Next week I go out again for a stretch — the most intriguing being a chance to speak to a gathering put together by Birchbark Books in Minneapolis — Louise Erdrich’s bookstore. What good and interesting folks, and Louise first among equals. She was truly a generous soul to take the time to read Joseph and write a kind and meaningful endorsement of it. (The reading takes place at 6:30 pm at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church, 2020 West Lake of the Isles Parkway. Following the reading, I’ll sign copies at the bookstore.
I hope I’ll be able to return the favor by bringing some attention to her wonderful bookstore at my reading/talk. It appears that C-Span will be there, and as much as I look forward to the exposure it will give the story of Joseph, I am equally as excited about the prospect of bringing exposure to her unique and delightful bookstore.
Barnes and Noble’s are great for getting coffee and finding books and sitting down for a quiet read. But only in bookstores like Birchbark do you find yourself engaged in conversations with travelers from Germany and store personnel who are both fascinating and knowledgeable. This was my experience last time I was there, and it is my experience in almost every small, independent bookstore I have the pleasure of visiting. These are treasures that we need to support — with our dollars, our presence, and our continued patronage.