Why we love Midtown Reader in Tallahassee (and why you need to read 'The Fourth Wing')
Local, independent bookstores have never been more important than they are right now. With free and fair access to literature under political attack, independent bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.
Of course, they do so much more than sell books. Independent bookstores are a community connector, hosting events, clubs and social events that keep local citizens engaged and informed. A local bookstore is also a great place to make friends.
Each week we'll be profiling an independent bookstore in the U.S., discovering what makes each one special and getting expert book recommendations from booksellers plugged into the pulse of their local readership. Up this week is Midtown Reader in Tallahassee, Florida.
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What makes your independent bookstore unique?
Midtown Reader is located in the capital city of Florida, home to two major universities and a diverse community of readers. We emphasize lifelong learning and aim to put just the right book into our customers’ hands. When you walk through our doors, our staff welcomes you home into an immersive space to learn and grow alongside community members from all walks of life. We strongly believe books change lives, and a community connection is built as customers read, think and share among the bookshelves.
Midtown Reader showcases a variety of books from all genres as well as Florida authors and books about Florida's political, social and natural history. We also build community through regular programming with author events, Kidtown Reader story hour, Read to Lead panels, book clubs, workshops and community readings. Midtown Reader is home to the Piebrary, our in-house cafe and pie shop with locally baked pies, as well as a full coffee and tea menu. We hope to be a meeting ground for readers of all backgrounds to read, think and share together.
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What are some books you can't keep on the shelves?
A book that has captured the hearts of many of our readers and that we have a hard time keeping stocked is “The Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, about a bookish young woman, Violet Sorrengail, who's pushed by her warmongering mother to become an elite dragon rider. This story is reminiscent of the middle-grade fantasy genre that many of us grew up devouring. With every page, you are transported to a world of magic and adventure populated by unforgettable characters, and that is exactly what reminds us that reading is magical.
Another book that we can’t keep on the shelf is “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” by David Grann. The Wager is a nonfiction gem that reads like a page-turning work of fiction. It is the tale of the British ship which set sail on a secret mission against Spain in 1740 and wrecked. Years later, the survivors of the wreck landed in Brazil. Readers are immersed in mesmerizing history and human resilience. Even for those who aren’t typically history readers, this book is a wild ride that draws us into an unexpected journey.
What's a book you think deserves more attention hype?
A hidden gem is “Killing Me” by Michelle Gagnon. It is a wildly entertaining, laugh-out-loud thriller with a protagonist who nearly becomes the next victim of a serial killer. Then she's rescued by a mysterious woman in a ski mask, and somehow things get weirder when she's hunted by another serial killer. Our staff is obsessed with complex and messy characters, and this book is no exception.
"Killing Me" at Bookshop for $26
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What book are you most excited about coming out in the next few months?
Our team is super excited to read “The Raging Storm” by Ann Cleeves (especially our mystery book club leader, Jill, who we believe was Cleeves in another life). The highly anticipated third installment of Cleeves’ gripping Matthew Venn series sees Detective Venn embarking on a journey that forces him to confront his childhood memories. The series is great for those who enjoy a thriller but don’t want to too dark a read – a perfect way to kick off the fall!
"The Raging Storm" at Bookshop for $27
Why do you think customers should shop local/indie in your area?
Every local purchase is a powerful act to support the community we all call home. As our city’s only general-subject independent bookstore selling new books, our customers’ support is the reason we are able to be here. Their support creates a space for readers to come together in a meaningful way and allows us to give back and reinvest in initiatives that uplift the community, such as schools and educational non-profits. Their support also keeps jobs in the community – our booksellers are your neighbors! Shopping local is more than just a transaction; it is an invitation to be a part of something greater.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Midtown Reader: Why this Tallahassee bookstore loves 'The Fourth Wing'
