Avid Bookshop

Thanks to journalist Lee Shearer for the recent Flagpole article about how global supply chain problems are impacting Athens’ independently businesses. Link to article: https://flagpole.com//athens-businesses-are-dealing-with-/ From the article: Shop early, don’t get bent out of shape if what you want isn’t available, and try to buy localthat’s the advice of Athens business owners trying to cope with a tangled global supply chain.... ‘This is the first of many times we’ll ask you to please shop early for your holiday gifts (and to be flexible when we suggest alternative options if the first book you’re seeking is impossible for your neighborhood bookstore to get),’ wrote Avid Bookshop owner Janet Geddis on the store’s Facebook page. ‘We thought the supply chain hiccups last year were bad, but this year it’s far, far worse.’

Suffice it to say no one writes book reviews/staff picks the way bookseller Ian does: "Communication’s a key ingredient to our daily life. Even choosing to avoid it says multiple somethings about us. Be the relationship cave painter and archaeologist or mother and son, down to the nanosecond most of us (speaker and auditor) repeatedly fudge it up. In that last sentence, for example, the subject choices and use of the word ‘fudge’ paint both a true-ish and false-like pictur...e of this reviewer. But this isn’t about me (or is it?). [Ahem] Through a panoply of pitch-perfect analogies, George Saunders puts the writer/reader at the reader/writer’s la-z-boy/typewriter. With hang-out-sesh tonality, he weighs the beauty in misunderstanding against how utterly frustrating it can be to simply get what you’re being told. Fans of Understanding Comics or How to Read Nancy might enjoy placing turn-of-the-century Russian masterpieces under the microscope. It’s been over a week since I finished A Swim... (not about me, eh, me?) and like a kid home from camp, not a day has gone by without a few thoughts of this deep moment or that fond element. All that’s missing from that analogy is me repeatedly checking the mailbox to see if George wrote me a postcard, but that would be a downer of an ending to this wonderful book’s review (not to be confused with a wonderful book review), so it’ll surely be edited out." https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9781984856029

Big news: @Oprah has just selected Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead novels as her latest book club pick, and she's working with independent bookstores like Avid to get the word out. Buy your copy of Gilead today at avidbookshop.com or by calling 706-850-2843. Then join the fun on @oprahsbookclub as Oprah leads us all in discussion around Gilead for the next 4 weeks. Then, she’ll be diving into the rest of the novels, Home, Lila, and Jack. It’s a great day to be a book lover. #ReadWithUs

This is a photo of the "upcoming events calendar" in the bookshop. Up until mid-March 2020, many of you would stop to look at this, taking out your phone calendars or planners to make note of upcoming readings or book club meetings. This calendar hasn't been altered in 12 months. We have of course had Zoom book clubs and even some big-deal virtual author events, but there have been zero in-person Avid events, and zero need to update a physical calendar no one would see. For ...365 days, we've not been able to welcome you into the shop. For 365 days, we've not been able to high five you during your post-work book browsing session or surreptitiously wrap a surprise birthday gift for someone within earshot. We've not been able to welcome your little family in for Baby's First Avid visit, and we've not been able to talk face to face about the books we're loving. For 365 days, we've invented and reinvented every imaginable aspect of our business, working to stay afloat financially and emotionally while offering the excellent customer service and connection you've come to expect from Avid. My hope was to have something inspiring or poetic to share on this dark anniversary that marks one full year since we were able to have any of you inside the shop. I put off writing this post because I was so sure I'd eventually come up with something that could be both heartfelt and uplifting. But I'm tired. And I'm guessing most of you are much more tired than I am. If in March 2020 you had told me that the pandemic would last over a year (and not the "few weeks" I initially planned for), I am not sure what I would have done. I am grateful I didn't know just how long it would last. We've hung in there, and that's because of you. Thank you for your purchases in the last many years, and particularly in the last 12 months. Thank you also for your understanding and support of our decision to stay closed to browsing until we are sure we can operate safely for everyone. We don't know when we'll reopen, but it certainly feels like there's a light beginning to appear just over the horizon. Much love, Janet & the Avid crew

Great news! Some of our Avid staff picks are now available in paperback! Reminder that our website carries virtually every book in print, and each book page comes with a synopsis of the book, selected blurbs, and more. Order online or call us at 706-850-2843. 1. How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell: https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9781612198552... 2. Real Life by Brandon Taylor: https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9780525538899 3. The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel: https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9780525562948 4. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett: https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9780062963680 5. Enter the Aardvark by Jessica Anthony: https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9780316496131 6. Cleanness by Garth Greenwell: https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9781250785664

Just popping in to remind you that you can create book wishlists/registries at avidbookshop.com. The wishlist function is great, and you can now make multiple lists. Folks use wishlists for baby and wedding gift registries. They’re also a great way for classroom teachers and librarians to build their collections with help from the community. They make it easy for faraway friends and family to support your reading habit. ... Happy browsing!

The first rule of Sticker Club is... Did you know you can not only buy individual stickers from us on our site but that we also have an Avid Sticker Club? Every month you get one greeting card (postage included!) and three vinyl stickers in the mail. You fill out a brief survey when you sign up; the answers you provide help us choose stickers and cards just for you. This provides for some of the most joy-sparking moments as you see your colorful #avidstickerclub envelope ...peeping out from among a stack of bills. This little video from spring 2020 documents our first-ever subscriber’s first batch of goodies! Learn more & sign up here: https://www.avidbookshop.com/avid-sticker-club-membership

Congratulations to our frequent collaborators at UGA’s Willson Center (and specifically to Dr. McCaskill and Nicholas Allen). It feels great to share good news.

The just-released recording of our event with Ed Pavliç & Kiese Laymon (Dec. 2020) is not to be missed. The full-length video is now on our YouTube channel; this is just an excerpt. Attendees were really moved by this heartfelt conversation. Here are a few experts from the chat: "Yes!" "Damn." "Wow."... "Thank you for this truth. You're taking my breath away." "This is gospel." "Yesssss!!!!!" Want to know why we at Avid count this among one of the most powerful conversations we witnessed in 2020? Visit our YouTube page (link in profile) and watch this video. Once you're done and have taken a quick breather, come back, 'cause there's more: you'll find several videos that will keep you good company during these dark times. Love, Avid https://www.youtube.com/user/AvidBookshop

Have a book to pick up on a rainy day? We’ve got you! We keep the books inside on days like today. Just ring the bell when you arrive and we’ll get your book for you.

It feels really strange to advertise right now, but we *are* a store and we *are* having a calendar sale, and we thought you should know. All wall calendars, page-a-day calendars, and planners on our site are 30% off, while supplies last! Buy one. Or don't! We love you either way!... There are many great designs and formats left, but we're highlighting a few in particular here that we think might help you feel motivated and positive about the year. https://www.avidbookshop.com/booklist/2021-calendars

"Very few people or companies can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause or belief --WHY does your company exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care?" -Simon Sinek *** From Janet: To the sweet and funny 5th grader who sent us this letter: your love for Avid, and the fact that you took time to send us these kind words, couldn't be a better example of our WHY. (We'll be sending you a reply soon--you know w...e love #avidsnailmail.) We want to help people connect better to themselves and to each other by reading, sharing, and talking about stories. In non-pandemic times, we help create a physical environment--our bookshop--in which that can happen. These days, we are trying our best to convey our gratitude and warmth through social media interactions, emails, phone conversations, online events, and--of course!--snail mail. <3 Our "why" is what keeps us energized on stressful days; it's what brings fulfillment to our jobs even during these long months of not being able to greet you at the shop. We'll get through this, and we know you will do. And let this student's letter remind us of the power of sharing our love and gratitude via "real" mail. Full confession: I got teary-eyed about halfway through typing up the letter's contents below, and by the end I was quite sniffly. Wow. **** Letter photographed above reads, "Dear Avid Bookshop, / I am ____ ___, a 5th grader at Malcom Bridge Elementary School and I recently got the assignment of writing a letter to my favorite small business and I chose you. I love your store because of the wonderful atmosphere, wide selection of books and having the nicest employees. Once my mom was running some errands and I was a bit mad and my mother constantly asked if some white hand towels were cuter than the cream ones we just looked at. When the shopping nightmare was over my mom asked me if there was anywhere else we should go and I told her "Let's go to avid!" she rolled her eyes like she should have guessed it and to my surprise she took me to your store and when I walked into the store my bad mood instantly vanished. I felt at home as I dove into a Calvin and Hobbes book and that is what other bookstores don't have, heart. I know that this year has been hard but you guys have been doing great and I hope you continue not only to survive but thrive because people like me really do need you. there are more average joes who care about you and your business than you might think and each and every one of us are dreaming of the day we can go in and see you guys but until that day arrives keep doing what you've been doing, because you have been handling it phenomenally. / Sincerely, ____ ____ ****

Folks nationwide are invited to Avid's launch event for NYT bestselling author Kim Scott's new book, JUST WORK: GET SH*T DONE, FAST & FAIR. Whether you're new to the workforce or a longtime boss, you and your team will not want to miss this rare opportunity to attend a live event with Kim Scott. She has transformed work life for bosses thanks to her book RADICAL CANDOR: HOW TO BE A KICKASS BOSS WITHOUT LOSING YOUR COOL, and now she's ready to share her research and techniques for how to work *for* someone else in a way that is healthy and beneficial for all. This would be an excellent company-wide read--contact ian @ avidbookshop dot com if you'd like a competitive price quote for a corporate/bulk sale.

Avid hours for the rest of the week! (Of note: we will be taking a break 12/25/20-1/3/2021, resuming our Mon-Sat, 11-4 service on 1/4/21.) Important reminder: we are NOT open for browsing! These times refer to phone &/or contactless pickup hours.

Do you have books to pick up from us? Great news! We will have extended pickup hours on *Monday and Tuesday only* next week (in addition to our regular pickup schedule). Details below. Avid Bookshop contactless pickup hours:... Fri., 12/18: 11-4 Sat., 12/19: 11-4 Sun., 12/20: NO PICKUPS Mon., 12/21: 11-7 Tues., 12/22: 11-7 Wed., 12/23: 11-4 Thurs., 12/24: 11-4 Did something come up and you can't make it by during any of the following times? Email info at avidbookshop dot com or call us at 706-850-2843 and we'll figure something out for you, promise. We will be closed from 12/25 - 1/3 for a much-needed break. Y'all can still order online and leave voicemails if you need to, but we likely won't start responding to messages until Monday, 1/4/21.

Attention locals: did you forget to preorder the R.E.M. READ puzzle from the band's site? We've got you covered: you can buy one of these puzzles from us and do contactless curbside pickup once we tell you it's ready! Super important: Please read the the following information before proceeding! For our local folks: did you miss the chance to preorder this puzzle? Or did you miss the band's announcements about it? Because of a holiday miracle*, Avid Bookshop is here to sav...e the day. We are the only brick-and-mortar retailer anywhere to carry this puzzle this holiday season. We have a limited number of this very special puzzle, so don't snooze on this chance to get a gift that will provide you with hours of pandemic winter entertainment. The Avid price is a little higher than the R.E.M. store price so that the band, the nonprofits, and Avid can all cover their costs. *the band are avid Avid readers and we are so thankful! How to buy this puzzle for contactless curbside pickup Click the "add to cart" button on this page. IMPORTANT: Do not add other items to your web order. Just this puzzle (maximum 4 R.E.M. READ puzzles per person) should be in your order. Do not combine this order with any other gifts or books you're buying. (You can still buy other books, gifts, and services, but please do so in a separate web order.) While we will do our best to fill all orders quickly, we cannot guarantee that the puzzle will be ready for pickup by Christmas. (If you want to have the puzzle shipped, please order it from the R.E.M. site here: https://store.remhq.com/products/read-jigsaw-puzzle) Web orders will be processed in the order in which they were placed, so the best thing to do is save your place in line by ordering today. About the puzzle The Iconic READ poster is now finally a jigsaw puzzle thanks to Very Good Puzzle! All proceeds from the sales of these puzzles go to the American Library Association & one of our beloved Athens noprofits, Books For Keeps. Originally commissioned in 1990 by the American Library Association as a promotional campaign to get music lovers to read more books, the original poster has since become a rare collectable and is reprinted here for the first time. Manufactured in the USA. Printed with soy-based inks and made with recycled cardboard. 1,000 piece puzzle Finished size: 19.25" x 26.625" NOTE: We are not a pickup spot for any puzzles preordered via R.E.M.'s site, Very Good Puzzle, Books for Keeps, or the American Library Association. Due to international shipping delays caused by the pandemic, those puzzles are likely still en route. Thank you! Happy puzzling. <3, Avid

Looking for a quintessentially Athens gift? The one and only Hugh Acheson dropped by to sign more copies of HOW TO COOK. It’s a lovely cookbook at a great price point ($19.99). Order here: https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9781984822307

We love the Avid bestseller Kamala & Maya’s Big Idea and think y’all need this forthcoming picture book from @meena & Marissa Valdez. When a young girl sees a strong woman on TV labeled as too assertive and too ambitious, it sends her on a journey of discovery through past, present, and future about the challenges faced by women and girls and the ways in which they can reframe, redefine, and reclaim words meant to knock them down. Anyone who’s ever been underestimated... or overshadowed will find inspiration in this empowering new picture book. A new book from Founder & CEO of Phenomenal (and New York Times-bestselling author!) Meena Harris. Illustrated by Marissa Valdez. Order at https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9780316229692or by calling us at 706-850-2843.

Please please please come fetch your contactless pickup orders. We’ve added more red book trucks and are about to be out of room for new arrivalsa serious logistical issue when we have hundreds of customer orders coming in each day. If you got an email saying your order was ready for pickup, we *beg* you: swing by Five Points today to fetch it. Pickup hours are Mon. - Sat., 11-4. If you haven’t gotten an email, please:... 1. Check your spam 2. Only contact us to inquire about it if we are significantly past the estimated arrival window booksellers outlined for you when your order was confirmed. We appreciate you!

https://www.avidbookshop.com/announcements

We had a wild Friday night a few days ago! We’re used to big shipments, but this end-of-week batch took the cake. Huge thanks to the gracious and efficient USPS workers in Athens and beyond for taking such care of your #avidsnailmail.

We Were Li(z)ar(d)s by E. Lockhart // Our bookseller Ian snapped this photo of one of our little lizard buddies. Ian put a customer's stack of books on the bench for a second so he could make space on the contactless pickup cart, and the lizard jumped on top of one of our longtime staff picks, We Were Liars: https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9780385741279

When you've been closed to the public for months due to a global pandemic, you repurpose front-of-house fixtures for what are usually back-of-house operations. Here you can see some of our partially-filled customer orders sitting on what used to be the home of used books, mind-body-spirit books, and romance. Sometimes customers order a few books at once--we have a couple of the titles in the store, but the rest we order in from a publisher. So we pull what we do have, label ...it, and put the partial order on this shelf until the rest of the items on that order arrive. After that, we pack up your order and get it ready to be picked up via our contactless pickup (or we mail it out, if that's the option you chose). It sometimes takes awhile to get the entire order ready, but we try to be patient since every step of the process, from printing to shipping to delivery, has been upended by COVID-19. It helps that y'all are patient and kind to us, too--we have the best customers. Trust that we want these in your hands ASAP, too! It's a complicated process, but one we've come close to perfecting in the 9 months since we closed our shop doors. For any of you who are zooming in looking for your order: you may not find it, 'cause this picture is from a week or three ago. But I see you out there, pinching your fingers and zooming in to search for your books!

If you want Amazon to be the world’s only retailer, keep shopping there. Please save our bookstores and #ShopIndie today. And tomorrow. And of course the next day. #BoxedOut Today (Friday, 10/30) at 1pm (and again on Saturday and Sunday), Avid Bookshop business owner Janet Geddis and CEO of the American Booksellers Association, Allison Hill, will be featured on a WUGA story for Athens News Matters. We'll post the link here once it's available.

Avid Bookshop is taking a day off. Booksellers will be getting a paid day off on Wednesday, November 4th, 2020. A note from Janet Geddis, business owner/founder:... Hi, friends. For various reasons*, we need a break. We’ll be closed the day after Election Day. We invite you to take a day of rest, reflection, and relaxation with us. My deepest, most sincere hope is that on November 4th we will be exhaling a deep sigh of relief after having received news that forward-thinking, human-rights-oriented leadership, both locally and nationally, is coming. *including but certainly not limited to the following: the pandemic the political climate the climate crisis the daily pivoting we’re all doing to just keep our heads above water the weight of white supremacy the vicious tone set by many of those in power the overwhelming and often suffocating anxiety we’re all attempting to muddle through each day Zoom fatigue home schooling childcare caregiver exhaustion health problems the intensity with which we miss loved ones the grief of having to say goodbye to people and local businesses and organizations that we value so deeply the constant messaging from the White House that we simply do. not. matter. missing our social lives missing being able to touch another human What it means for you You can still place orders online (we hope you do), but we won’t be processing them until booksellers return to work on November 5th. You can call us, but you’ll get a recording saying we’re closed for the day on November 4th. Booksellers will respond to voicemails beginning November 5th. We hope you have the privilege of being able join us in spirit, to take some time to put your feet up, go for a walk, disengage from social media, and feed your soul. What it means for us Traditionally, Avid Bookshop is closed for business on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Since mid-March 2020, the shop floor has been closed to browsing, but we've stayed open as a business by serving you online and via phone. This will be first meaningful break we’ve had as a business since pre-COVID. We’ve been going nonstop and really need a dose of self-care. Thank you for respecting our decision to take a break; we'd love to hear from you about what you're doing to make sure you are taking care of yourself. Have a good book you picked up this year but haven't started yet? This might be a perfect time. Much love, and I mean that. - Janet Geddis written with feedback and input from the Avid Bookshop staff

Under our masks, we are smiling. Your orders and messages are so delightful and encouraging. This holiday season isn’t what any of us wanted it to be, but here weyou included!are, showing up as best we can. At the end of the day, we booksellers are so fortunate to return to homes brimming with books. But our reading habits have shifted in the last nine months; we’re guessing you’re in the same boat. Even when one kind of book can’t hold our attention, we have other kinds ...to turn to. Are you usually a fan of door-stopper history tomes but can’t seem to concentrate? Try a book of essays instead. Are you surprised that no novels are grabbing your attention? Maybe short stories or a middle grade novel will suit. Or perhaps you used to buy every new bestseller but have recently been drawn to classics that comforted you as a child. In a time when everything is upside-down, have you noticed a change in your reading habits? We’d love to know what books/genresif anyhave hit the spot this year.

They're here, they're here! We have the new designs from Very Good Puzzle in stock. Visit the gifts page of our site to see what's available and add a puzzle to your next order. Available for shipping or contactless pickup. https://www.avidbookshop.com/Puzzles We love working with Very Good Puzzle. Their excellent customer service is a match for the high-quality puzzles--the pieces click together in that perfect way (a trait of a puzzle you don't realize is important 'til you buy a cheap one and that snapping-in-place feeling is missing). And they work with local artists, which is right up our alley.

It's National Cat Day! Here are the felines who live with Janet. Cubbie earned his massage therapist certification and opened Massages by Cubbie in 2017; so far, Satchel is the only client. May we all find a chance at least one freakin time in 2020 to access even half the relaxation Satchel is experiencing here. #NationalCatDay #petsofavid

Avid's operations manager, Luis Correa, has two new books he wants y'all to read. Below are his reviews! Find them both at avidbookshop.com; available for shipping or contactless curbside pickup. 1. How Much of These Hills is Gold byJ C. Pam Zhang "In looking to reclaim the history of Chinese immigrants in the American West, the gold that Zang unearths is an untold story of family, heartbreak, identity, and home. While it’s painted with the sweeping beauty of a legend, in it...s details lie a sense of vulnerable, piercing truth about what it takes to become who we dream within a fiery, wild world. The elements of this story may seem familiar and elemental, the end result is fiercely new and captivating adventure with a relentless heart." https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9780525537205 2. On Lighthouses by Jazmina Barrera, translated by Christina Macsweeney "Trying to define what draws her to lighthouses, Barrera ekes out to the edge of her obsession by exploring the literary and historical significance of beacons. For the lonely, for the collectors, for the wandering, this book is a treasure and a fantastic gift for readers. While you won’t find a clear answer in the fog to head toward, you’ll instead find permission, an allowance to treasure the quiet moments thinking about what you find impossibly captivating." https://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9781949641011

TOMORROW (Saturday, 12/12) at 2pm online: the Georgia edition of Writers Against Trump, featuring some of your favorite authors: Jericho Brown, Laurel Snyder, Anjali Enjeti, Tayari Jones, & Carolyn Forché. This is a fundraiser for Fair Fight, co-sponsored by Avid Bookshop and Books & Books. Registration is REQUIRED: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/watgeorgia/register

Our votes in the upcoming election will shape our country’s future. Where we spend our money in these final days of 2020 will determine our communities in 2021. #ShopIndie #BoxedOut

ICYMI: our joy-inducing Avid Book Subscriptions Program was featured in the New York Times’ Wirecutter Gift Guide! It really is the perfect present for everyone, even littles who can’t read yet. https://www.avidbookshop.com/book-subscription-program New grandkid in the family you wish you could snuggle this year? We can send them a book a month. After all, that’s how our program started: one of our dear customers was about to be a grandma and asked us to go ahead and launc...h the subscriptions program we’d talked about from time to time. (That customer’s grandkid is now 9 or 10 and has gotten #avidsnailmail every month of her life!) Recent graduate who has not been able to read as much as desired due to the amount of work school took? A sweet neighbor who used to love browsing bookstores but can’t due to COVID-19 restrictions? Anyone who has fallen into a reading rut and could use some curated selections in the mail? Any person on your list who could really use an extra-thoughtful gift this season? We work with you to time the big reveal of your gift (no spoilers!). Our team of experts spends a lot of time perusing our inventory in search of the right book for each subscriber: no one-size-fits-all here! Get started here: https://www.avidbookshop.com/book-subscription-program

We love sending notes via the USPS. The postcards (picture 1) are for our business use, but we sell thank you notes both individually and in bulk (picture 2)! Do you feel gratitude for anyone? Did your local yarn store go above and beyond to make sure you had a safe shopping experience? Did your nephew FaceTime you on your birthday just to make you smile? Did your grandma write your a letter that made your week better? Did the neighborhood cheese shop curate a perfect charcu...terie board for your recent distanced picnic? Is your best friend just...the f’n best!? These are a handful of scenarios in which you could use a thank you card. We have them on our site (greeting cards curated by Janet under the Avid Gifts menu), or click here: https://www.avidbookshop.com/greeting-cards-curated-janet Would you prefer one of these box sets? DM us or by email [email protected] to say which one(s) interest you and we’ll get you set up. Gratitude is the key. Even if you don’t use one of our cards, may we recommend finding any old paper around your house and writing a note to someone you’re thankful for?

#tbt It's so sad when our booksellers leave Avid, but it feels incredible to witness them as they establish their careers. Shortly before the pandemic, former manager Elizabeth Willis and former events director Rachel Kaplan, both of whom now work at Penguin Random House in NYC, visited the shop. We are so proud of you, RK and EW! Same goes for all our booksellers who have left the little Avid nest to explore what's beyond. As much as we wish staff members would stay forever and have their career dreams come true *here*, we'd rather have them move on with our love and support to bolster them when they feel the time is right.

Avid Bookshop is proud to be one of the bookstores carrying this limited-edition, special copy of Untamed by Glennon Doyle. We're calling it the Cheetah Edition because each hardcover has a tip-in (inserted page) featuring Glennon's autographed initials next to an illustration of a cheetah (read the book and you'll get the significance). Janet (business owner here at Avid) loves this book so much and is thrilled it's resonating with so many readers. Did you already read it? ...Treat yourself to the cheetah edition. Do you have a friend who is looking inward and wondering how she can live a life that's more true to her real self? This would be the perfect gift (we can even gift wrap it if you choose that option at checkout!). We ship nationwide and offer contactless pickup in Athens, GA. It would be our honor to get this book to you while it lasts. Supplies are limited. https://www.avidbookshop.com/signeduntamed

Picture 1 "It must be so nice to work in a bookstore. You must just put your feet up and read books all day." We booksellers hear a variation of that line pretty frequently and, as charming as it sounds, it bears zero resemblance to what our jobs actually entail. ... Picture 2 "Wait, so are you complaining about your job? I thought this would be a dream job!" Nope, not complaining. And you're right: it is a dream job much of the time. But that doesn't mean it's not stressful, particularly during the holidays. Especially during the holiday season in the midst of a global pandemic where we have breaks in the supply chain as well as delays with shipping/mailing. All of us at Avid Bookshop--a bunch of book nerds who love talking about reading!--get to connect you with books you'll love, and we get to be a part of the Athens community while we do that. We are grateful to have landed here. Picture 3 Real human beings, not bots or AI, are handling every order and every phone call. This means you'll get excellent service, but you'll have to wait longer than you're used to. Thank you for your support during a tremendously difficult year, and thank you for your patience now and going forward. Please believe me when I say that every single bookseller at Avid Bookshop is firing on all cylinders to get to all customers' requests as fast as humanly possible. Like every single person reading this right now, we are doing our best. We love you. -Janet G., Avid Bookshop founder/business owner Dec. 10, 2020, or, Who Even Knows What Day It Is Anymore?

Bradley Bazzle & James Chapin are astonishingly talented authors, plus they’re Avid regulars we adore. Join us on 10/27 at 7pm EST no matter where you live for our virtual event with these two. Need another nudge to read these Athenians’ brand-new books? Check out Pete McCommons’s review in the most recent Flagpole Magazine!

You know what's a big deal? When you can score FREE attendance to an event with a critically acclaimed writer who just made the finalist list for the National Book Awards. You know what's an even bigger deal? Knowing that the author lives in Athens (!) and is doing an event with his own neighborhood bookshop, Avid. Claudio Saunt's Unworthy Republic: The Dispossession of Native Americans and the Road to Indian Territory (W. W. Norton) is quickly being recognized as a text fun...damental to the understanding of the United States' complicated, problematic history. The director of the Willson Center at UGA, Nicholas Allen, will be in conversation with Claudio Saunt on Thursday, 10/22, at 7pm EST. (We encourage you to buy the book and/or donate a nominal fee to this event, but we want everyone to be able to attend, so you can absolutely just register without dishing out dough!) https://www.avidbookshop.com//claudio-saunt-conversation-n This is a virtual Zoom event. Registration is required (see web page link below); the Zoom link will not be sent to registered attendees until 6:00pm EST on 10/22, one hour before the event opens to the public. https://www.avidbookshop.com//claudio-saunt-conversation-n

As autumn settles in, we turn to poetry to help us express what it’s like to be a human on this precious planet. Here’s Mary Oliver’s We Should Be Well Prepared.