Lori Reid (left) & Gianelle Rodriguez
We are delighted to welcome two new staff members: Lori Reid & Gianelle Rodriguez.
Lori joins us as a Bookseller after retiring from the Tropic Cinema, where she worked for 12 years, serving as manager for 9. A popular and well-known community leader, Lori needs no introduction for most Key West locals.
“This is my second dream job,” she says of the bookstore. But on the question of movies vs. books, she’ll be the first to tell you: The book is always better.
I asked Lori and Gia for their favorite books, new and old. Lori picked Tayari Jones’ An American Marriage and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. Despite its tragic storyline, Lori loved An American Marriage. It’s about loss, she says, all kinds of loss, but especially the loss of illusions. “It’s about redefining yourself as you move into a future you never expected,” Lori says. “I love a good story, I want to laugh and cry and be moved.”
Lori reads widely and she credits A Wrinkle in Time with starting that journey. Come in and chat with her and see where your reading travels take you next.
Gia, who has taken on a mission critical role as our first Inventory Specialist, managing the daily deluge of UPS boxes, is a newcomer to our island, but a long-time Floridian. Her husband is active duty Navy and Gia is delighted that their second posting has landed them in a locale with lots of beautiful sunshine, easy access to the water and a vibrant outdoor culture.
Her favorite book pick is Toni Morrison’s Beloved, which she recommends for its message about growth and endurance, and its strong writing. On the lighter side, she’s a devoted Harry Potter fan, reading all 7 of the original books every summer. She enjoys watching the characters grow and take on challenges. “I think the books illustrate the importance of character and how to treat people,” Gia says.
What she’s most likely to be reading about on a daily basis is personal growth, what we call the mind, body, spirit section in the store. “I’m passionate about collecting and sharing information,” she says, “so this job is really a happy coincidence.”
~Robin Wood, Associate Manager & Social Media Director