Books are how I get to know people without involving . . . people.

Life is uncomfortable, and I seem to have picked up on that at a very young age. I hid from life in binges, booze, and books. Since binges and booze almost killed me, I had to quit them. I was left with books. Books have saved my life.

People can help save us, too, but they are trickier.  When people say something hurtful, you can’t just ask them to climb back onto the shelf, please.
But books.  
BOOKS. Books are a safe shelter and portal into others’ minds and hearts.

I’ve spent my sober life learning how to love people well - starting with myself and then moving outward. That’s what I do when I write and when I read.

Booksellers introduce people to each other through stories. Their work -- in the form of the coziest,  introvert-paradises of independent bookstores -- have saved my life, offered me a place to hide and most of all, with my own books, offered me a chance to come out of hiding.

So, THANK YOU INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES AND INDIE BOOKSELLERS, on behalf of all of us who have been saved and changed by the work you do.
I'm honored to be the 2021 Independent Bookstore Day Ambassador -- being celebrated at more than 700 indies nationwide on Sat 4/24.

Tell me about your favorite local indie -- tag them here to show our gratitude for all of the work they do investing in us and strengthening our communities.  
#BookstoreShoutOut