The Books Maker
What Does the Future Hold for Independent Book Stores and the Literary Scene? An Award-Winning Bookstore Proprietor Shares His Knowledge

“I'm not sure if it's a backlash or if it's the desire for places that speak to our need for community.”

Book Fair Founder and Books & Books
Owner Mitchell Kaplan

By John Hood

Before ’06 came to a close, Mystery Writers of America announced that Miami’s own Mitchell Kaplan would receive The Raven, a coveted nod to those who’ve shown “outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing.”

Kaplan’s achievements, of course, are no mystery: founder of the unbeatable Books & Books, he also serves on the steering committee of the Florida Center for the Literary Arts; recently completed a two-year term as president of the American Booksellers Association, where he continues to be hyper active; and is also on the board of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression.

And – yes! – Kaplan is co-founder of Miami Book Fair International, where his position as its chairperson of the board of directors has enabled him to make our town the mecca for all who make and dig books. Since the last Book Fair found us too busy hyping and attending the all-star program Kaplan and company had assembled to fully give the man his due, we decided to use the announcement of The Raven to do just that.

Read on.

Cody’s closes in Berkeley, Coliseum shutters in New York, Metropolis opens in LA, Kepler’s gets saved in Menlo Park, Boston’s Avenue Victor Hugo goes strictly digital … what’s the future for independent booksellers? 

The good news is that there is a future for independent booksellers. Although our numbers have fallen, from almost 5,000 over 15 years ago to about 2,000 now, our market share has stabilized and I'm detecting a hint of new store openings and younger people who want to become booksellers. The forces affecting booksellers are not different from those affecting independent drug stores, record stores, hardware stores, etc. I just feel like we have some very effective tools in staying engaged in the fight. We have a strong trade association, and many of us have very loyal customer bases who understand that there are other ways to view value than just by price. Service, selection and ambiance play a vital role in allowing us to successfully compete in this very, very competitive marketplace. 

Do you see a backlash against the big box book behemoths? 

I'm not sure if it's a backlash or if it's the desire for places that speak to our need for community. I think we all seek out those “great, good places,” and as more and more of them disappear, we're beginning to feel the loss and the need to support those that are still around.

... the impersonalness of online book buying? 

I don't think online book buying can ever completely supplant the bookstore experience. Browsing just isn't the same online, and taking a suggestion from a knowledgeable live bookseller will always turn out better than relying on a computer program.

The Levenger connection – when and why? 

We wanted a presence in the Delray area and I'm very impressed with what Levenger has been able to accomplish. But, at the moment, they've taken a different direction in their store there, and will be moving to a smaller location where space concerns will make it difficult for us to have a store within a store. I've very much enjoyed our relationship, and we still hope to collaborate in the future, but it will just be in a different way. 

More such connections to come?

Yes, as we move into our 25th year, I'm always looking for new opportunities, but nothing to report just yet.

Hottest new writer(s) of ’06?

Watch the career of Miami’s own Karen Russell. Her collection of stories St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves received wonderful review attention and she gave a great reading at the Book Fair.

Hottest book(s) of ’06? 

Allison Bechdel’s Fun Home ... Gary Shteyngart's Absurdistan ... Dave Eggers’ What is the What ... Claire Messud’s The Emperor's Children ... Barack Obama’s Audacity of Hope ... Annie Leibovitz's A Photographer's Life ... Carl Hiaasen’s Nature Girl ... Dave Barry’s latest kids’ book, Peter and the Shadow Thieves ... and Miami Noir, edited by Les Standiford.

Most notorious reading(s) of ’06? 

Can't remember having more fun at a reading than we did at Ralph Steadman's.... He showed slides of his work, talked about his relationship with Hunter Thompson and closed the bar down while signing the last books of the night with an ink and merlot mix. He and his wife were very gracious and Ralph treated us to two pen and ink drawings done specially for the store.

Hottest prospect(s) for ‘07?

It's a little too early to tell, but I'm looking forward to the new James W. Hall novel, Magic City, our very own LA Confidential. There's also a new Michael Ondaatje coming later in the spring, and Paul Auster and Robert Stone also have new books on the way.

A reported 500,000 people attended the '06 Fair - that correct? 

It's always difficult to get the exact total for the week, but estimates have ranged that high.

Book Fair ‘07 – any early guests we should know about? 

It's a bit too early...

After such a stellar star turn during the Book Fair, did Obama offer you a cabinet position in his administration?

No, but I'm ready and willing.... He was quite remarkable. He came with no entourage, no handlers and was very interested in what we were doing at the Fair, and was very, very impressed with what he learned about Miami Dade College. He has a naturalness in the way he speaks that is reminiscent of Bill Clinton, and he draws you into his circle in the same way. And, certainly, the reception he received at the Fair should go a long way to making him feel that Miami could be a good, solid base for him if he decides to run.

How do you feel about getting the nod for The Raven?

I was very surprised, but honored to be selected. As everyone knows, Miami is home to some of the best writers working anywhere, particularly writers who have cut their teeth writing mysteries, and we at the Fair and at Books & Books will always do all we can to support them and their work. After all, we've all grown up together.

Comments? E-mail letters@miamisunpost.com.