Oxford Exchange

Last night at his book signing,  Michael Connelly said a lot of wise things 

about books and writing. 

Perhaps the wisest?

"The opening of a bookstore is a cause for celebration."

I couldn't agree more.

Tampa has a new, big, beautiful one.  Right now the Oxford Exchange feels more like a store than a bookstore, if that makes sense. But the books are right up front. The book buyer is very enthusiastic about hosting events.

AND I must applaud and share the Most Creative Use of a Card Catalog I've seen in a while.

 (front window of The Oxford Exchange, Kennedy Blvd, Tampa)

Drawers open to blank 3X5 cards and a pencil.

Check out the scribbled notes from readers recommending their favorite recent reads.

In answer to a question about whether the places in his books are real, Michael Connelly said he tries to anchor his fiction in as much reality as possible. Real restaurants, real streets. If readers identify with the place, this creates more empathy for the characters.

He cautioned future crime novelists about using a real restaurant as a murder scene however.
Not good for business.

Here he is, nearing the end of a very long line of admirers, waiting to have his newest book signed.
Check his website: http://www.michaelconnelly.com.
Some very cool stuff there. 

Good luck to the Oxford Exchange.
More pictures HERE: http://www2.tbo.com/list/oxford-exchange/gallery/
Yes, it's a teashop, a coffee bar, a gift shop.
But there are books!