The Indie Bob Spot: The Whistle-Stop Book Shop

Whistle-Stop Bookshop, Genesee Depot, WI

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Do you live in a town of 10,000 without an independent bookstore? What's wrong? Ok, so you're in a town of 20,000, you must have a bookstore, right? No? 50,000 and no bookstore? What gives? How does a tiny Wisconsin town of approximately 7,000 get their own bookstore? (and small population aside, the town is unincorporated) I'll tell you how they did it. In Genesee Depot all it takes is one determined woman and an uber supportive family. Throw in a knowledgeable son who does all the book-buying and maintains an on-line sales presence and you have a successful bookstore in a small town off to a great start.

Whistle-Stop Books has a noticeable presence on the main road through town and you'll have no trouble finding it. Multiple large flags waving in the wind and a large red awning will draw your eyes directly to the store. And if you get lost, remember it's right by the railroad tracks which is how it came by its name. Once you get past the exterior you'll enter into a store filled with all used books floor to ceiling, a book-lover's heaven. They also offer a healthy inventory of vintage and collectibles and if you can't visit here in person they offer online sales. If you're a collector this store is a must see. They also stock a robust variety of sidelines including stickers (they're hot), bookstore candles, wacky socks, games, book-cover coasters, and flannel coozies, to name a few. The store has only been open for less than two years and I'm happy to say, so far so good.

Sue is the mother in charge at the store but it really is a team effort that includes her husband Craig and sons Adam and Matt. The store grew out of Adam's online book-selling business which is still active and can be found at rarevisionbooks.com.

Best of all was meeting and talking to this wonderful family. Heck, except for a daughter and some grandsons, I met the whole gang and they made me feel like a long lost cousin! These are the experiences I absolutely love with such nice people and I sure hope many of you can enjoy these as well.

Looking for a Wisconsin getaway this summer? Here you go. I can guarantee an enjoyable experience when you visit Whistle-Stop Books and the fine people who work here. It just confirms my belief in "Midwest nice." Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: West With Giraffes, Lynda Rutledge. An adventure like no other based on a real event. It has suspense, a dust bowl survivor, hurricane survivors, a corrupt circus ringmaster, and two innocent giraffes hoping to survive being transported across the country to the San Diego Zoo in 1938. This author and book deserve much more national attention. I absolutely loved it. Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Miss Jane, Brad Watson.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Not purchased but gifted, The Narrow Road to the Deep North Richard Flanagan. Big Bad Love, Larry Brown. Thanks Adam, Sue, and all.