It’s Meet a Bookseller Monday, and today we’re excited to introduce Becky Merilatt, bookseller at Secret Garden Bookshop in Seattle, Washington.
How did you get into bookselling?
I started book selling as my part-time job in college and never left.
What do you love most about being a bookseller?
I love reading and recommending books. I love that a bookstore is a mirror of its neighborhood. I love watching the changes in what’s selling based on what’s happening in our world—almost like the store is breathing.
What do you love most about your bookstore?
The location. We’re located in a very walkable neighborhood in Seattle and are well supported by the community. We also have a lot of tourists come through.
What are you listening to right now?
Pax by Sara Pennypacker—with my two kids.
What audiobooks would you recommend or are among your favorites?
I loved Little Weirds by Jenny Slate. Her voice is so distinct and easy to listen to and the book itself was so unusual and lovely. I also loved The Captain and the Glory by Dave Eggers. It was so dark, so funny, and John Hodgman was the perfect reader.
Where / when do you listen to audiobooks?
Mostly on my commute to work.
What is your favorite thing about audiobooks through Libro.fm?
I love how Libro.fm champions indie bookstores. It’s not just an alternative to Amazon/Audible. It’s a response to everything Amazon stands for.
What do you do when you’re not selling books?
I’m mostly with my two boys (ages 4 and 6) reading them books about tigers and ancient history.
What a good interview. Becky has convinced me to get get the Libro.fm audiobook for Little Weirds even though I have already bought two print copies. I think that I will listen to The Captain and the Glory after that. Love the pic of her stack of books. Really helps understand Becky’s reading path.