extensive collection of new and used books.

5. Bookish: Provides book recommendations, author interviews, and articles about all things literary.