Hello BookFriends,
It’s been a hard two weeks for me. I miss being at the store SO much! Store Manager Emily keeps us up to date, she drops off books for me to sign. And Robin keeps us all informed via social media. Here’s a confession — I’ve never been on Facebook! — I have a Facebook page for Judy the Writer but the real me has never used it personally. I became a tweeter instead, though not so much these days. But now I don’t want to miss any news of the store so George has set me up with a Facebook account so I can log on and see what the rest of you do. How about those window displays! Talk about turning the store inside-out. It’s a new way to browse and find the books you may want to read. I had a weird dream about those windows last night..
I’m thinking of fun reads for kids. I just read an interview with Gene Luen Yang, very popular with 
middle graders and young teens, whose latest book is Dragon Hoops. For any young person interested in basketball, or any sport, this could be the right book for this time. Something Yang said in that interview stuck with me: “Reading fiction is a great way of building empathy. Graphic novels should be part of every reader’s book diet.” Not the whole diet, to be sure, but part of it. The book also examines the history of basketball, including the role of Senda Berenson, who introduced the sport to women. As a summer camper (and small) I enjoyed the game though in those days we played with Girls’ Rules. You were either a forward or a guard. Because of my height I was always a guard, never a forward. The only time I got to shoot baskets was during practice. Yang admits he was terrible at sports and especially at basketball.
I have a couple of ideas for the grownups too. Three novels I recently read and enjoyed – Dear Edward took me out of myself and away from my problems, Separation Anxiety was exactly what I needed for a change of pace, funny and charming, and I’m still thinking of Lily King’s Writers and Lovers. I’d like to read that one again for the first time. I can’t stop thinking about it. There’s also a new book by Lee Smith coming soon. More on that next time.
These are my ideas for today. Stay tuned for more. We’re always looking for ideas that might help you help us. Any thoughts, please let us know. Our loyal staff is at the store 10-3pm, 7 days a week, to help you shop by phone or online.
Stay well
Love,
