Book Grump
October 26, 2008

Call me a grump. You wouldn’t be right, but you could call me that. I am pretty certain Powell’s Books would because a few days ago they unleashed their website’s new look—and I dislike it. Not only that, but I made a point of telling them so on their shiny new blog.

When Nicki Leone—whose experience spans twenty years of independent bookstore managing, several years of marketing the Southern Independent Booksellers Association, the presidency of the North Carolina Writers Network, writer and editor of two stores’ e-newsletters, managing editor of BiblioBuffet, television and radio reviews of books and restaurants, and more—wrote a column on ideas she had for designing bookstores’ online websites it struck me as a perfect thing for Powell’s who had not long before announced their intent to re-design their site. They asked for ideas. They have the money to do and more importantly, they have, or so I thought at the time, the innovation and guts to try something truly new.

I sent an email with an introduction and a link to the column, and shortly thereafter received a lovely response with a notation that the link had been sent to their designer. Then silence. Until a public announcement that their new design was up for comments, I wasn’t sure if they had taken note of Nicki’s fine ideas let alone incorporated any of them.

It didn’t take me long to find out they hadn’t. Though I was disheartened, it was less a surprise than the fact that this store, given its history of forward thinking, failed to produce something imaginative and exhilarating. I’m not sure why they did not use any of her ideas, but what I am sure of is the disappointment I feel when I go there now. I’m less interested in spending time perusing its interviews, columns, and other pieces that formerly made it a wonderful place to hang out. It used to be the virtual equivalent of a warm, local bookstore with uneven wooden floors, piles of books waiting to be catalogued and shelved, people lounging in the aisles, a couple of comfy loveseats and chairs, and perhaps a cat or two that would join you as you leafed through potential purchases. That’s a hard thing to achieve online, but they had done it. It wasn’t a mellow place—the graphics were too strong for that—but it definitely had a “please stay a while” feel to that that I loved.

What it has become is generic. It’s not bad, but it’s certainly not the store I loved. It’s as if the literary equivalent of the local diner with its comfort foods (grilled cheese sandwiches, meatloaf, peas) suddenly became more of a haute cuisine place. The food is still good. It’s just not . . . the same.

That’s a bit sad to me. Change is necessary for survival in a business environment, and technology is a big part of that. One cannot hope to draw new customers if nothing changes. But different environments create different experiences. Going into a Barnes & Noble, as most readers know, can be vastly different than wandering into a local bookstore. They both sell books and both can order if they don’t have on hand nearly any book a reader could wish.

And, like Nicki, I like ordering online. Not exclusively for the experience of browsing in a bookstore is wonderful! But there’s something a “grilled cheese sandwich experience” offers that no amount of French sauce can rival. I am sorry that Powell’s has lost its sense of comfort. It won’t stop me from shopping there, but it has discouraged me. Enough to make me grump just a bit.

Upcoming Book Festivals:
Delaware, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas, and Washington, D.C. highlight this week’s list of book festival celebrations.

Beginning in Austin, the Austin Jewish Community Book Fair, which runs from October 29-November 10, features author lectures and discussions, photography, politics, humor, the annual Book Lovers’ Luncheon, Civil Rights Sunday youth author events at several locations around the city. They will even appear at the and Texas Book Festival (see below).

The city of Austin will also be hosting the Texas Book Festival on November 1-2. This festival is somewhat unusual in that it takes place at the state capitol. It features a lovely opening event, a First Editions Literary Gala (with a unique online auction), the Reading Rock Stars program and the usual offerings of authors, panels, workshops, readings, signings, vendors and stage entertainment.

Saturday, November 1 is the busiest day of all and Dover will see the Delaware Book Festival. This is only its third year, but it is already doing very well. More than thirty authors and illustrators will be making appearances, talking and signing their books. Workshops on writing, getting published, making books, finding the right book discussion group, special hands-on activities for children, and panels including one focusing on Delaware are part of this day.

For families in or near Keene, New Hampshire, the Children’s Literature Festival on Saturday, November 1 is wonderful if a bit different, being a planned program where several speakers are the highlight of a day that also offers a lunch, author book sales (but no personal signings) and a end-of-the-day reception. Check the site for current costs. 

Ohio will be holding its 21st annual Buckeye Book Fair on Saturday, November 1 in Wooster  with one of its specialties being children’s book illustrators. But children aren’t the only ones who will have fun. A total of 100 writers and authors show up here to talk with visitors, share their stories and sign their books in this one day even that raises funds for libraries and adult literacy programs.

And also on Saturday, November 1, Washington, D.C. will be holding its Multicultural Children’s Book Festival. This afternoon event (noon to 6:00 p.m.) of readings by authors, illustrators and guest celebrities, book signings, workshops, and stage performances and events is short but very lively. It is highly recommended for all families in the area.

Of Interest:
With Halloween coming up, I want to ask BiblioBuffet’s readers one favor (that you are encouraged to pass along): If you have an outdoor cat or cats, please keep them indoors at all time until November 2. I volunteer time to work with homeless and abused cats, and there is a growing danger to cats by some very sick people. You may think your cat can take care of itself, but there are dangers of which they are unaware and from which they cannot defend themselves.

It’s always worse around this time of the year, and almost all cat rescue organizations do not allow black cats to be adopted at any time during this month. But all cats are possible targets for intentional and horrible cruelty. Consider making your cats indoors only on a permanent basis—yes, any cat can adapt though some will take more time and effort than others—but if you cannot, then at the very least bring them in before dark. And during this time of the year make them indoors twenty-four hours a day until November 2. I wish I were exaggerating, but I am not. It is up to you to protect your cats! In the same way you wouldn’t let a child play in the street because you know the dangers, please protect your cats from the dangers they cannot know.

And if you can no longer care for your cat, talk to a shelter that specializes in helping homeless cats. Never abandon them. And never, never, never put an ad in a newspaper or on CraigsList seeking a new home. People with appalling intentions often answer these, and the pet you love may suffer appalling torture and death.

This Week . . .
Small Beer Press is having a book sale. And not just any sale. They’re not only offering books at 25 percent to as much as 60 percent off their books—and a special rate if you buy them all—but they are donating part of the proceeds of the sale to Barack Obama’s campaign. (Whether this is a good thing depends, of course, on your point of view.)  

Until next week, read well, read often and read on!

Lauren