I am spending the week in Asheville,
North Carolina at the annual Winter
Institute, a book industry learning forum. It is a place where independent
booksellers gather to share ideas with each other, publishers and authors.
One of the highlights of the last couple of days was a
terrific presentation by the NYTimes bestselling author John Green. John is not
only a hugely successful young adult author, but a big supporter of independent
bookstores. Having published five big books which speak to young adults as well
as adults he reminded the gathering of booksellers that had it not been for
independent bookstores no one would have read his first book. (A bit of an
exaggeration, but we like the sentiment.) His early success was deeply linked
to the loyal following and word of mouth buzz that small independent bookstores
offered.
Well lucky for us because John is a champion of independent
bookstores.
As John so eloquently mentioned in his talk, it is all those
knowledgeable and engaged booksellers that bring new reads to the lucky
customers who walk through our doors. We see more than the algorithm that Amazon uses to pick your books, we see a
person with diverse interests, curious thoughts and a desire to discover more
stories to carry them away from the routine
of the day. We actually read those books unlike Mr. Amazon.
Keep supporting Elm Street Books and all independent
bookstores so they can keep supporting you in this wonderful world of books.
John Green’s books make wonderful parent child book club books.
Ages 12 and up.