The Book Case – Episode: Two Amazing Booksellers Release Date: June 19, 2025

In the latest episode of The Book Case, hosts Kate and Charlie Gibson delve deep into the heart of independent bookstores, celebrating the passion and dedication of those who keep these literary havens thriving. Titled "Two Amazing Booksellers," the episode spotlights Janet Webster Jones of Source Booksellers in Detroit, Michigan, and Emily Russo of Print Bookstore in Portland, Maine. Through engaging interviews and insightful discussions, Kate and Charlie explore the unique challenges and rewards of running an independent bookstore in today’s ever-evolving literary landscape.

Celebrating Independent Booksellers

Kate and Charlie kick off the episode with their characteristic banter, emphasizing the importance of featuring independent booksellers in their series. Kate humorously jabs at Charlie for not booking enough booksellers recently, setting a lighthearted tone for the episode. Charlie responds by expressing his fascination with the motivations behind booksellers choosing this challenging yet fulfilling profession.

Notable Quote:

Charlie (01:57): "All of which is a short way of saying that we're going to devote this entire podcast to two of our favorite booksellers..."

Spotlight on Janet Webster Jones – Source Booksellers, Detroit

Janet Webster Jones, an 88-year-old bookstore owner, shares her inspiring journey of establishing and nurturing Source Booksellers since 1989. Janet recounts how her bookstore evolved from vending books at events to managing a dedicated retail space. Her resilience and commitment are evident as she discusses overcoming logistical challenges and building a loyal customer base.

Key Highlights:

• Origins and Growth: Janet explains how Source Booksellers started with humble beginnings, selling books from her car and basement before moving into a shared retail space with other women in 2002. By 2013, they had established a permanent location on Cass Avenue in Detroit.

• Mission and Philosophy: Janet emphasizes her mission to "make the literary arts visible," aiming to highlight the importance of written works alongside traditional visual arts. Her background as a speech pathologist fuels her love for words and communication.

• Perseverance and Intelligence: Reflecting on aging and maintaining an active role, Janet attributes her success to opportunity, courage, and problem-solving abilities. She challenges societal perceptions of aging, showcasing her relentless passion for books and community service.

Notable Quotes:

Janet Webster Jones (09:03): “First of all, I never felt I needed to. The second was it was opportunity and courage.”

Kate (09:38): “I gotta know your secret. ... What is the secret I gotta know.”

Engaging with Truth and Literature

Janet delves into the contemporary challenges of discerning truth in literature, especially in an era grappling with "alternative facts." She draws inspiration from Toni Morrison, who taught her that fiction often unveils deeper truths about human experiences. Janet underscores the importance of critical thinking and independent research in maintaining the integrity of literary arts.

Notable Quote:

Janet Webster Jones (16:13): “We've got to know by consulting a variety of sources. Because if someone says that ant is green...”

Spotlight on Emily Russo – Print Bookstore, Portland

Following an interlude featuring ads, the episode transitions to Emily Russo, the passionate owner of Print Bookstore in Portland, Maine. Emily shares her insights on running a successful independent bookstore, particularly her strategies for selling essay collections and managing inventory.

Key Highlights:

• Selling Essays: Emily believes essays offer a unique medium for readers to connect with authors without the commitment of lengthy reads. She views them as an excellent way to engage customers seeking meaningful literary experiences.

• Pros and Cons of Bookstore Ownership: Emily outlines her love for the event-driven nature of bookstores, the joy of curating book selections, and the satisfaction of connecting the right book with the right customer. Conversely, she acknowledges the rising costs of goods and living as significant challenges.

• Inventory Management: Utilizing tools like Edelweiss, Emily emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions in stocking books. She discusses the delicate balance between popular trends and unique selections that reflect her bookstore's character.

Notable Quotes:

Emily Russo (23:41): “It's a wonderful way to connect with an author for just a moment...”

Emily Russo (24:52): “If someone says that ant is green and you know it's red, you've got to say, well, let me look at all the ants in the ant book...”

Building Community Through Events

Emily highlights the critical role of events in establishing Print Bookstore as a community hub. She credits her connections, partly influenced by her father, renowned author Richard Russo, for securing notable events. Emily emphasizes meticulous planning and collaboration with her events coordinator, Noah Arbor, to ensure successful literary gatherings that resonate with the Portland community.

Notable Quote:

Emily Russo (32:32): “We have a wonderful events coordinator at Print by the name of Noah Arbor, who I trained and who is killing it.”

The Challenges and Rewards of Independent Bookstores

Both Janet and Emily articulate the multifaceted challenges of running independent bookstores, from inventory management and financial constraints to staffing and event coordination. However, their unwavering passion for books and community shines through as they discuss the profound rewards of fostering a love for literature and creating welcoming spaces for readers.

Conclusion:

Kate and Charlie wrap up the episode by reiterating their admiration for Janet Webster Jones and Emily Russo. They underscore the vital role independent booksellers play in their communities, not just as retailers but as custodians of literary culture and facilitators of meaningful connections between readers and books.

Final Thoughts:

Charlie (37:22): “It's not an easy job, as I think was made clear by Emily.”

Kate (38:38): “Absolutely. Yeah, absolutely.”

Supporting Independent Bookstores:

This episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and dedication of independent booksellers like Janet and Emily. It highlights the indispensable role they play in nurturing literary communities, advocating for diverse genres, and ensuring that the joy of reading remains accessible to all.

For listeners looking to support independent bookstores, visiting Source Booksellers in Detroit or Print Bookstore in Portland is a wonderful way to contribute to the vibrant literary culture they help sustain.