The Indie Bob Spot: Read Herring Books

Read Herring Books, Montgomery, AL

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Readers, you know how some of the books you read stay with you longer than others? It's the same for me with bookstores. And this one is going to stay with me for awhile. If you're an American history buff and have never been to Montgomery, you need to move it way up on your list. This bookstore and publishing company, NewSouth Books Publishing, are in the heart of the civil rights history of Montgomery. The store is within walking distance of 6 museums (making it a great location) including the Rosa Parks Library & Museum, and the Freedom Rides Museum, located in the old Greyhound Bus Depot and visible from the bookstore. The history in the bookstore includes a couch that Rosa Parks has sat on. The old building this store is in has three bathrooms in the basement, one of which is smaller than the other two as a result of the Jim Crow era. My history lesson continued with my good fortune of meeting Professor Alan Gribben, the Mark Twain scholar who revised Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer by removing the "n-word" from each, bringing a firestorm of protest onto the store and NewSouth Books. He also has a newly released book that was 50 years in the making, Mark Twain's Literary Resources, a reconstruction of the writer's library and reading life. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg of what I learned on this incredible visit.

This indie is clearly devoted to the cause of civil rights, African-American history, and Montgomery history. You're going to see lots of books offered here that you just can't find elsewhere. Read Herring offers new and used books and they're all shelved together throughout the store. The used books are acquired from customers by donation. There are a small assortment of postcards, but other than that there are no sidelines. As some indies need sidelines to survive, store manager Mike B. told me things are going great with just the books. In fact, they're going so good that the store will be expanding its space. Congratulations Read Herring and NewSouth Books.

Store events are one of the big things for the store's business, similar to other indies. The museums have helped turn Montgomery into a tourist destination making tourists a very important part of their business.

I had a great time meeting Mike, and Muyideen, whose wife owns the AfriAmeri Gift Shop connected to the book store but as a separate business. I also lucked out and met Suzanne L., one of the owners of NewSouth Books Publishing who own the bookstore. I cannot thank these people enough for their kindness and enthusiasm that is so common with all who I meet along my journey.

If you're in the Montgomery area and haven't been here yet, check out the important indie with the clever name that truly lives out its social advocacy. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Bone Tree, Greg Iles. This is the 2nd book in the Natchez Burning trilogy. A continuation of the issues of civil rights, racial hatred, family secrets, and the blurred lines that sometimes occur between the races. This is an angry novel that is a family saga on both sides of the racial divide. I thoroughly enjoyed this one as much as the first one. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Sightings, B. J. Hollars.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Thirty Years A Slave, Louis Hughes. The Wrong Side Of Murder Creek, Bob Zellner with Constance Curry.

Start your shopping before you even enter the store.

Spacious front window display with the creatively displayed red herring.

You've arrived.

View looking into the store from the front entrance. The store will be expanding its space through the glass panes you see in the back.

I try not to look at signs like these!

Relevant display of topical reads.

Large display featuring civil rights and black history books.

Display of new releases.

More new and notable.

This edition was compiled and updated by Alan Gribben, Mark Twain scholar.

It was my good fortune to meet the author of the above book and Mark Twain scholar, Professor Alan Gribben, a fascinating gentleman to meet and talk to. I'm awed and humbled by the talented and gifted people I've met along my journey.

Read Herring's long wall of books.

Keep in mind that although you'll find lots of relevant books to Montgomery and its history, the store also carries books of recent and general interest.