Erica Jong, Ann Patchett and 12 other writers give their take on the downfall of the controversial book chain
By David Daley, Emma Mustich
Reuters/Shannon Stapleton
A Borders sign is seen outside a branch of their bookstore in New York, July 19, 2011.
There was a time when the arrival of a mega-retailer like Borders -- which started as an independent in the college town of Ann Arbor, Mich. -- caused consternation in communities and great dismay among independent booksellers. While Borders couldn't compete on hand-selling great books to customers they'd known for years, the indies couldn't always compete with the lower prices, the coffee shops, the late-night hours. Doubtless, some of the booksellers and their employees who lost their livelihoods when Borders came to town and their shops closed are feeling a sense of schadenfreude.
But Borders also brought its stores to communities where there might not have been a long-standing independent. For many people, and for many writers, a Borders could be a shining cultural center off the highway.
Before heading over to check out the liquidation sales, we polled a variety of authors -- newcomers and veterans, prize-winners and best-sellers -- about their Borders memories and their thoughts about the future of book buying.
Read the authors' comments at Salon.
No comments:
Post a Comment