Today we’re taking a moment to introduce Hannah - a very special Hero who’s been part of the Book Hero story for a while. Hannah is a University student (Global Studies and Art) who became a permanent fixture over Christmas but continues into the New Year as a valued member of our bookstore team. You’ll now find Hannah in-store every Saturday, preparing Pick Up orders, offering recommendations and keeping our customers happy ♥️
Say Hello to Hannah 👋
Hannah is a multi-talented Warehouse Sidekick whose knowledge and skills have grown impressively alongside the business. Hannah started out picking books in the warehouse and has since learned every step of the process - from receiving stock to fulfilling orders, using the high-stock picker, and helping get orders out the door quickly and accurately. A University student with a competitive spirit, Hannah is always aiming to get better and faster at what she does. These days, you’ll also find her in the bookshop every Saturday, where she enjoys meeting customers and bringing her behind-the-scenes knowledge to the front of the bookshop.
What do you most enjoy about working at Book Hero?
I enjoy coming to work because everyone at Book Hero is so passionate about books, friendly, and takes a lot of pride in doing their work well. I love the smell of new books when I walk into work, that we always have music playing, and especially Shirl’s special Friday playlists where she chooses a different theme each week. It’s exciting coming into work never knowing quite what my day will look like and what I will be learning. However, my favourite part of work is seeing everyone so excited to pick up their books and getting to know our customers; the perfect compliment to working behind the scenes in the warehouse.
What inspired you to join the Book Hero team?
I first heard about Book Hero on Instagram and thought it sounded like my ideal place to work; I was even more stoked to learn that the warehouse was close to where I live so I could be a part of a business in my local community. I was so excited by the idea of being surrounded by books and booklovers all day, and joining a growing business where there are lots of opportunities to learn and share my passion for books with others.
Books Hannah is looking forward to in 2026:
How would you describe your relationship with books?
Since I was little I have been obsessed with reading. I used to have a torch under the duvet at night so I could read after lights out and there is a picture of me reading up a tree; I took books everywhere. When I was a little older my friend and I would walk to school side by side while reading, a little bit of a hazard so I wouldn’t recommend it! For me, books are a way to connect with people and ideas, to challenge myself and to change the way I think about the world. However, I also like to read to chill out by the beach or on my way home from university.
What are some of your most recommended (or gifted) books?
Little Women
"I love Little Women so much I have three copies. My comfort book, Little Women follows the lives of four sisters as they navigate sisterhood and growing up."
War on Peace
by Ronan Farrow
"American diplomacy told through personal experience and written in the gripping style of a journalist, Ronan Farrow offers his stories of diplomacy past and his worries for diplomacy future."
The Enigma of Room 622
by Joël Dicker
"Not content to simply model a character after himself, author Joël Dicker appears as both narrator and protagonist in this mystery that starts with confusion over a missing room in a Swiss hotel but quickly becomes about a long unsolved murder."
Rebecca
"Written like a classic, with a plot that would not be amiss among modern thrillers, the vivid imagery of Rebecca is such that I think of this book every time I see rhododendrons."
The Starless Sea
"Another book that I could read again and again, The Starless Sea is a Russian doll of stories. Zachary Rawlins picks up a book in his university library that seems to hold a story from his own life, starting him on a world and time bending journey."
Definitely my most read book, I have so many notes in my Bible at this point it has probably doubled in size, and is held together by duct tape.
A Face Like Glass - Frances Hardinge
I always like a book that takes something seemingly ubiquitous and removes it. In A Face Like Glass, the people of underground Caverna do not show emotions on their faces unless they are taught how by the famous Facesmiths- at a price. Then Neverfell appears, a girl with no memory of her past and her emotions written all over her face. With beautiful writing, this book has stuck with me long after I read it.
The Neuroscience of You - Chantel Prat
Brains are so cool! From the structure of neurons to the concept of neuroplasticity, I found this to be a memorable way to look at the brain.
Tell us a bit about your life outside of work?
I’m just about to start my last semester of my conjoint Global Studies and Arts bachelors degree studying global politics, Asia, Chinese, English and psychology; a bit of a mouthful! This keeps me busy during the semester but I also love to swim in the pool and the ocean all year round. I also enjoy helping out at church, playing table tennis and social volleyball.
Who are your favourite Authors?
I'm not super invested in specific authors but I like Donna Tartt, Margaret Atwood, the Brontë sisters, L. M. Montgomery and Jane Austen.
What are your favourite genres to read?
Non-fiction: Psychology and politics books, biographies and also history!
Fiction: Murder mysteries and crime, classics and dystopian. I also like Christian literature and poetry (my favourite poet is Sylvia Plath).
It’s been a pleasure to watch Hannah pick up new skills and really grow into her role - she is a star in the bookshop and knows our warehouse systems inside out. We know our customers are in great hands with Hannah on the team - thanks for being on this journey with us Hannah! 🚀
