A Short History of The Book Jam:
This blog and podcast series began as a joke, truly it did.
While working together in the Norwich Bookstore (http://norwichbookstore.com), an independent bookstore in our adopted Vermont hometown, the owners challenged us to host a radio show about books. Sadly, the cost proved prohibitive BUT the idea of finding a way to distribute independent booksellers’ knowledge of books and to provide a better way of helping people out of their “books jams” didn’t die.
And thus, in 2010 a blog was born.
So who are we? We’re two book lovers living in Vermont -both named Lisa- here to help you out of those troublesome “book jams.” You know you’re in a “jam” when you ask: “What should I read next?” “What should I take up to camp this weekend?” “What’s the best new cookbook to give Mom?” “What do I, rural girl in a flannel shirt, give my sophisticated best friend who lives in New York City or Seattle?”
We do themed shows, periodic podcasts, interview authors about the books that have influenced them, read literature from different countries to better understand the world and ALWAYS recommend favorite books. Both Lisas have experience as independent booksellers and are on the board of their local public library. Welcome, happy listening and now, go grab a book!
OUR MISSION:
We hope to alleviate book jams (also know as reader’s block).
We aim to put the right book in the right hands at the right time.
We submit these blogs and podcasts with the deepest respect for readers, books, authors, independent booksellers, and public libraries.
ABOUT THE TWO LISAS:
Lisa Cadow is the founder of Vermont Crepe & Waffle, a food cart and catering company serving authentic French crepes. When not reading, traveling or testing recipes for her food blog Fork on the Road, she lives in Vermont with her husband, three teens, three cats and an energetic border collie.
Whenever possible, she scurries away with a book. Prefered genres include contemporary fiction, historical fiction, memoirs and, of course, cookbooks. Favorite living authors include Geraldine Brooks, Adrianna Trigianna, Ann Patchet, Tana French, Jacqueline Winspear and Alexandra Fuller.
AND
J Lisa C is the founder/first Executive Director of Everybody Wins! Vermont and a former Executive Director of Everybody Wins! USA, literacy programs that help children love books (www.everybodywins.org). She currently works part-time as a non-profit consultant and independent bookseller. She lives in Vermont with her husband, two young sons and a very large Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. She dreams of travel and owning a home in Spain.
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Both Lisas are avid readers (you can ask our kids who have trouble getting our attention) and promise they personally read any book they recommend.
Finally got a moment to look at your new site – FABULOUS! It is really a great resource…
& good news is that I have found a guy (who appreciates indie bookstores) to help with the NB site and we can link, become affiliates, etc. very soon!
Thanks, Liza. We’d love to be linked to and affiliated with the Norwich Bookstore.
Hi, Lisa & Lisa, Just wondering when my interview will be on. I think you said this week? I don’t seem to have either of your email addresses, so I’m hoping this will reach you. Best, Katharine Britton
So glad to know about this! I know JLC- thank you for letting me know about this! Enjoy every minute and I can’t wait to “follow”!
Thank you Shannon. Our “research/reading” is the best part of this gig and we hope it helps you find some great reads. We also hope it encourages everyone to visit their local independent bookstores often and see what they have on their shelves as well.
My name is Terri Ann Armstrong and I got your name through my agent. I am a seven-time published author (see my books on GoodReads, Amazon & B&N) and Executive Editor for Suspense Magazine and am currently writing a cozy series. The first book, “How to Plant a Body” has been out since April 17, 2012 electronically and in paperback format. I have received several rave reviews including one from Paul Kemprecos, NYT bestseller and co-author (with Clive Cussler) of the NUMA files.
The second one in my planned, four-book series is “How to Bury a Body” is in the early editing stages and will soon be ready for advance praise giving everyone a fair shot at the coveted front cover exposure. Either way, every advance praise will be in the book.
I am looking to get reviewers for both books and/or even be a guest blogger on others’ blogs. I’ve ran contests already and some have won free copies of my books. I’m willing to do the contest with every blogger if they wish.
If you’d like, I can send you a blurb about “How to Plant a Body”, the manuscript and the cover. I can also send you the blurb about “How to Bury a Body” to see if you’d be interested in an advance review. The third book is being written, and the fourth is planned. There will be another series after this one, and has already been outlined.
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much.
Respectfully yours,
Terri Ann Armstrong, Author
Just heard you guys on NPR — you were great!! For once I’m glad to be driving around on a beautiful afternoon:)
Way to go!!
Thanks for listening. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to talk with Neal.