November 2015 eNewsletter

"Next to acquiring good friends, the best acquisition is that of good books."

—Charles Caleb Colton

Island Books

A pause on the threshold. How did I get here and where am I going? I came west from New England in the early 1990s and found myself work at the old Rainy Day Books in Issaquah. Just before that store sank under the increasing load of big-box retail pressure, Roger Page walked in and encouraged me to jump to Island Books, where I stayed. Until now.

I moved from my home on Sunday. Said goodbye to the peace rose my then-teenage son gifted me with after first gifting me with a contentious couple of days, and to the particular view out the window I consumed every day with my morning coffee. I am moving from my Island Books home and family as well. 19 years. Yikes. All accumulated one day at a time, but I am now weighing the fullness of two decades spent walking with teachers, librarians, and families of all stripes. There have been many Namaste encounters, and many of you were a bridge through a challenging medical period, and even more of you rescued me from trying days with a friendly face. I feel all of that.

I am leaving on a high note. Laurie Raisys is wicked smart (to use a New England term) and believes in the trickle down Theory of Fun. Lori Robinson is a voracious and knowledgeable reader who already knows huge swaths of you, and the fabulous Lillian Welch will be replacing me as the children's book buyer in concert with her three-year-old daughter Betty. Make 'em welcome.

As for the rest of my Island Books family ... whiskey shots before book fairs, squabbles and confidences in the alley, the satisfaction of working together to nail a customer request. We did good work.

Well, here's me, wide open to whatever I will be called to, and looking forward to being back among my tribe of origin.

Wishing you all the best,

Lori Mitchell

Bookseller

FRESH FACES BEHIND THE COUNTER

Welcome New Staff Members

We're happy to introduce you to two new friendly faces at Island Books. Come by and say hello to Lillian Welch and Lori Robinson!

Book Fairs

Every fall, we host evening book fairs to raise money for our local schools. A portion of every purchase you make will be donated to the sponsored institution. In 2014 we gave over $14,000 to community schools.

Expert Picks

It's award season, which means we can rely on some high quality and well-thought-out recommendations. Browse winners and finalists and if you read them, tell us what you think.

Make it the Coziest Season of the Year

If you're in gearing-up-for-the-holidays mode, these titles will help you cook, decorate, and plan up a storm.

Nancy's November Pick

This month Nancy recommends the latest clever and unpredictable mystery from Robert Galbraith (many of you know the author better as J.K. Rowling). Career of Evil is the third in the highly acclaimed series featuring private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott.

See More Staff Picks

HOT TOPICS ON OUR STORE JOURNAL

Reading-Related Rambles

October was rife with Q&A's, including talks with David B. Williams, the author of Too High and Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle's Topography, Alexandra Day, author of the Good Dog, Carlchildren's series (she brought her dog to a memorable Storybook Corner this month), and up-and-coming local musician Henry Mansfield.

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