Book Sense - And A Prize Offer!!!!!!!

***DISCLAIMER: I am writing this from the heart. I am not being compensated in any way to promote Quail Ridge Books or Book Sense***

My visit to Quail Ridge Books last week to see Elizabeth Edwards talking about and signing her book, Saving Graces reminded me that I wanted to post about the superiority of a visit to an independent bookstore over a visit to a book superstore. Then this morning as I was knocking around on the internet, clicked on the Book Sense logo to find the following (I hope that Nancy of QRB and the Book Sense people won't mind me quoting here since some may not click on the link and I think it's important to read):

About Book Sense

            

What does it mean when you spot the Book Sense logo? It means you've found an independent bookstore -- a place that offers you a unique shopping experience when you're looking to find just the right book for yourself or to buy a special gift for a family member or friend. Whether it's on a door or window or web site, the Book Sense logo suggests a shopping environment that reflects the personality of the people who work there. At a bookstore with Book Sense, you can expect to find a sales staff with a passion for books and bookselling, and with this passion comes a commitment to helping readers like you find what they need.

For the location of the bookstore with Book Sense nearest you, call 1-888-BOOKSENSE or look for the Book Sense logo when shopping in town or online. When you shop with Book Sense, you're supporting a locally-owned store with a commitment to your community, and you're being served by a sales staff with the character to recommend the best in literature rather than a bestseller.

What does this mean to readers and to our communities?

1. Buying through Amazon does nothing for your local economy...unless you happen to live wherever Amazon is located. If you need that immediate gratification of clicking and having it arrive at your door in a day or so, go through Quail Ridge Books or your own local independent bookstore. Their prices are competitive with Amazon, they participate in a network that allows you to get the same kind of selection and the money comes back to your community.

2. I don't know about others, but QRB offers a substantial educator's discount. So last year when our class bought 35 books that were favorites of the kids in the class for an end-of-year gift for the teacher, we saved a bunch of money AND our contact at QRB worked with me to make the shipping as inexpensive as possible.

3. When you walk into a book superstore, the front table display is dictated by the publishers. They choose what to promote. When you walk into an independent bookstore, what is displayed on the front table is what appeals to the unique clientele of that store. For example, in QRB, there is a large section devoted to Southern Fiction.

4. QRB and other Book Sense independent booksellers employ people who have a passion for books. As you browse the shelves, you will often find books labeled as "staff picks" with a handwritten note from the staff person who recommended the book telling you why he/she liked it.

5. I don't know if Nancy Olson who owns QRB is typical of an independent bookstore owner...but I have to guess that she is. For a person to own an independent bookstore and be the David to the Goliaths of the stores with escalators and ubiquity of Amazon as THE place on-line to buy one's books is brave, stubborn and impressive!.

6. QRB has several events each week meeting the needs of readers of every ilk. The authors who come there are usually on a first-name basis with Nancy. They sometimes aren't even promoting a particular new book.

7. Nancy and her staff are on a first-name basis with most of their regular customers. Their business is built on loyalty and quality more than volume.

8. A sign at QRB reads, "Think Globally. Act Locally." That makes sense.

So, next time you feel compelled to buy a book (probably from one of my great reviews on my blog), find your local bookstore, check out the Book Sense web site and support YOUR LOCAL independent bookstore struggling to survive in a big box bookstore world.

So, here's your assignment and potential for a prize! Make a comment on this post letting me know the name, location and the web site (if applicable) of your local bookstore. On Thursday, November 1, I will do some kind of random selection, probably involving my children, and the winner will get a Book Sense gift card worth $25!

Here's an example from the place we lived when we were first married, Miami...

Books & Books of Miami Beach

933 Lincoln Rd. Miami Beach, FL 33139

http://www.booksandbooks.com

Di

1. SciFiChick 2. Di 3. babyamore

4. Cecily 5. Xakara 6. Christine

7. Linda R. Moore

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