Road Trip

Last Thursday afternoon, my Lake Writer buddy Marion Higgins and I went to Chatham Books for Linda Childress’s booksigning. Neither of us had met Linda before, but the title of her first book, Tobacco Farmer’s Daughter, intrigued us. We are both on the planning committee for the Franklin County Book Festival and thought her book might be something that Franklin County residents would enjoy. Consequently, we volunteered to check out the book and its author.

Chatham is a picturesque little town, kind of like you’d think Mayberry would look like. The bookstore, on Main Street right across from the courthouse, is located in what used to be a Planters Bank. While we waited for Linda, manager Bill Hewitt opened a door to show us the former bank’s elaborate old safe. The safe was put in position in the late 1800s, and walls were built around it so the safe can’t be removed without tearing down walls.

The bookstore is tiny, but has an array of interesting books—many by regional authors. It’s a great place to browse. Since my last visit in early summer, Buddy—the official bookstore dog—fell from a truck, broke his pelvis, and had to have surgery. Buddy currently limps badly but is recuperating; he was, of course, in his usual spot.

We had a delighful time. Read more about our trip on Marion’s blog.