Reinvention, Resilience, and Reading: Diane Park’s Journey to Thriving Bookshop Owner

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What drives a woman to reinvent herself in her 40s and open a thriving bookshop championing strong women and diverse voices? Join me as I sit down with Diane Park, the remarkable owner of Wave of Nostalgia in Hayworth, UK. Diane’s journey is anything but conventional. From leaving school at 16 and facing early adult responsibilities after her mother's passing to a career in banking and achievements in indoor rowing, Diane’s path has been full of twists and turns. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience as she navigates her roles as a mother, local councilor, and now a bookstore owner. 

In this episode, Diane transports us to the charming village of Hayworth, famous for the Bronte sisters, where she has created a haven for book lovers who enjoy reading feminist, LGBTQ+, and environmental literature. Diane shares the joys of community life, the challenges and triumphs of running an independent bookshop, and the importance of inclusivity. This episode is a celebration of literature’s power to transform lives and bring communities together.

Wave of Nostalgia

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Anne Brontë

Miranda Hart – The Biography, Sophie Johnson

Is It Just Me?, Miranda Hart

Walking the Invisible, Michael Stewart

Emily Brontë Reappraised, Claire O’Callaghan

Charlotte Bradman

Kirsten Miller

Laura Bates

Leslie Kern

Stephanie Shields

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