I'm Back at the Bookstore!

After a two-year absence, I am back at Micawber's Books and my Bookshop Gal blog!

I started again at the store in June and am happy to be back.  I missed the smell of the place - a combination of old wood and books.  I missed the camaraderie of working with Tom, the owner.  And I missed helping customers find the perfect book.

So, I back and ready to blog.

Here's a little of what's been going on at the store.

•  We had a tough summer.  Business was slow.  But things are looking up this fall.  We are feeling positive about the direction the store is headed.

• A month ago, there was an article in the Star Tribune about Micawber's and the tough times we've been through lately.  It focused on how the neighborhood and customers have rallied around the store, which is amazing!

• A result of the amazing ideas from neighbors and friends is a new event that takes place every Monday evening.  We call it Mondays @ Micawber's.  Every Monday from now through Christmas from 5:00 - 6:30 pm there is a Social Hour with wine and cheese and conversation with friends old and new.

Here's a picture from last Monday's get-together.

It was cozy and friendly inside the store on a cold night outside.

Here's a picture from the kid's section which has some great new books in for the season.

In particular, I am excited about Moo! by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka, which won the Minnesota Book Award this year and Rhoda's Rock Hunt, by Molly Beth Griffin, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell.  These authors and illustrators are all from Minnesota, so it's especially fun to see their books on the tables at the store.

Now that I'm back, I'll post about new and forthcoming books that Tom and I are especially excited about.  I'll also post more pictures and answer your burning questions about life at an independent bookstore.

Thanks for joining in the fun!