Thanks to Jan Weissmiller, poet and co-owner of Prairie Lights, Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor’s Journey of Faith and Self will soon be shelved in this much-loved independent bookstore in Iowa City.
When I attend the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, as I did last week, I hang out at Prairie Lights between classes and evenings. You’d be there, too, if you like three floors of carpet to ceiling books, that wonderfully pervasive aroma of real-live paper and ink, a half floor of a coffee shop with chewy chocolate chip cookies, and authors of all genres giving readings.
The readings are broadcast on local radio and can be heard on the bookstore’s website. Tune in to find Sherman Alexie, Christine Sneed, Elizabeth McCracken, and many more.
After talking with Jan, I take a photo of the sign on the door. It’s too bad you can’t see my heart hopping.
On another visit, I take a picture of the Health section where Jan said my nursing career memoir would probably be shelved. I find only one other memoir, one by a physician. Hers is alone on the bottom of the middle shelves. Will Caring Lessons share the space?
On yet another visit, I buy a T-shirt in muted blue that provides a calming background for Caring Lessons. Or a comforting reminder whenever I wear it .
Prairie Lights was started in 1978 and has managed to survive. A year ago, Forbes said, “Prairie Lights in Iowa City represents the very best of the increasingly rare independent brick-and mortar-bookstores.”
I say Amen to that!
Click on a highlighted Prairie Lights above to lose yourself for an afternoon of bookish fun and inspiration. You will be happy you did.
Write Along with Me 
Fabulous news! And a great review of a great book store!
Sounds like you had a good week. I’ll look forward to hearing about it on Thursday.
Lois
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Thanks!
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Lois,
That’s wonderful to get your book on the shelves of Prairie Lights. I remember the book store well from my one and only visit there in 2005. It is amazing how some independent stores remain open and flourish. Hope you book jumps off the shelves!
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Wouldn’t that be fun!
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Lois. Congratulations on your (“Caring Lesson’s) achievement of being ‘housed’ in the bookstore. What a powerful description of the real paper and ink: The chewy chocolate chip cookies almost pop themselves out of the oven. I’ve got a weakness for chocolate chip cookies but these warm, chewy chocolate……………..Don;t get me going!
Annie
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It is a truly wonderful place.
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You were there a week, 2 weeks? What an experience, Lois! I was in IA city once and loved it.
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I was there for a one week session. The all-literay ambience is calming and exciting at the same time!
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I’m sure it was stimulating, invigorating-but I’d venture a guess that you were tired or felt a sensory overload when you returned. I still love the descriptive posers of your chocolate chip cookie statement!
Annie
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I saw a copy of your book in the very set of shelves you photographed! Congrats!
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Thanks for letting me know! Jan must have shelved the one copy I gave her. Promoting a book takes lots of effort and people!
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