We generally wait till mid-December to put up our Christmas tree, giving ourselves a little more time to hang on to that mellow Thanksgiving tryptophan state of mind.
But one of our local characters always puts together a funky little holiday display, reminding me that it's time to make lists, address Christmas cards, plan upcoming festivities, and wrap and mail gifts . . .
And speaking of gifts ( WARNING! Blatant commercial plea follows) . . . what about introducing a friend to Elizabeth Goodweather? Easy on the budget, easy to wrap, easy to mail . . .
Of course you can find her on Amazon but over there to the right are links to three booksellers who can provide autographed (even personalized, if you wish) copies of the Elizabeth Goodweather Appalachian Mysteries.
If mysteries aren't your cup of tea, there are other books that would fill the void in someone's stocking -- I've mentioned some goodies in the past couple years.
As you've probably heard, booksellers and the publishing industry are having a tough time of it these days, along with so many other enterprises. Though we usually make most of our gifts (well, for the past few years, it's been John who's taken over that task, busying away in his wood shop,) I still spend some dollars at my local booksellers, picking out what I hope will be just the right book for certain friends and family.
Of course there are lots of troubled retailers -- and I wasn't one of the patriotic souls out there last Friday, spending to help put one of the big box businesses in the black.
Maybe book stores are redundant now -- with the Internet and E-books and such -- but to me, the independent bookstore is one of the last bastions of a truly civilized way of life. Here's a place where you can browse and find something more than the same few big names -- maybe you're looking for something regional, something quirky, something unexpected -- whatever your interest, you can count on booksellers who can help you. Booksellers who read their wares, booksellers who actually like books. . .
Imagine that!
I'll be signing (and buying) books in one such bastion this week. If you're in the Asheville area, stop by Malaprops on Friday the 4th, between 5 and 6. I'll be there, happy to sign and personalize for you. Or to point you to some good reads in which I have no financial interest.
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