Bill Maher, a bookseller at the Country Bookshop, Southern Pines, N.C., "gets people coming back to the shop for one reason: He knows his stuff," Fine Books magazine reported in its profile of the recently retired history professor who "makes recommendations to the owner as to what history books to buy, and he chooses some books to be featured in his 'Bill's Picks' section."
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| The Country Bookshop | |
"I've always liked to read," said Maher, adding: "I want to be able to put in my customers hands books that I am totally sure arrive at the truth as close as possible."
Fine Books noted that "many bibliophiles say indie bookstores offer the best way to buy new books because indie stores have the best staff. Being able to be recommended books and talk about books with a knowledgeable person makes indie customers feel that their shopping experience is unique and fun."
Maher also offered high praise for his Country Bookshop colleagues: "There isn't an employee in here who doesn't know their sections. They talk about them with customers and among themselves. In here, ideas aren't just stored on a shelf. They float around in the air, like tennis balls bouncing off the walls."