NEW YORK — James Patterson, the popular author who has been rewarding independent shop workers since 2015, has given $500 Christmas bonuses to 600 booksellers,
including staff members at Thank You Books in Birmingham, Alabama; City Lights Books in San Francisco; and The Nook in Cedar Falls, Iowa. “Life is saved by booksellers.”
In a statement issued Tuesday by his publisher, Little, Brown and Company, Patterson said, “Period.” “This holiday season, I’m pleased to be able to thank them for all of their hard work.”
Among others, coworkers and customers nominated the winners, which included Erin Messer from City Lights and Davis Gustafson from Thank You Books.
Kirstin Kraig of Whale’s Tale Books in Lakewood, Colorado; Gina Marx of The Lynx in Gainesville, Florida; and Brandon Conrad of the Nook are also recipients.
After reviewing hundreds of submissions, Patterson selected the winners. We are grateful for both Mr. Patterson’s material and moral kindness.
