We’re proud to kick off our “Meet a Bookseller” series with Mary O’Malley from Anderson’s Bookshop in La Grange!
How did you get into bookselling?
I applied to work at Anderson’s the day the “Coming Soon” sign went up in LaGrange. I had just begun thinking about what my next steps should be job-wise and POOF – I literally saw a sign of what I was meant to do!
What do you love most about being a bookseller?
Curating the perfect book for a reader. I love when people come in and say, “My aunt has read everything – what do you recommend that she might like?” I also look at myself as a champion of the authors. At our first staff meeting, Becky Anderson said she wanted us to find and read books that should be bestsellers, but aren’t, and then sell them! I love finding the hidden gems and then sharing those with our customers.
What do you love most about your bookstore?
We have an incredibly positive energy at our store – we are so supportive of each other and are like one, big, nerdy cheerleading squad. My motto is, “Let Your Weird Light Shine Bright, So The Other Weirdos Know Where To Find You”. I feel like I have found my weird tribe at Anderson’s!
What are you listening to right now?
Trailblazer by Dorothy Butler Gilliam
What audiobooks would you recommend or are among your favorites?
I am in love with American Wolf by Nate Blakeslee. Mark Bramhall is a master narrator. Be Frank With Me by Julia Johnson, read by Tavia Gilbert, is another favorite. Laurie Halse Anderson’s Shout is a very powerful beautifully read nonfiction book. And Daisy Jones & The Six is getting rave reviews from everyone who has listened to it!
Where / When do you listen to audiobooks?
At home when I am knitting, doing yard work, or cleaning, and in the car.
What is your favorite thing about audiobooks through Libro.fm?
Libro supports Indies! And the fun Libro vibe and energy matches our store.
What do you do when you’re not selling books?
I recently became a grandmother for the first time, and I love spending time with my grandson. We also recently moved to a house with a huge yard, so I will be spending a lot of time planting once the weather gets nicer, which means lots of time to listen to audiobooks on Libro.fm!
