What Are You Reading This Summer?

“A town isn’t a town without a bookstore,” Neil Gaiman 

What about summer makes us yearn for the next great book to read? Beaches and tranquility are the answer. Who better to advise us than our local, independent bookseller? I recently stopped by three independent bookshops, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Page and Palette in Fairhope, and Bodacious Bookstore and Cafe in Pensacola, to discover their take on the summer reading list.

Why shop at a local independent bookshop? They know books. They read many books and offer staff opinions on what books might be perfect for your taste. This is an important distinction. They often know their customers well enough to take them straight to something they will love. I like and appreciate that kind of knowledge and service.

Linda and I often attend author events at these bookshops. They bring in a host of local, national, and international authors that share their stories, tell about how their latest work came into being, and offer fascinating insights and sidebars. There is usually a Q&A session, which are fun events in which to participate. I especially enjoy the humorous banter they often bring when describing a particular story that may or may not have made the book's pages.

We’ve had many laughable moments at author events like Rick Bragg’s The Speckled Beauty book about his beloved stray dog that landed at his home one day or David Sedaris's wild and crazy perspectives on his life. We enjoyed and learned so much about the formation and evolution of the Gulf of Mexico from Jack Davis’ The Gulf and, then again, The Bald Eagle. Fascinating!

Novelists often tout their latest work and tell how they became writers after careers as doctors, lawyers, social workers, educators, and such. For the latent writer, these events often provide encouragement and insight into beginning that book that’s been rolling around in your mind for years.

Linda recently attended David Baldacci’s author event at Page and Palette and had a wonderful time hearing about his new thriller, Simply Lies. She also enjoyed learning about Africatown, America’s Last Slave Ship, and the Community It Created by Nick Tabor.  Ann Bedsole’s Leave Your Footprint debuted at The Haunted Book Shop to a huge crowd of admirers.

Independent Book Sellers host children’s events as well. Kids love these magical events and often don’t want them to end. “They foster creativity and interest in reading and exploring the fascinating world that books bring to life,” says Angela Trigg, owner of The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, which was started by her grandmother, Adelaide Marston, and Cameron Plummer in 1941.

Like Page and Palette in Fairhope, her staff flags books with sticky notes telling readers what to expect. They even have a section called “Beer and Beach Reads,” a collaboration between The Haunted Book Shop and Oyster City Brewing. “Our target audience trends to Generation Z, known as Zoomers, and Millennials,” says Angela. 

She goes on to say that studies indicate that independent bookstores are a destination point elevating other small businesses in the area by drawing traffic. Independent bookshops are truly cultural centers. “We have a knowledgeable staff,” says Angela. “I first ask potential employees, “What do we sell?” The obvious answer is books. “No,” she tells them, “We sell experiences!” 

At Page and Palette in Fairhope, Stephanie Crowe manages the author's events and book signings. With two or three events per week, they created The Book Cellar, a perfect venue with a stage, comfortable seats, and high-top tables and chairs in the back so everyone can view the speaker. Maybe the best part, they have a bar! 

The Book Cellar also doubles as a music venue, which may be one of the most popular places on the Eastern Shore. The front of the store has a coffee shop, Latte Da Cafe, where you are bound to run into people you know and make new friends. Friendly dogs are even allowed. 

Page and Palette has been anchoring downtown Fairhope since 1968. They say they are “seasoned, not old.” Stephanie and Patty Daniel host the Europa book club for intellectual discussions about what to read every other month.  She and Anderson McKean also host Book Talks every few months featuring recent and upcoming releases. Stacy Wilson hosts the Page and Palette book club monthly, so there is something for everyone.

Every time I walk into Page and Palette, I am greeted by friendly faces who are ready and willing to steer me to book choices that fit my taste and interests. I rely on them wholeheartedly to introduce me to great fiction, biographies, or local lore. They never miss, and they make my choices easy. I usually walk out with several new works. Books make great gifts that are appreciated, and Page and Palette is also my go-to place for birthday cards.

Bodacious Bookstore, located in downtown Pensacola, opened in August 2019 as part of Quint and Rishy Studer’s endeavor to create a mission-based company to improve the quality of life for the community; all profits are reinvested back into the area. 

Melissa Smith, the manager, joined the company in October 2021 and says their goal is to help people “feel connected.” She says they want to become “a third place” for people to come and feel welcome outside their jobs and homes. Bodacious Bookstore and Cafe strives to make every guest who comes through the doors feel comfortable and enjoy a personal experience, whether it be a book recommendation or crafting your favorite coffee drink. 

Bodacious Bookstore has a monthly book club called Bodacious Bibliophiles that meets the first Tuesday of every month at 5 PM and a YA book club (for all ages) that meets the last Tuesday of every month at 5 PM. Smith says, “Everyone is welcome to attend and participate.”

The enchanting children’s area is one of the highlights at Bodacious Bookstore. The entrance is a life-size lighthouse leading into a beautifully painted ocean-themed room filled with a wonderful selection of children’s books. Every Saturday, Bodacious Bookstore hosts a children’s storytime at 11:00 AM. 

“Bodacious Bookstore has become a destination for tourists,” continued Melissa. “Our booksellers love reading and are always willing to talk about books and offer recommendations.” They also host special events such as the  “Well Paired” book and wine events. These occasions have been well-received and something that booksellers and guests alike enjoy. 

Melissa encourages everyone to support their local independent bookstore. “Stories open hearts and change minds, and we at Bodacious Bookstore would love to be a part of your story!”

Well said, Melissa! Independent booksellers are difference-makers. They add to the fabric of a community in so many ways. What’s better than getting lost in the latest novel that keeps you enthralled and takes you on an adventure? There’s nothing wrong with that!