The Indie Bob Spot: September 2026

Tattooed Tree Books, Fort Atkinson, WI

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If you’re anywhere near Fort Atkinson and haven’t discovered this indie yet, move it to the top of your to-do list. The experience I had here is exactly WHY you don’t go online and just click to get a book. Dena T. is the effervescent and enthusiastic owner of this new bookstore only 5 months old and located in the heart of downtown Fort Atkinson. My time here was like a mini-course in books, bookstores, and Dena’s journey to Tattooed Tree Books. When you visit here and meet Dena you’ll be immersed in a true bookstore experience. Surprisingly, her past wasn’t necessarily destined for this since she was on the path of paleoanthropology as a young adult. Now, in addition to bookstore ownership, her other jobs include a position in IT, a very creative artist whose work you can see throughout the store, and a mother. I’ve met many talented and fascinating owners on this journey but Dena takes these attributes to the nth degree.

This one-level indie is in a space that was built in 1898. Up until 5 months ago it had been many things, including a Sears store. Tattooed Tree offers all new books and a few used books accepted as donations. They may expand their used books inventory sometime in the future. Keep in mind that you can also support the store by ordering books online through bookshop.org. There are a wide selection of sidelines including stickers, unique book marks, store merch, puzzles, teas, and locally created items like drawstring bags, tote bags, and jewelry. Maybe even consider picking up an original work of art created by the bookstore owner herself. Tattooed Tree has already hosted several events and discovered this is another excellent way to bring people into the store.

One of my favorite things here besides Dena and bookseller Kit, is the store name, Tattooed Tree Books. I found it confusing until Dena explained it. The pages in a book come from a tree, right? The printing on the pages make it a tattooed tree. Clever, very clever. There are so MANY intentional and subtle quirks like this that maybe you should consider visiting and discover them yourself.

Hey regulars, bring a friend to this already award-winning bookstore in the Fort Atkinson business community. Enjoy your visit and savor the time you spend at this special place. Congrats Dena and Fort Atkinson. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, Kristin Harmel. A family living in 1940s occupied France resorts to stealing jewelry to help fund the resistance. As the Nazis close in on the French Jewish population, they also close in on the jewel thieves. But sometimes crimes and tragedies that happen back in time, have major implications decades later in a different time and place. Historical fiction. One of the best books I read all summer. Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Mrs. Mike, Benedict & Nancy Freedman.

Always!

I was lucky to get on street parking but there is also a large parking lot behind the store.

Spacious front window display.

View looking into the store from the front entrance. This space has lived many lives dating back to 1898.

You have to see this in person to believe it. I don't recall seeing anything like this in other indies I've visited. This is a gigantic replica of a book just inside the entrance and to the right. I'm over 6 feet tall and the book is taller than me. It was created by Dena and she may add additional pages that can be turned. Absolutely remarkable. Be sure to ask her about the page numbers at the top of each page. They are intentional. Great work Dena.