Anderson's Bookshops - Naperville, IL

I've mentioned in previous blog posts the many special people I've met in the various bookshops so far. It doesn't matter whether they were the owner, manager, or store employee, I just haven't had a bad experience.  Once we get past the introductions, the explanation of my project, and my goal things warm up just as if I'm visiting old friends.  There is really something to be said for these indie store people and they all have that passion for the printed word, the printed book.  This was one of those places.  When my mom and I arrived this past summer, Becky Anderson wasn't in but they had an employee, Doris (her autograph on my Anderson's page isn't clear enough to know the last name), who proceeded to impart her vast knowledge and recommendations for our next books to read.  I told her in an email after our visit that if every bookstore has employees like her that we'd never get everything read that they recommend!  Doris's real love is mysteries.  Her recommendation that I bought was The Cold Dish, by Craig Johnson.  It says that it is the first novel in the Walt Longmire Mystery Series.  I haven't read this yet and am not familiar with the series or this book.  Don't know a thing about it.  But by God, Doris sold me on it and I bought it (as all of YOU should do when you visit an indie!) and it now has a place with so many others in the "pile of books waiting their turn." She gave us many more recommendations besides mysteries and it was great talking to her.  Doris is the picture of a great and gracious ambassador for independent bookstores.  

How about the store itself?  Awesome.  5 stars.  All on one level but very expansive and roomy.  Lots of inventory and plenty of room to move around.  Looked like they had a great kids section.  Ample parking in a side lot as well as on the street.  No coffee shop but there is a Starbucks very close that is a super place to sit, sip, read, and hook to wifi.  And if you don't have a device to hook to wifi there is a great Apple store right across the street from Anderson's.  Now, go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir!

CURRENTLY READING:  Turtle Diary, Russell Hoban.  I like the premise for the plot but it seems like the author gets off on tangents.  

COMING UP SOON:  Ken Follett.  I'll share the title in the next post.  Probably.  I've read his stuff before and like it.