Friday, January 25, 2008

Independent Bookstores Rule!

Julie, my lovely lady, had a reading of her YA novel, GET WELL SOON, this past Sunday at a newish bookstore called Under the Sycamore Tree. It's on the skirts of this brand new housing development they've built in Grayslake, Illinois. The building it's in is new as well. I love this store. I mean, in general, there's nothing like a great independently owned/operated bookstore. And this one specializes in books for children (loads of picture books and YA stuff) so it's extra cool. (They do have a selection of "grown up" stuff too.) And it's just like I like a good bookstore to be--well-stocked, cozy, warm, and staffed up with a friendly crew. In our experience with in-store readings, the small shops tend to be the best in terms of promo and basic awesomeness. And Sycamore did not disappoint. Jackie Harris, the owner, was there right away, setting Julie up, and she was super nice the whole time. She had a good crowd assembled and everything went really well. Julie had 'em rollin in the aisles.

If you're in the area and you haven't heard of this place, it's a must-see. Skip the chain book shops and high-tail over to Under the Sycamore Tree.

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