Around Indies

Phoenix Books Hosts Rapid Reviews, a Visit From the Grinch

Last Thursday, Phoenix Books –– which has locations in Burlington and Essex, Vermont –– invited holiday shoppers to the Burlington store for an evening of rapid reviews. In speed-dating format, six professional booksellers highlighted their favorite picks for the holiday season and inspired customers to leave with stacks of books or a list of desired titles.

Those who missed the event are able to view gift book recommendations on the store’s website, and on handouts in both of the store’s locations.

On Saturday morning, Phoenix Books Essex hosted a visit from the Grinch. Children enjoyed a Grinchy storytime, activities, and a discussion of how to grow your heart three sizes with kindhearted activities, including “Holiday Mail for Heroes.”

Tattered Cover Opens in DIA

Last week, Denver’s Tattered Cover Book Store opened the first of four locations slated for Denver International Airport (DIA). The new location is in Concourse B and is part of an exclusive license agreement with the airport’s existing bookseller, Hudson Group.

“For more than 40 years, the Tattered Cover has been a strong Colorado brand and a literary icon,” Kim Day, Denver’s manager of aviation, told Airport World. “This is the most recent example of the airport’s ongoing commitment to provide a better mix of brands to enhance our travelers’ experiences.”

Upon completion, Tattered Cover stores will be located in all three of DIA’s concourses as well as in the Jeppesen Terminal.

St. John’s College Bookstore Recognized

St. John’s College Bookstore in Annapolis, Maryland, which serves students, faculty, staff, and some area residents, was recently characterized by the Capital Gazette as a “hidden gem” of the city.

Though the store does not sell textbooks, it is the go-to place for 40 percent of the college’s students to purchase course-related books, the newspaper said.

Flying Pig Owner’s New Book Receives Starred Review

Congratulations to children’s author and bookstore co-owner Elizabeth Bluemle, who has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly for her new picture book, Tap Tap Boom Boom (Candlewick). Of the jazz-chant verse book that centers on how a thunderstorm allows strangers to become friends, PW said, “Bluemle’s story unfolds on a scale just right for preschoolers, with plenty of hullaballoo, subtle attention to the senses, and an affirmation of the way misfortune can lead to small miracles.”

Bluemle is co-owner, with Josie Leavitt, of The Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne, Vermont.

Housing Works to Host Marathon Holiday Reading

This Saturday, Housing Works Bookstore in New York City is hosting its fourth annual marathon-reading of Charles Dickens’s holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Dozens of writers including Adam Gopnik, Emma Straub, Justin Torres, Rosie Schaap, and Téa Obreht will take part.

Throughout the day, all books and movies will be 10 percent off, and the café will be offering seasonal specials. Included in the festivities will be a show for kids from The Story Pirates, and Christmas caroling at noon from members of the New York City Master Chorale.

Penguin Classics has donated copies of A Christmas Carol, which will be for sale the day of the event with proceeds benefiting Housing Works.