by Phil Wall

SIBA holds a special place in my heart. The 2013 convention in New Orleans served as the only stop for my mom on her debut memoir’s book tour. The cancer she wrote about had returned, and as Dad tells it, Mom hit the convention center floor with her walker and “stole the show.”

Mom was confined to her bed on the day her book was published in March of 2014. She died in December of that year—never once speaking to readers about her work. It was heartbreaking. Would her words and her dream die too?

In an unexpected and inspirational twist, we learned that some independent booksellers were open to having my dad present in her stead. Dad’s “mini” book tour, as he calls it, ended up taking him to over 225 events in 30 states.

I’m a filmmaker, and joined Dad in order to make short promotional videos on the book for social media. But, I began to notice something powerful happening.

Dad wasn’t talking about the book. He was using Mom’s words to tell his love story and share his grief. People responded by sharing their own stories, and I was floored by how much the exchange helped me. So, my own “mini” project turned into a feature documentary film aimed at capturing the experience, and sparking meaningful conversation on loss and mourning.

I do not have words to express my gratitude and affection for the independent bookstore—especially our SIBA friends. They are at the center of their communities, and offer a space where essential discussions can sneak up on us. We returned to SIBA in 2017, where Dad presented (again) Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening written by Carol Wall. I was there to film it, and it is a nice bookend to the documentary.

The film, entitled The Book Keepers, had a fantastic festival and nationwide theatrical run. It is now available on digital and DVD. Our book tour is now a film tour, but the messages of embracing life’s afflictions and “graciously slipping into Plan B” remain the throughline. Our lives are full, and we are growing and grateful.

Visit www.bookkeepers.movie to learn more about Mom’s book, my film, and booking an event. We’d love to support your store and community.

Phil Wall is an award-winning filmmaker. He wrote, produced, filmed, directed and edited “The Book Keepers,” which is his third feature documentary. He lives in Brooklyn, NY, where he works on independent and commercial narrative content.