Broadway Books in Portland, OR, started series of articles about their staff including a little background information and some recommendations. We love this way to help readers get to know their booksellers better, especially because it highlights what interesting people booksellers are, even when they’re not in the store. Here’s their first article, about Chris.
We have chosen to feature Chris Miller this month for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that we love him to pieces, and the second reason is that we are going to be losing him this month. Chris will be spending August in Iceland with his wife Kim and some musician friends (Chris is a member of the band called Harlowe, and some of them will be playing several gigs in Iceland). After August, he is taking an extended leave from our store to have great adventures. A trip to Europe is in the offing. More music and more travel are ahead for Chris in the next few years, although he will still be based in Portland. We’re very happy for you and Kim but we’ll miss you so much, Chris! You are a “bookbro” of the best kind.
Here’s what Chris has to say about three books he loves:
The Name of the Wind:
Along with George RR Martin, Patrick Rothfuss is a current King of the Fantasy Epic. What makes his books special is the layered nature of the storytelling. In this first volume of the Kingkiller Chronicle, we get glimpses of the hero’s story as a larger-than-life legend juxtaposed beautifully with the matter-of-fact truths behind the legend. There’s also a wizard school, for fans who miss being at Hogwarts.
The Art of Fielding:
I always like a story that depicts the game of baseball with love and reverence. What makes this book by Chad Harbach special is its small cast of characters. We see good people’s dreams become threatened and broken, and then we see that those dreams were only a sliver of who they were, and who they could become.
The Tenth of December:
George Saunders’ most recent collection of short stories showcases a mastery of the form. The internal dialogue of his characters does well to illustrate the wide ranging neurosis of our inner lives. These stories are funny and wise, showing that even the harshest of critiques can be coupled with compassion.