From Saltwater Bookshop in Kingston, WA: An interview with one of the store’s owners, Madison. 

Meet Madison!

In a sentence or two, tell us who you are.

I’ve been a bookseller for 15+ years and an indie bookstore owner for 3!

How long have you been at Saltwater?

Since I created it with Lacey in 2023!

What’s your favorite part of working at Saltwater?

There is not much better than matching a customer with a perfect read for them.

What is your favorite genre? Why?

I’m a total mood reader, so I’ll read and enjoy almost any genre. My favorite books are all across the board–non fiction, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery… all of them!

Who is an author you will always read? Why?

Ashley Poston & Carley Fortune. They’re like comfort books. I always feel better when I finish any of their books.

What was your favorite book(s) as a child?

As a little one, The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don & Audrey Wood. As a bigger child, The Silent Storm by Sherry Garland. I don’t think it’s in print any more but that one really stuck with me.

What’s your favorite place to read?

The beach if my kids will let me or in bed.

If you could visit any fictional world, which one would it be?

Probably Middle Earth.

If you could have any fictional character as a friend, who would it be?

The sisters in The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller. They’re so badass.

When was your last book hangover? And which book/series caused it?

Onyx Storm. I need book 4 now.

Is there a book that gave you a perspective/lesson/advice that still sticks with you? If so, what book and what did it teach you?

Braiding Sweetgrass. The relationship that humans and the Earth have should be much more of the indigenous framework. I hope that we can move towards that in the future.

What are you looking for in your next read?

Something that grabs me right away and doesn’t let go