Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“In Ordinary Time, Annie Jones turns mundanity into meaning—giving her readers a beautifully told and deeply considered account of the everyday choices that pile up to become a life. It reads like a soothing conversation with a trustworthy friend.” — Mary Laura Philpott, author of I Miss You When I Blink and Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives
“Thoughtful childhood nostalgia and stories that find the magic in the mundane will be especially touching for millennials.” — Erin Napier, bestselling author of Heirloom Rooms and Make Something Good Today
“Annie B. Jones gently and deftly pushes back on the idea that an interesting life has to be an adventurous one. Through stories of friendship, marriage, and running a small town bookstore, she shares a life rich with beauty and meaning. Ordinary Time will make readers reflect on their seasons of letting go and the merits of staying put.” — Laura Tremaine, author of The Life Council and Share Your Stuff, I’ll Go First
“Ordinary Time is like a hug from an old friend in sentence form.” — Sean Dietrich, columnist, podcaster, and author of Kinfolk and You Are My Sunshine
“Turns out, our generation’s Kathleen Kelly loves empty churches and The Book of Common Prayer but also Fleabag and dancing something called the Sleazy Slide. This book proves that real life—surprising, heartbreaking, seemingly simple life—will always be better than the movies. Lucky Thomasville that Annie stuck around, and lucky us that she shares her stories.” — Elizabeth Passarella, author of Good Apple and It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway
“Annie writes a love letter to everyone who's ever wondered if they made the right choice to stay, to stick around, to continue on. I absolutely adored the tender way she carries her stories of remaining, and how she shares them to remind us of our long obedience in the same direction.” — Erin Moon, author of I’ve Got Questions and host of the Faith Adjacent podcast
“What a privilege it is to go along with Annie B. Jones on her journey of staying put. Earnest, graceful, and beautifully written, this book is an exquisite reflection on the art of finding enchantment in ordinary time. This is one to treasure and come back to again and again.” — Annabel Monaghan, uthor of Summer Romance and Nora Goes Off Script
“Annie B. Jones has a gift for putting complicated feelings into words—I lost count of the times I thought, “me too!” as I read these pages. Ordinary Time is a book that will help you appreciate the satisfaction of quiet days, find joy even in complicated community, and see the beauty of ending up in a life you never expected. Annie has written a lovely book about the pain of goodbyes and the surprises that can happen when you choose to stay put.” — Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks and Very Sincerely Yours
Jones, host of the popular podcast From the Front Porch, reflects on her experiences in southern Georgia and northern Florida, the only places she’s ever lived. As “the person who stays,” Jones' life is stable. She’s married to her college sweetheart, they live in the small town of Thomasville, and she owns a bookstore, The Bookshelf. which she rescued from nearly closing. While her world may seem idyllic, Jones has her own difficulties. So many of her friends have left, making it hard for her to find social connections. She struggles with her role as the boss of her store in such a close-knit community; it’s tough to maintain professional boundaries when everyone in town knows each other. But Jones finds joy in small things like learning to line dance and participating in book clubs. Her family and husband are a constant support, and she’s proud of the store and the podcast she’s built. Jones’ strength is in her storytelling; her clear and confident voice brings the reader closer to the lessons she’s learned. — Booklist
Many nonfiction books are written about adventures—people write about the trips they are planning or have already taken, unexpected events that occurred in their lives, or encounters with famous or infamous individuals that inspire or frighten them. Rare is the book that is written about the simple joys of staying put, of the small, sweet moments that develop in a quiet life spent not necessarily in contemplation or striving for greater things but rather in living in the moment and finding peace in the quiet rhythm of everyday living. While their peers were moving to big cities and pursuing big dreams, Jones (From the Front Porch podcast) and her husband chose a different road—moving to a small town and buying a bookstore. This memoir is her tale of putting down roots and learning to find happiness in the mundane. VERDICT A beautifully written story of the sweetness of staying put, Jones’s book will add depth to any memoir collection. — Library Journal
About the Author
Annie B. Jones is a writer, podcaster, and the owner of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. Jones hosts From the Front Porch, a weekly podcast about books, small business, and life in the South, and her work has been featured in Southern Living magazine. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, she lives in Thomasville with her husband, Jordan, and their dog, Sam Malone.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Memoir in Essays for every woman
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5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Debut
I found From The Front Porch in the midst of Covid. It was an escape for me, from the real world. I took Annie and the podcast on my walks, drives and cleaning my house. Eagerly awaiting each new episode weekly. I’ve since listened to almost all the episodes. So when Annie announced she was writing a book I knew I needed the audio version. Let me tell you, Ordinary Time resonated with me so much. I have always longed to visit Thomasville and The Bookshelf but haven’t quite made it yet. Some day. I loved Ordinary Time so much. There were stories of Annie’s life I could relate to on so many levels. I have even purchased a hard copy so I can mark some favorite quotes. Thank you Annie for writing this beautiful book about loving who you are and where you land in life 💜
4.0 out of 5 stars Almost Great
This is a great read - I can only give 4 stars due to the insertion of politics where I felt it added no value.Otherwise, loves it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for everyone!!
My words will not do this book justice at all, but I will attempt it.I have been a listener of From the Front Porch podcast for eight years and a long distance supporter of The Bookshelf for just as long after hearing about it on the podcast. I met Annie in person at the store in 2021, and my kids got to listen to her read during story time at the amphitheater. I can 100% say she is as delightful in person as she is on the podcast . The staff at The Bookshelf are some of the most down to earth friendly humans you'd ever meet. You truly feel at home when you walk into the store. We stop in the store every year on our way to our vacation spot. It's worth taking a detour for, that's for sure.I couldn't have been more excited for Annie when she announced this book. I couldn't wait to be immersed in the pages. Dare I say we can all relate to at least one topic she wrote about in this book, if not more. Annie put her whole heart into writing this book, and I, for one, am grateful for her words so delicately and thoughtfully written. There were several times that I cried, especially when she talked about her grandmothers. Annie, thank you for sharing your heart with us readers and listeners.Thank you to Netgalley and HarperOne for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5.0 out of 5 stars ANNIE INSPIRES!
With unflinching honesty, author Annie B. Jones tells the whole truth about transplanting to a small town. Even as owner of an established bookstore, some in Thomasville, Georgia were slow to accept her. She struggled with finding a comfortable church where she could fit. Annie shares her efforts to make new friends. The only question mark for me comes from the author's humility. She's a nationally-known indie bookstore owner. Her podcast, after more than 500 episodes, is booming. I thought she would have been sharing more of her accomplishments on those two fronts.
brilliant thought provoking easy to read
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I really enjoyed this book and the theme of Staying even if we think we’d rather be elsewhere and the fact that we still might?!
Excellent read
I follow the author on Instagram, and imagined the book would be excellent. I was not disappointed! It’s lovely - pair it up with a cozy blanket and some coffee, and you’re in for a treat.
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Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put
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Visit the Annie B. Jones (Author) Store
Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put
AED9773
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“In Ordinary Time, Annie Jones turns mundanity into meaning—giving her readers a beautifully told and deeply considered account of the everyday choices that pile up to become a life. It reads like a soothing conversation with a trustworthy friend.” — Mary Laura Philpott, author of I Miss You When I Blink and Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives
“Thoughtful childhood nostalgia and stories that find the magic in the mundane will be especially touching for millennials.” — Erin Napier, bestselling author of Heirloom Rooms and Make Something Good Today
“Annie B. Jones gently and deftly pushes back on the idea that an interesting life has to be an adventurous one. Through stories of friendship, marriage, and running a small town bookstore, she shares a life rich with beauty and meaning. Ordinary Time will make readers reflect on their seasons of letting go and the merits of staying put.” — Laura Tremaine, author of The Life Council and Share Your Stuff, I’ll Go First
“Ordinary Time is like a hug from an old friend in sentence form.” — Sean Dietrich, columnist, podcaster, and author of Kinfolk and You Are My Sunshine
“Turns out, our generation’s Kathleen Kelly loves empty churches and The Book of Common Prayer but also Fleabag and dancing something called the Sleazy Slide. This book proves that real life—surprising, heartbreaking, seemingly simple life—will always be better than the movies. Lucky Thomasville that Annie stuck around, and lucky us that she shares her stories.” — Elizabeth Passarella, author of Good Apple and It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway
“Annie writes a love letter to everyone who's ever wondered if they made the right choice to stay, to stick around, to continue on. I absolutely adored the tender way she carries her stories of remaining, and how she shares them to remind us of our long obedience in the same direction.” — Erin Moon, author of I’ve Got Questions and host of the Faith Adjacent podcast
“What a privilege it is to go along with Annie B. Jones on her journey of staying put. Earnest, graceful, and beautifully written, this book is an exquisite reflection on the art of finding enchantment in ordinary time. This is one to treasure and come back to again and again.” — Annabel Monaghan, uthor of Summer Romance and Nora Goes Off Script
“Annie B. Jones has a gift for putting complicated feelings into words—I lost count of the times I thought, “me too!” as I read these pages. Ordinary Time is a book that will help you appreciate the satisfaction of quiet days, find joy even in complicated community, and see the beauty of ending up in a life you never expected. Annie has written a lovely book about the pain of goodbyes and the surprises that can happen when you choose to stay put.” — Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks and Very Sincerely Yours
Jones, host of the popular podcast From the Front Porch, reflects on her experiences in southern Georgia and northern Florida, the only places she’s ever lived. As “the person who stays,” Jones' life is stable. She’s married to her college sweetheart, they live in the small town of Thomasville, and she owns a bookstore, The Bookshelf. which she rescued from nearly closing. While her world may seem idyllic, Jones has her own difficulties. So many of her friends have left, making it hard for her to find social connections. She struggles with her role as the boss of her store in such a close-knit community; it’s tough to maintain professional boundaries when everyone in town knows each other. But Jones finds joy in small things like learning to line dance and participating in book clubs. Her family and husband are a constant support, and she’s proud of the store and the podcast she’s built. Jones’ strength is in her storytelling; her clear and confident voice brings the reader closer to the lessons she’s learned. — Booklist
Many nonfiction books are written about adventures—people write about the trips they are planning or have already taken, unexpected events that occurred in their lives, or encounters with famous or infamous individuals that inspire or frighten them. Rare is the book that is written about the simple joys of staying put, of the small, sweet moments that develop in a quiet life spent not necessarily in contemplation or striving for greater things but rather in living in the moment and finding peace in the quiet rhythm of everyday living. While their peers were moving to big cities and pursuing big dreams, Jones (From the Front Porch podcast) and her husband chose a different road—moving to a small town and buying a bookstore. This memoir is her tale of putting down roots and learning to find happiness in the mundane. VERDICT A beautifully written story of the sweetness of staying put, Jones’s book will add depth to any memoir collection. — Library Journal
About the Author
Annie B. Jones is a writer, podcaster, and the owner of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. Jones hosts From the Front Porch, a weekly podcast about books, small business, and life in the South, and her work has been featured in Southern Living magazine. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, she lives in Thomasville with her husband, Jordan, and their dog, Sam Malone.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Memoir in Essays for every woman
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Rating 5 stars!Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put is a memoir in essays by Annie B. Jones. I’ve been looking forward to reading this debut. I listen to From the Front Porch podcast and have been cheering Jones on to achieving this dream. And she did it! Her voice, character, and authenticity shine through in every story.Beyond that I am fascinated with ordinary. Our obsession with celebrities and mountain top experiences frustrates me. There is such beauty in the ordinary lives of ordinary people. So it’s shocking that this book (I preordered my copy) has been out a few weeks before I started reading it (and finished it in less than 24 hours). It’s so good!! Annie found the perfect connections from her past to her present, inviting us to do the same. I loved the themes of rhythms, relationships, nostalgia, dreams, acceptance, books, and more. I hope everyone will read Ordinary Time!I enjoyed every essay and it’s almost ridiculous because my favorites list is super long… but here are some of my favorites.ObituariesNamesakesEverybody Writes About SistersA Marriage StorySam Malone & a House with a PoolA Life Lived with BooksAnd some favorite quotes:“Maybe it’s never really been about the porch. It’s really about being a person who has time for other people, who listens well, and who sits and soothes and remembers life is a ruler, and this is all just a blip. It’s about embodying the spirit of the porch and passing that spirit onto the people you love.”“I think unknowingly, without even trying, he taught me how to stay, had a root for someone when it was their turn to go. How to recover and remain yourself when the people you love go somewhere else.”“I have lived a deliciously ordinary life and marriage: drinks, dinner, a movie… for as long as we both shall live.”“Love what you love, and let other people see it, so they can love it, too.”“Good stories are anywhere you are. Your quiet, ordinary life matters, and the place you’re living in matters, too.”
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Debut
I found From The Front Porch in the midst of Covid. It was an escape for me, from the real world. I took Annie and the podcast on my walks, drives and cleaning my house. Eagerly awaiting each new episode weekly. I’ve since listened to almost all the episodes. So when Annie announced she was writing a book I knew I needed the audio version. Let me tell you, Ordinary Time resonated with me so much. I have always longed to visit Thomasville and The Bookshelf but haven’t quite made it yet. Some day. I loved Ordinary Time so much. There were stories of Annie’s life I could relate to on so many levels. I have even purchased a hard copy so I can mark some favorite quotes. Thank you Annie for writing this beautiful book about loving who you are and where you land in life 💜
4.0 out of 5 stars Almost Great
This is a great read - I can only give 4 stars due to the insertion of politics where I felt it added no value.Otherwise, loves it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for everyone!!
My words will not do this book justice at all, but I will attempt it.I have been a listener of From the Front Porch podcast for eight years and a long distance supporter of The Bookshelf for just as long after hearing about it on the podcast. I met Annie in person at the store in 2021, and my kids got to listen to her read during story time at the amphitheater. I can 100% say she is as delightful in person as she is on the podcast . The staff at The Bookshelf are some of the most down to earth friendly humans you'd ever meet. You truly feel at home when you walk into the store. We stop in the store every year on our way to our vacation spot. It's worth taking a detour for, that's for sure.I couldn't have been more excited for Annie when she announced this book. I couldn't wait to be immersed in the pages. Dare I say we can all relate to at least one topic she wrote about in this book, if not more. Annie put her whole heart into writing this book, and I, for one, am grateful for her words so delicately and thoughtfully written. There were several times that I cried, especially when she talked about her grandmothers. Annie, thank you for sharing your heart with us readers and listeners.Thank you to Netgalley and HarperOne for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5.0 out of 5 stars ANNIE INSPIRES!
With unflinching honesty, author Annie B. Jones tells the whole truth about transplanting to a small town. Even as owner of an established bookstore, some in Thomasville, Georgia were slow to accept her. She struggled with finding a comfortable church where she could fit. Annie shares her efforts to make new friends. The only question mark for me comes from the author's humility. She's a nationally-known indie bookstore owner. Her podcast, after more than 500 episodes, is booming. I thought she would have been sharing more of her accomplishments on those two fronts.
brilliant thought provoking easy to read
(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I really enjoyed this book and the theme of Staying even if we think we’d rather be elsewhere and the fact that we still might?!
Excellent read
I follow the author on Instagram, and imagined the book would be excellent. I was not disappointed! It’s lovely - pair it up with a cozy blanket and some coffee, and you’re in for a treat.
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Similar items from “Women's Issues”
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