They are still far and few in between, but I occasionally get reading opportunities. R&B used books was the latest, and it is just what you might think it is: stacks of books to the ceiling. The owner, Beth, knows where just about any books you’re looking for is, but even as I walked in a customer surprised her by finding something she didn’t even know she had.
There’s a resident cat and he’s loud mouthed and cute and has the two owners on a string — but she seems just fine, thank you very much with only the occasional footstep and page flip emanating over the buzz of the fluorescent lights.
People meander in and out and talk at length with the bookstore owner Beth. They all know her well and have been coming to place for a while. She’s been here 16 years and that’s a feat — Borders shuttered only 8 years ago. She’s a proud and knowledgeable independent bookstore owner, and her savvy shows in that’s she’s survived this long.
I got to read a couple of chapters and talk with some of the folks that came in specifically to see me based on her social media posts. That’s such a treat—to know someone showed up just for you. I played the audiobook for them, something I don’t often get the chance to do. Despite the rain and limited foot traffic, I sold some books and audiobooks.
It might come as a surprise to know that sales aren’t really why I do this. Of course I want folks to read, listen and enjoy. Selling books and artwork also helps facilitate whatever next creative endeavor I have up may sleeve. But ultimately this is just a means to an end: I just want to do this stuff.
Looking forward to doing this again, either with my existing books, or certainly with my new book Where All the Little Things Live.
You must be logged in to post a comment.