From the Land of SIBAA message from SIBA to its membership
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First Things First...
2/5: Deadline to place IBD Catalog orders (here) 2/9: Reader Meet Writer - Code Name Hélène with Ariel Lawhon 2/11: Reader Meet Writer - Race Against Time with Jerry
Mitchell 2/18: Reader Meet Writer - The Fortunate Ones with Ed Tarkington 2/18 - 2/20: ABA Winter Institute
2/25: Reader Meet Writer Economy Hall with Fatima Shaik 3/4: Reader Meet Writer - Love at First with Kate Clayborn 3/9-3/12: NVNR Presents: Publicity Speed Dating 3/11: Reader Meet Writer
- When the Apricots Bloom with Gina Wilkinson 3/23-3/25: NVNR March Madness: Social Media Retreat
Number of years as a bookseller: 5 years selling books, 15 years before promoting books in the school library as the Substitute Librarian
Best part about being a bookseller?: Watching a child light up when you help them choose a book they are excited to read. I also love getting to witness a child's growth from beginning reader to book lover.
What book(s) are you reading?:
Root Magic by Eden Royce The Library Book by Susan Orleans All Together Now: A Newfoundlander's Light Tales for Heavy Times by Alan Doyle Daisies For Innocence by Bailey Cantrell
Favorite handsell of 2020:
The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao
This fantastic adventure features a 12-year-old who overcomes being marginalized by her community to become a hero. This novel combines Chinese folklore, adventure and fantasy.
Best thing you did this year at your store:
Dragon Drop monthly book subscription. This subscription is simultaneously the best and worst thing we did this year. The best because it introduced The Storybook Shoppe to 155 new customers. The worst because we were very unprepared
for how many subscriptions would be sold. When a customer asked for the service, I thought we could do this. There will be only two dozen families in our neighborhood who might be interested. We were shocked to have 89 subscriptions
within 48 hours. Almost a year later we have settled into a rhythm for packing and sending and have maintained 60 ongoing subscriptions.
What are some ways you work with your community?
My favorite partnership is with the Bluffton Fire and Police Departments. Each year for the last 4 years we have hosted Local Heroes Storytime, as a part of our Children's Book Week celebrations. The event features readings by firefighters
and police officers, K-9 unit demonstrations, vehicle tours, and fire safety lessons. The event is attended by students in pre-k through 1st grade from our neighborhood elementary schools, neighborhood preschools and members of
the public. We typically host over 200 attendees at the 2 hour event.
Each November we hold a Pajama Drive to benefit CAPA Beaufort. The pajamas collected are matched with a book. Each child receives new jammies and a bedtime story. We also donate books to the children living in the CAPA shelter throughout
the year.
Where's Waldo remains a favorite activity of both merchants and community members.
Do you have passions that carry over into your bookselling life?
Collecting children's books. I have always loved the brilliant stories, wit and wisdom that can be found in a children's book.
What e-commerce platform are you using, and why did you choose it?
We have a shop on Bookshop.org. I have never really wanted to be in e-commerce as I enjoy the one on one aspect of hand selling books, however 2020 made it essential to have some online aspect of book selling. Bookshop works best for
me.
Top priority for 2021: Professional development. I want to learn how to effectively use Edelweiss, as well as host a virtual event or two.
Favorite SIBA programming benefit: Having a community to turn to for advice, information and camaraderie. Office Hours have been a lifeline through the ever changing business environment of 2020.
The Essence of Nathan Biddle by J. William Lewis Greenleaf Publishing June 1, 2021 $27.95 Hardcover ISBN: 9781626348462
A timeless, Southern Gothic-esque, coming-of-age novel that unfolds on the Alabama coast in the 1950s, The Essence of Nathan Biddle follows a young protagonist’s search for meaning, for purpose—and for answers.
“Eloquent, provocative, and beautifully written, The Essence of Nathan Biddle is like discovering The Catcher in the Rye all over again.” –David Armstrong, author of The Rising Place
Kit Biddle, nearing the end of his high school career, finds himself tangled in a web of spiritual quandaries and intellectual absurdities. Kit’s angst is only compounded by the psychological burden of his crazy uncle Nat, who
sacrifices Kit’s metaphorical doppelganger, Nathan Biddle, on what the uncle claimed were direct orders from God. The murder of Nathan leaves Kit adrift, exacerbating his already compulsive struggle with existential questions about
the meaning of his life.
But when Kit’s irrational decision to steal a maintenance truck and speed aimlessly down the highway ends in a horrific accident and months of both physical and emotional convalescence, Kit is forced to examine his perceptions
of his life and his version of reality. Calamity focuses Kit’s mind, and forces him to confront the problems plaguing him. Readers will cheer as Kit’s tide begins to turn and he comes to terms with the necessity of engagement with
life’s pain, pleasure … and absurdity.
Beautifully written, profoundly moving, and resplendent with characters destined to remain with readers long after the last page is turned, The Essence of Nathan Biddle is unforgettable
About the author: Novelist J. William Lewis lives in Shoal Creek, Alabama
SIBA booksellers and publisher supporters can now find updated information
about submitting and advertising on The Southern Bookseller Review on SIBA's website.
Booksellers: Find out how to submit reviews, update your store profile, embed or link to reviews from your store.
Publishers: Find out how to have your books reviewed or featured in the SBR newsletter, see the review publication schedule, and find out information about advertising
in and sponsoring The Southern Bookseller Review
Under the Magnolias by T. I. Lowe Tyndale House Publishers May 4, 2021 Paperback, $16.99 ISBN 9781496453617
T. I. Lowe’s gritty yet tender Southern coming-of-age novel reminds us that a great story can break your heart . . . then heal it in the best possible way.
Magnolia, South Carolina, 1980
Austin Foster is barely a teenager when her mama dies giving birth to twins, leaving her to pick up the pieces while holding her six siblings together and doing her best to stop her daddy from retreating into his personal darkness.
Scratching out a living on the family’s tobacco farm is as tough as it gets. When a few random acts of kindness help to ease the Fosters’ hardships, Austin finds herself relying upon some of Magnolia’s most colorful
citizens for friendship and more. But it’s next to impossible to hide the truth about the goings-on at Nolia Farms, and Austin’s desperate attempts to save face all but break her.
Just when it seems she might have something more waiting for her—with the son of a wealthy local family who she’s crushed on for years—her father makes a choice that will crack wide-open the family’s secrets and lead to
a public reckoning. There are consequences for loving a boy like Vance Cumberland, but there is also freedom in the truth.
Email andreagarcia@tyndale.com for more information or to request a print ARC, while supplies last.
In Brief
Liro.fm announces Bookseller Updates Libro.fm 2020 Social Purpose Annual Report Libro.fm recently announced it is now a Social Purpose Corporation. This designation allows us to pursue both social and financial goals in the for-profit context. In
other words, it can make decisions on the basis of what is best for customers and bookstore partners vs. decisions solely focused on maximizing profits. Libro.fm invites booksellers to read the report. . More info here.
Oxford Exchange and Robert Macomber featured on The Bookstore Podcast: California-based host Mandy Jackson-Beverly interviews an author and also interviews the author's independent bookshop of choice. Click here to listen
Reader Meet Writer: Upcoming Events
Are you interested in joining the circle of bookstores
sending invites to their customers? Please email Linda-Marie and we'll discuss what's involved.
Code Name Hélène with Ariel Lawhon Tue Feb 9th 7:00pm - 8:00pm
ARIEL LAWHON is a critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have been Library Reads,
One Book One County, Indie Next, Costco, and Book of the Month Club selections. She lives in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, four sons, and a deranged cat.
Race Against Time with Jerry Mitchell Thu Feb 11th 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Jerry Mitchell has been a reporter in Mississippi since 1986. A winner of more than 30 national awards, Mitchell is the founder of the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting. The nonprofit is continuing his work of exposing injustices and raising up a new generation of investigative reporters.
This week on Circle of Sites
Read more about SIBA's Circle of Sites Program (aka the "banner for dues" program) and find out whether your store is eligible to participate and
receive free membership dues.
Read This! Recently Posted on The Southern Bookseller Review
LAST WEEK'S BOOK BUZZ: Milk Fed by Melissa Broder On Edelweiss
"When I think of Judaism, I think of food" says Melissa Broder in an interview about her new novel, Milk Fed.
"And when I think of food, and my body stuff, Judaism is just inherently tied in. There’s no way around it.""Sexy!" is what Southern booksellers are saying about Milk Fed, which was just released
today, February 2nd.
What booksellers are
saying about Milk Fed
Milk Fed is one of those novels that hit me in just the right way, I honestly feel changed. All of Melissa Broder's novels are fabulous, but what she has done here is magical and downright powerful. --Jen Minor,
Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, NC
Yowza, this was good. A reflection on body image, religion or the lack there of, desire for the things that make us human- food and sex. --Aimee Keble, Main Street Books in
Davidson, NC
You'll sit on your couch and read it nonstop for 2 days. Broder writes a sexy, insightful love story that ends up feeling like a hug at the end. Bravo!. --Rachel Watkins, Avid Bookshop in
Athens, GA
It is a testament to Broder's writing and humor that I was able to so eagerly read a novel that dealt with disordered eating and body-image...the story delves into romance, tragedy, and crises of faith before reaching a conclusion
that strangely manages to answer all the reader's questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. -- Faith Parke-Dodge, Page 158 Books,
Wake Forest, NC
A. K. Wilder creates a delightful world of savants and phantoms: creatures made to serve those who call them. Ash is a non-savant who somehow gets the attention of phantoms that aren’t even supposed to acknowledge her when
she doesn’t have a phantom of her own. Marcus is the heir to the throne Ash serves and she follows him to the mysterious island of Aku where he must tame his own powerful phantom. Their guide to Aku, Kaylin, has his own
secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Crown of Bones by A.K. Wilder (List Price: $18.99, Entangled: Teen, 9781640634145, 1/5/2021) Reviewed by Katlin Kerrison, Story on the Square in
McDonough, Georgia
The Good Doctor of Warsaw by Elisabeth Gifford On Edelweiss | Buy
Janusz Korczak ran an orphanage for Jewish children in Warsaw, where conditions became increasingly harsh during WWII. Gifford tells with great detail of their daily lives–struggling to find food to eat and to not be killed by
the Nazis. Over 95% of the 350,000 Jews in Warsaw did not survive the war. A sad story to read but one we must not forget.
The Good Doctor of Warsaw by Elisabeth Gifford (List Price: $25.95, Pegasus Books, 9781643136363, 1/5/2021) Reviewed by Beth Carpenter, The Country Bookshop in
Southern Pines, North Carolina
A Father’s Love by Hannah Holt, Yee Von Chan (Illus.) On Edelweiss | Buy
A father’s love runs deep as roots, shines like the sun, swims strong and true. A father’s love whether in the animal kingdom or the human one, is powerful and true and long lasting. A fun look at the roles of fathers
in the animal kingdom, this little gem is perfect for Father’s Day or every day.
A Father’s Love by Hannah Holt, Yee Von Chan (Illus.) (List Price: $8.99, Philomel Books, 9780593206188, 1/5/2021) Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina
1. The Vanishing Half Brit Bennett, Riverhead Books, $27, 9780525536291 2. The Midnight Library Matt Haig, Viking, $26, 9780525559474 3. Hamnet Maggie O’Farrell, Knopf, $26.95, 9780525657606 4. Anxious People Fredrik Backman, Atria, $28, 9781501160837 5. The Guest List Lucy Foley, Morrow, $27.99, 9780062868930
HARDCOVER NONFICTION
1. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Charlie Mackesy, HarperOne, $22.99, 9780062976581 2. Keep Sharp Sanjay Gupta, M.D., S&S, $28, 9781501166730 3.
Caste Isabel Wilkerson, Random House, $32, 9780593230251 4. Wintering Katherine May, Riverhead Books, $24, 9780593189481 5. A Swim in a Pond in the Rain George Saunders, Random House, $28, 9781984856029
Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Supporting independent bookstores in the South SIBA | 51 Pleasant Ridge Drive | Asheville, NC 28805
Thank you for your interest in SIBA, Nicki Leone SysAdmin
nicki@sibaweb.com
THANKS TO OUR INKREADIBLE SPONSORS:
SIBA | 51 Pleasant Ridge Drive | Asheville, NC 28805 You have received this email because you are currently subscribed to receive general correspondence. Please click @@unsubscribe_url@@ if you
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Name: Sally Sue Lavigne
What book(s) are you reading?:
Best thing you did this year at your store: 
What are some ways you work with your community?
SIBA booksellers and publisher supporters can now find updated information
about submitting and advertising on The Southern Bookseller Review on SIBA's website.
Are you interested in joining the circle of bookstores
sending invites to their customers? Please 
Code Name Hélène with Ariel Lawhon
Race Against Time with Jerry Mitchell
What booksellers are
saying about Milk Fed
