Indie Bookstores vs. Amazon: The Case for Community and Connection with Ashley Marie Mireles-Guerrero

In this episode of "Helping Families Be Happy," host Adina Oberman welcomes Ashley Marie Mireles-Guerrero, a prominent figure in the book industry and co-founder of Judging by the Cover, a bookstore that focuses on amplifying historically marginalized voices. Together, they discuss the importance of accessible reading, the challenges and triumphs of running an independent bookstore, and the societal impact of inclusive literature. 

Episode Highlights 

00:00:09 - Adina Oberman introduces the podcast "Helping Families Be Happy," guest Ashley Mireles-Guerrero, and shares her professional background in the publishing industry and her advocacy for children's literature. This opening sets the stage for a discussion on the power of books in shaping family dynamics and child development.

 

00:01:47 - Ashley Mireles-Guerrero shares her journey into the book world, highlighting her multifaceted career and her role on various boards, reflecting on the impact these experiences have had on her perspective towards publishing and her drive to co-found Judging by the Cover bookstore. 

 

00:02:20 - The conversation shifts to the experience of switching roles from a podcast host to a guest. Ashley touches on the unique experiences that come from her varied roles in the book industry and the fulfillment she finds in championing books and authors. 

 

00:03:18 - Ashley dives deep into the motivations behind starting Judging by the Cover, incited by local library book challenges and the lack of independent bookstores in Fresno. She outlines the mission and goals of the bookstore to center historically marginalized authors. 

 

00:04:15 - They discuss the rapid development of the bookstore, fueled by participation in a business incubator and community partnerships. This segment showcases the power of community and shared goals in creating impactful businesses. 

 

00:05:18 - Ashley highlights the importance of Fresno's literary scene and the role Judging by the Cover plays in showcasing local authors and poets, emphasizing the bookstore’s dedication to promoting local talent and diverse voices. 

 

00:06:13 - The conversation takes a closer look at the bookstore's unique approach to book curation based on themes rather than genre, aiming to make a wider range of books accessible to diverse audiences and promoting inclusivity through literature. 

 

00:07:11 - Ashley elaborates on their thematic selection process for stocking books and organizing pop ups, which focuses on amplifying diverse voices and supporting small presses, revealing the careful thought and strategy behind their inventory choices. 

 

00:08:16 - They discuss the challenges indie bookstores face in competing with Amazon, highlighting the importance of human connection in the book selection process, and sharing insights into the nuanced, hands-on approach that distinguishes independent bookstores from online retail giants. 

 

00:09:14 - Ashley shares insights into the complexities of the book industry from a behind-the-scenes perspective, elaborating on the intricate process of book creation, distribution, and the pivotal role of indie bookstores in fostering a rich, diverse reading culture. 

 

00:10:13 - The topic shifts to the economic and community impact of supporting independent bookstores over Amazon, underscoring the significance of keeping money within the community and supporting a diverse range of voices and stories. 

 

00:11:05 - Ashley discusses the limitations of shopping for books on Amazon, pointing out the advantages of indie bookstores in discovering and supporting indie gems and BIPOC authors that may not be visible on major online platforms.

 

00:13:00 - Closing the discussion, Ashley highlights the importance of local community support for indie bookstores and shares how listeners can engage with and support Judging by the Cover, both online and in-person. 

 

00:13:57 - Ashley mentions alternative ways to support indie bookstores, such as bookshop.org, providing a strategy for readers to contribute to the sustainability of indie bookstores while still enjoying the convenience of online shopping. 

 

00:15:02 - The episode concludes with Ashley sharing where listeners can find and engage with Judging by the Cover online, encouraging support for indie bookstores and highlighting the importance of reading diverse stories. 

Key Takeaways 

Independently-owned bookstores play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusivity in literature by spotlighting historically marginalized voices and offering a curated selection that challenges mainstream narratives. 

 

Community and shared values are powerful drivers for change and innovation within the book industry, as demonstrated by the rapid growth and impact of Judging by the Cover: A Bookstore. 

Supporting indie bookstores over large online retailers benefits both readers and communities, enriching the literary landscape with diverse perspectives and ensuring that more voices are heard and represented. The personal touch and expert knowledge provided by indie bookstores offer a valuable and irreplaceable resource for finding books that speak to a wide array of interests and experiences, encouraging exploration beyond mainstream selections. 

 

Tweetable Quotes 

"It's kind of like a joke that Fresno is the armpit of California, but we have national bestselling authors." - Ashley Mireles-Guerrero 

 

"You can't type that into Amazon and get a good book as a result." - Ashley Mireles-Guerrero on the importance of human interaction in finding books. 

 

"One step at a time, we can make the world a happier place." - Adina Oberman on the mission of their podcast. 

Show Notes by Barevalue.