The World Needs More Canada
Saturday was another book signing event here in British Columbia at the beautiful Indigo Granville bookstore.
The street outside was busy with traffic, cars, pedestrians, and buses loading and unloading directly in front of the two stories of glass storefront. Inside, there were a dozen customers browsing the tables and bookcases in front of the store and dozens more enjoying cappuccinos at the elevated Starbucks counter on the opposite side of the expansive bottom floor. Another dozen book lovers were riding the silent escalator beside the back wall, up to the second floor.
The table in front of the store entrance was already draped and loaded with copies of Grit & Grace and signage announcing the event. Stowing my bags and boxes of books behind the table, I took a deep breath, letting in the smell of books and fresh coffee. I’d arrived!
My eyes travelled overhead to the open loft of the second floor and the massive red letters announcing, “The World Needs More Canada.” Behind this balustrade is Indigo’s extensive biography section and the reason I had wanted to have the book in this store.
I felt introverted and intimidated, yet I knew how wonderful it felt to connect with others; to explore their lives, what they are interested in, why they came to the bookstore, and what genres they enjoy reading.
Overcoming my initial nervousness and resistance to approaching strangers and initiating a conversation, I stepped forward and said hello. And just like that, I had my first customer of the afternoon, interested and looking forward to reading about leaving cults, rebuilding old boats and sailing stormy seas!
