Hello everyone! I recently had the opportunity to visit Fireside Books in Redwood City (RWC) California, and contribute to their shelf talkers (more on this below). I had so much fun at their bookstore that I had to share my experience with you all here. Do check out the full story below.
I first heard about Fireside Books via one of my favorite fantasy book author Brian McClellan, who wrote the Powder Mage Trilogy. Brian had mentioned on his social media that he had signed copies of his books at Fireside, which was what had first drawn me to their bookstore. Also, Fireside happened to be along my regular commute so I decided to check it out.
Fireside Books RWC
The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Fireside is it’s location. For example, it’s nestled perfectly within a corner beside the RWC Caltrain. It’s also a short walk from your choice of Boba Tea, Coffee, and desert shops. They couldn’t have chosen a more convenient location.
Upon entering I was immediately welcomed by the bookstore owners Andrew and Taylor. We spent some time talking about our personal Science Fiction and Fantasy book favorites, and the recent opening of their bookstore. I had explained I had heard about Fireside from Brian McClellan. Andrew shared that Brian is a childhood friend of his, and that Brian attended the bookstore opening (which was also why Brian had signed books there).
The bookstore opening was an extra special event because it’s also where Andrew and Taylor decided to have their wedding nuptials. Having recently gotten married myself, that story meant a lot to me. It sounded like an epic way to celebrate the start of something new, for the both of them and for the community through their bookstore. Andrew and Taylor really make Fireside feel like a safe and special place you can come visit to relax, take breather, and find your next favorite book to take home with you.
Shelf talkers: Brandon Sanderson Primer
To follow-up my last visit, I came by their bookstore again (one of many more visits). During that visit I noticed Fireside’s Fantasy bookshelf had a small collection of Brandon Sanderson’s books. I shared with Andrew how huge of a Sanderson fan I am. The conversation found its way to their shelf talkers. Fireside’s shelf talkers are basically notes posted on their bookshelves including personal recommendations from their customers and friends. We talked about how it can be daunting for new readers to get into Sanderson’s work, with some of his books going for 1000 pages or more. Andrew asked me if I’d be interested to write a primer for Sanderson’s books based on my personal experience being a fan of his work. Just the thought of writing something to help others find their way into the Sando-verse brought me joy. I happily obliged! You can see the posted shelf talker below:
My primer and recommendations for Brandon Sanderson’s books.
Soon after submitting the primer, Andrew let me know he posted it up and I had to go see. So I “worldhopped” my way back to Fireside, because worldhopping is what some characters in Sanderson’s Cosmere universe do (wink). On top of that, he informed me that at least two people (even more by this posting) had bought Sanderson’s books at their bookstore based on my recommendations. For me, that’s a huge win! Being able to help people find what could be their next favorite book from Brandon Sanderson’s work is awesome. And also being be able to help Fireside make a book sale based on my fondness for a particular fandom just means a lot. To add a bit more to the shelf talker, Andrew allowed me to include a few stickers within Sanderson’s books they had on sale. The stickers were extra special because I had personally collected them from Brandon Sanderson’s Dragonsteel convention.
We also celebrated the posting with my cosplay props from Dragonsteel.
Wrap Up
If you’re based in the SF Bay Area, and are looking for a cozy place to shop for books in person, do give Fireside Books RWC a try. And while you’re there check out the many other shelf talkers on display, you may find to find your next book obsession! Also, do check out what Downtown Redwood City has to offer. For example, after you’ve visited the bookstore you can get a fresh boba drink from your choice of three Boba Tea stores that are all within walking distance from the bookstore.
Until next time, Journey Before Destination!
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