February 28, 2017
Hello Bookman Readers,
I am writing this on the eve of our second anniversary of owning the store, March 1, 2015, and in recognizing this milestone, we are grateful for so many things. Most importantly are the talents and skills of our inherited staff members: Joan and Diane who were here in the beginning days with Jim and Mary Dana. Others joined the Waanders through the years: Jill, Aimee, Barb, and Ann. They continue to be our knowledgeable, patient guides and teachers in the art of becoming Booksellers.
We are also excited about the newcomers to the staff, their enthusiasm and willingness to help, learn, and they ingest new energy into our work: Arielle, Sophie, Scott and our manager Shannon. We appreciate all of them. Thank you.
In thinking about the local talent working in our store, we have also been surprised and amazed at so many local, talented authors in our area who continue to entrust their books to the shelves of The Bookman. Each day as I walk past the regional and local authors to our back office, I realize how much we have gained not only from reading but also from listening to the authors themselves during book talks and signings. We are thankful for our authors and congratulate them on their creativity and endurance in becoming published authors.
One local author I want to recommend is Barbara Bull. You may know her as the owner of Cherry Point Market near Silver Lake. In uncertain times, her story is a reminder of what it is, for most of us, that keeps us steady and hopeful: Our Families. In Cloud Cottage, Katherine MacLeod, retires and returns to the old family home atop a rise on the Lake Michigan shore. In many ways it is a story about rebuilding--this new phase of her life, the old homestead, and the closeness of all of her family. Aunt Katie and 'Cloud Cottage' become a warm, loving center for new growth. Along the way, we follow a mystery and a hint of romance. There is a sequel that is equally satisfying, Gray Clouds Blue Skye, and a third book is on the way. They are Michigan stories. You will recognize our places, people, and our life here. Yet, they are also universal stories of caring and community.
Again we thank you for being a part of The Bookman’s journey. Because of the loyalty and patronage of this community, this second year was a good one for us, and the bookstore is alive and growing.
Happy Reading Everyone! See you At the Bookman!
Dick, Sharon, Alexa and Diane