De qué se trata
Backstory is the story behind the story—where the protagonists have been, what they've experienced, why they are where they are. It’s the literary ingredient that thickens the plot and enlivens the narrative. It's how we get to know—and connect with—a book's characters.
But [backstory] isn't just for books.
Unearthing others' backstories is one of the best parts of living a life abroad: What brought you here? And maybe as importantly, what’s kept you here?
[backstory] bookshop is where you can get to know—and connect with—characters, both on and off the page. It's the inclusive, community-centered space where swerving paths, bold decisions, and happy accidents can intersect.
Próximos eventos (4+)
Ver todo- Unblock your Mind: A writing workshop on ‘Radical Acceptance’Backstory English Bookshop, Barcelona
This workshop invites you to open up your journal and get writing. Explore simple yet powerful practices inspired by the book Radical Acceptance: Awakening the Love that Heals Fear and Shame by Tara Brach, a psychologist and mindfulness teacher.
Facilitator and local therapist Helena Fierle from Therapy with Helena will share why ‘Radical Acceptance’ matters. This book has personally transformed her life and she thinks it has the power to transform yours too. If you would like to go ahead and dive into this book you can do so, by ordering the book from Backstory here. (You do not have to have read this book to join the workshop).
Nourish your soul with guided journaling practices rooted in ancient wisdom and shaped for modern life to help you work with self-criticism, judgment, and self-doubt.
✨ In this workshop, you will:
· Learn what radical acceptance is - and what it’s not
· Discover more about how your brain works and the psychology of mindfulness
· Practice guided journaling prompts to nurture self-compassion
· Leave feeling inspired to continue journaling at homeNo writing or mindfulness experience necessary — just bring your paper, pen and curiousity!
About the Facilitator:
Workshop facilitator Helena Fierle is an English-speaking therapist for expats struggling with anxiety and low self-esteem whose self-doubt is getting in the way of pursuing the job or relationship they truly want. Helena is also a yoga & mindfulness teacher, passionate writer & artist. Since a young age, Helena has used writing to connect with herself and get a break from overthinking. She loves sharing the power of writing with others and helping people build their personal journaling practice.
You can find more about her work here: https://www.somatictherapywithhelena.com/No está abierto - The Invisible Sun: A Live Reading with Sholeh WolpéBackstory English Bookshop, Barcelona
Join us for an evening with renowned Iranian-American poet, playwright, and translator Sholeh Wolpé, as she presents The Invisible Sun: A Guide for the Soul from Rumi’s Master, her luminous new translation of the poetry of 12th-century Sufi mystic Attar of Nishapur.
Through a live reading followed by an audience Q&A and book signing, Wolpé will bring to life the spiritual depth and lyrical beauty of Attar’s verses—offering a unique opportunity to engage with a mystical tradition that has shaped centuries of Persian literature and inspired poets from Rumi to Hafez.
You can watch a powerful example of her work in performance—an evening of dance and music set to her interpretation and translation of Attar’s The Conference of the Birds, staged at the Getty Villa Museum in Los Angeles:🎥 Watch the performance
About the Book
The Invisible Sun: A Guide for the Soul from Rumi’s Master is a luminous new translation of poetry by 12th-century mystic Attar of Nishapur, whom Rumi revered as his spiritual teacher. This collection introduces English-language readers to the depth and beauty of Attar’s work, revealing timeless reflections on love, surrender, and spiritual transformation. In lyrical and accessible verse, Wolpé brings Attar’s mystic fire to the present day—reminding us that "the only failure is to stand still."About Sholeh Wolpé
Wolpé an Iranian-American poet, playwright, and librettist whose work spans seven poetry collections, multiple plays, and acclaimed translations of classical Persian literature. Her translation of The Conference of the Birds by Attar (W.W. Norton) was hailed as a literary triumph, and her memoir in verse Abacus of Loss was named one of the most accessible contemporary verse works by The Mary Sue. She is the recipient of the PEN/Heim, the Lois Roth Translation Prize, and the Opera America Discovery Award. Wolpé is currently Writer-in-Residence at the University of California, Irvine, and divides her time between California and Barcelona. www.sholehwolpe.comAbout Attar
Attar of Nishapur (c. 1145–1221) was a Sufi master, poet, and apothecary whose teachings deeply shaped Islamic mysticism. Best known for The Conference of the Birds, Attar's work explores the soul’s path to the divine through metaphor, parable, and poetic insight. Rumi famously said, “Attar has traversed the seven cities of love, while I am still at the bend of the first alley.” Despite his immense influence, much of Attar's poetry remains little known in the West—a gap Wolpé’s translation powerfully bridges.
