Rebel Bookseller: How to Improvise Your Own Indie Store ... (ISBN 0975276344)

Masterpiece:
Dear god this is good. I don't care if you know what a bookstore is, buy this immediately. I stayed up 3 nights finishing this brilliant work of literature.

Fighting Words:
The review from Publishers Weekly, above, is pretty funny, considering that in "Rebel Bookseller" I make some not-so-charming comments about -- guess who -- Publishers Weekly! So, ahem, I really couldn't ask them for more. Why, in fact, on their very own website, this "Rebel Bookseller" review has even got a star! (...) However, here's a review from a more naturally sympa reader, Ramsay Kinaan of AK Press, who says: "This is a phenomenal book. Laties has been in the trenches of bookselling and community organizing for the last 20 years. Herein you'll find part autobiography/memoir of the bookselling years (he's still doing it today), part history of the book industry, and part how-to guide to start, and succeed, in your own bookselling endeavors, even in the face of the competition from the chains and big conglomerate bastards. Laties is witty, opinionated for sure, impassioned, but eminently practical in both his desires for independent bookselling and how to actually do it effectively. As the man who almost invented in-store events, community outreach, and store mailings, he has a lot to share. Activists of all stripes, not just booksellers, can learn from this book. It made me laugh. It made me think. It inspired me. It'll do the same for you too." (...) Thanks, Brother! Andy Laties (...)

not exactly a how-to, but inspirational and fun:
If you are planning on opening a bookstore and know nothing about the book trade, this book might not be as entertaining. If you have worked in the trade before, however, this book is both a quick, entertaining read and a wealth of information in the form of anecdotes and handy tidbits toward going it on your own. It won't give you a step-by-step guide to starting a bookstore, but then again if you wanted that you probably wouldn't be reading a book called "Rebel Bookseller." Laties' claims that he did everything first and the chains stole all the good ideas from him are a little wearing at times; then again, I can appreciate arrogance if it's justified and judging by his level of success both with bookstores and his book, obviously the guy knows what he's doing, so listen to him. Written passionately and optimistically, if nothing else this book will bolster your faith in indie bookstores and get you ready to do it yourself.

Rebel Bookseller: How to Improvise Your Own Indie Store and Beat Back the Chains:
Very enlightening book about the bookselling industry and the giant chain stores. This is a must read for indie store owners, not just booksellers.

Some Useful Information but Mostly a Bitter Pill:
I would have to strongly disagree with a previous reviewer who believes this is some kind of a masterpiece. This is basically an autobiography of a guy who owned a couple bookstores and thinks he is the Michael Jordan of Indie Bookstores. If he is so successful, why did his business fail? Paranoia sums up a good chunk of this dead wood, as the author thinks the chain stores stole most of their good ideas from him. He is very angry about this supposed fact but readily admits that he ripped off ideas from many others. He loves capitalism and making money until someone else is making money, then he thinks they should be regulated. There are a few good tips for indie booksellers in here but nothing that you can't get off the ABA website of figure out with a bit of common sense. He is very much into events and PR and the back of the book is full of such information. I have met other indie booksellers who were more into being the center of attention and doing events than selling books. Most of them are now waiting tables...