We really enjoyed having Steve Lopez, author and columnist from the L.A. Times at our store this past Saturday. Mr. Lopez signed copies of his new book: DREAMS AND SCHEMES as well as his backlist titles including THE SOLOIST. If you were unable to attend the signing, we have a few signed copies left of most of Steve's books...remember autographed books always make a great gift!

For the lucky patrons who came to the signing on Sat., they were treated to a special hour or so with Steve who updated us on how his friend, Nathaniel Ayres, is doing as of late, as well as many other stories that are in his new book: DREAMS AND SCHEMES. 

Steve also spoke a bit about the state of the print news business and how it is being adversely affected by the internet. We, as booksellers, were completely able to relate to Steve's concerns about  printed media being 'kept alive' so to speak.  We are being threatened daily with actual books printed on paper becoming obsolete as the ebooks are quickly taking the forefront.  It's truly a challenging / frightening time to be a bookseller. So... this is  as good a time as any.... to thank those of you who are still shopping and supporting Independent booksellers, such as Apostrophe Books, and we hope you realize that it's up to you to keep us and all other bookstores, libraries, and the  like  in existence and not become just a distant memory. What a sad thought to contemplate...a world without books printed on paper that  you can read, hold in your hand, and then put on your bookshelf to revisit anytime you want...or share with a friend, or read to your children or grandchildren.  Yes, we realize this can be done via the kindle or nook or iphone, etc....but, is it ultimately the same as holding a copy of Goodnight Moon, or The Little Prince in your hand? Call us 'old fashioned', or 'not with it', but we don't think so. 

Sorry for going off on a little editorial rant there, but you really are the difference between bookstores staying bookstores and not becoming book museums. So, again,  a heartfelt thank you to all of you that are helping to keep bookstores alive with real books on shelves.We can't speak for other Independent bookstores including fellow Long Beach booksellers like Gatsby books, and  Open, but we have to imagine that  they would agree.  Please support them, and us as often as you can. It's a good thing... a good investment. 

Back to Steve Lopez and his book signing... It was a rare opportunity for those of us at the bookstore on Saturday to get up close and personal to someone so familiar to all of us L.A. Times readers.

We thank those of you who attended, and especially a big thank you to Steve, and his family for venturing down to Long Beach to sign at our store and answer lots of questions from our customers. It was truly a memorable day.

Sincerely,