The Bookstore Blog
The Power of Words
By Susan, Mar 3, 05:42 PM
The Andover Bookstore is blessed with a charming, funny, sort of rag-tag band of very devoted booksellers. We all come to work every day through snowstorms, downpours, heat waves – because we love what we do. We love our customers, we love the thrill of opening boxes of new books, we love discovering the perfect book for a particular reader – but mostly we all know and love the power of words.
A few weeks ago one of these fervent booksellers, Chris Rose, was so moved by an advanced reader’s copy of a book that he wrote a note – a fan letter of sorts – to the publisher. The book, “Columbine,” was written by Dave Cullen and published by Twelve, a small independent press run by publisher and editor-in-chief Jonathan Karp. Mr. Karp passed the letter along to Mr. Cullen.
With Chris’s permission I’d like to share his letter and the response from the author with you. I’d also like to offer you a brief statement from Jonathan Karp about why he chooses to publish the books that he does. All of these things – letters and mission statement – are testament to that thing that drives us; as authors, publishers, booksellers and readers – The incredible, life-altering Power of Words.
PS – “Columbine” is due in the store on April 6th!
Mission Statement from the Publisher:
TWELVE was established in August 2005 with the objective of publishing no more than one book per month. We strive to publish the singular book, by authors who have a unique perspective and compelling authority. Works that explain our culture; that illuminate, inspire, provoke, and entertain. We seek to establish communities of conversation surrounding our books. Talented authors deserve attention not only from publishers, but from readers as well. To sell the book is only the beginning of our mission. To build avid audiences of readers who are enriched by these works – that is our ultimate purpose.
Chris Letter to Jonathan Karp:
Dear Mr. Karp –
I am a bookseller at a wonderful independent bookstore in Massachusetts. I have been captivated by many of the books you have published, particularly TITANIC’S LAST SECRETS and GIANTS. Thank you for producing works of such singular quality and relevance. I look forward to reading many of your upcoming releases. I am grateful to our store’s enthusiastic and responsive rep, Roger Saginario. He was most accommodating (as always) when I requested an early copy of Dave Cullen’s COLUMBINE. I feel compelled to offer some feedback on this unforgettable book.
COLUMBINE is perhaps the most haunting book I’ve ever read. During the week or so that I was reading the book, the events of that horrible day came to mind with surprising frequency; I found myself talking about the book often to friends and colleagues. I typically read lighter fare. Sadly, this is not the product of some Hollywood screenwriter’s vivid imagination; COLUMBINE is all too true.
Cullen’s compelling book is amazingly thorough. The grim day is recounted with gruesome clarity. The many controversies are effectively related: the response of law enforcement teams, the crosses for the dead, the lawsuits, Cassie Bernall’s profession of faith, and so much more. Forgotten bits of the story are supplied. I was horrified to read that Anne Marie Hochhalter’s mom committed suicide as her daughter struggled to recover from gunshot wounds. Cullen’s exhaustive research also leads to fascinating updates on how many of the survivors are faring a decade later. Readers will cheer again for Patrick Ireland (“the boy in the window”), as they read of his improbable victories. And, Mr. Cullen gets as close as anyone could to fleshing out the killers’ reasons for their rampage.
I was quite moved by this book. I find myself making efforts to be a kinder person, hoping somehow that tiny individual efforts might cancel out the evil of those rare haters among us. Cullen’s book also reminds me that our schools, small reflections of our larger society, are wellsprings of goodness, brimming with unlimited potential. We must nurture them.
I predict (and hope for) big success for this book. Both as a reader and a bookseller, I look forward to its publication. I will do all I can to get this book into the hands of as many readers as possible. Thank you! Please continue to publish wonderfully important books. Finally, thanks for taking the time to read this too-long missive.
Gratefully,
Christopher Rose
Andover Bookstore
Andover, MA 01810
Dave Cullen’s response to Chris:
Chris,
Jon forwarded your letter. Man. That really started my week off right. I read it over breakfast and have been sailing on that high all day. For what it’s worth, you’ve really pumped up my output today, as well as my spirit.
It really choked me up to hear how it affected you. That makes the whole thing worth it.I know some writers who claim they never think about their audience, and only write for themselves. I think they’re nuts. Themselves?—isn’t that called a journal. I don’t actually know many good writers who say that. I don’t think of an audience line by line, or while I’m in the midst of a scene or a chapter, but I do try to step back once I’ve finished each chunk and try to read it as someone coming to it fresh and see how it feels. When I lie down to sleep sometimes, I lull myself off fantasizing about how people will respond to the whole thing. Sometimes I let myself indulge in really amazing feedback. Have you been eavesdropping on my dreams? Hahaha. You pretty much described the best ones, and then some.
I hope this isn’t TMI. Maybe I’m not supposed to admit that I fantasize about people loving my work, but I do. It was kind of startling to have someone actually say those things “out loud” though, unscripted from me. (I hear them out loud in my head.) I’m so glad it affected you so strongly, and I’m grateful that you took the time to say so, and especially to describe the aspects that affected you. That’s just what I was going for, and it’s really helpful to know how, where and why it clicked for you.
The really unexpected part was the tiny individual efforts to be a better person. Wow. I had not anticipated anything that nice. I’ll add it to my fantasy. Hahaha. (If only I were joking.)
I hope it’s OK that I took the liberty of posting it on my blog. I abbreviated your name in case you wished (although then I linked to your store, which might defeat that). I can take your first name off if it makes you uncomfortable, and/or remove the letter, but I thought you’d want me to share it, and I think you’ll appreciate some of the comments readers have already posted there.
http://open.salon.com/content.php?cid=114376
I used it as an opportunity to ask people to write to a writer or artist when they like something. It makes such a difference. I already sent my myspace message to Dimitri Martin today. What a clever guy.
I actually toned down reality a bit in that post. The truth is that I teared up before I got to the part I mentioned, and then I really started sobbing, but I’m trying to avoid telling my readers I’m too much of a crybaby too often.
I hope I can get to Andover at some point to meet you.
Thanks.
dave
