Today was the second annual Independent Bookstore Day so I knew I had to be in a bookstore and Malaprop's was the best choice.

This was a really cool bookstore, whose story is worth reading. Thirty years after the birth of Malaprop’s, their goals are the same as the ones they committed to in 1982:

1. To be the best little bookstore in the land.2. To enjoy what we do while we’re doing it.3. To be aware and supportive of financial needs and ensure that bookselling is a fine and noble profession.

So very, very cool.
About this special event... After Amazon earnings blew analyst expectations out of the water, brick-and-mortar bookstores prepared their counterattack—in the form of deals and events for this holiday. It was created to drive traffic into independent bookstores. More than 400 bookstores nationwide participated. I hope it was a great success.
When I heard there was an author reading, I was beyond excited. M.J. Pullen (to my left) was absolutely wonderful. Manda is the author of women’s fiction and romantic comedies and came to share her newest book, Regrets Only.
We briefly explored this historic town, rich in art, history and amazing sights to see. We even sat on a funky bar patio and had drinks while a deluge of rain hit.
Asheville, like most cities on our path, demands a return visit. Next time... On to Charleston.