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Neil Gaiman Celebrates Independent Bookstore Day (indiebookstoreday.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on from the too-weird-for-words dept.

An anonymous reader writes: Today is "Independent Bookstore Day," a national event promoting local bookstores which will feature exclusive bookstore-only offerings, including a Neil Gaiman coloring book with 20 black-and-white illustrations by Gaiman illustrator Chris Riddell and quotes from Coraline, The Graveyard Book, and Fortunately, the Milk. "Independent bookstores are not just stores, they're community centers and local anchors run by passionate readers," reads the event's web site, saying independent bookstores "are not just stores, they are solutions. They hold the key to your love life, your career, and your passions."
There's actually more independent bookstores this year than there were last year, according to the site, which argues that "In a world of tweets and algorithms and pageless digital downloads, bookstores are not a dying anachronism. They are living, breathing organisms that continue to grow and expand."

3 of 33 comments (clear)

  1. Put another way by Kohath · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Author of niche-interest fiction hypes small providers of a formerly popular type of entertainment media. It's ironic that science fiction fans are so attached to the past.

    1. Re:Put another way by JoshuaZ · · Score: 2

      Author of niche-interest fiction hypes small providers of a formerly popular type of entertainment media. It's ironic that science fiction fans are so attached to the past.

      I think the first sentence is a little unfair: Gaiman is extremely successful, and many of his works have reached the popular audience. Moreover, we live in an era where science fiction is highly successful and even mainstream, hardly niche any more in many ways.

      As for the second bit, it shouldn't be that surprising. Much science fiction, or what passes for it, has often had a reactionary element. Look at how much science fiction involves feudal systems with sword fights. Dune and Star Wars are the most prominent examples but there are many more. Science fiction has often been accompanied by a romanticized interest in the past which is part of why the readership and authors blend so smoothly with fantasy.

  2. Anachronism day by russotto · · Score: 3, Funny

    There's actually more independent bookstores this year than there were last year

    So, 2?

    The problem with independent bookstores is they never have a large enough spot for my horse.