Meet Karen - Precision Color Matcher & Quilt Queen

Describe what you do at RD books in 6 words.

Whatever needs doing… I do it!

What was the last book you read that you loved?

My most recent favorite book is The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. I doubted I’d like a story about a bunch of sweaty, muddy men in Spokane...but it was absolutely fabulous. Historical Fiction about our area.

What was a book you read on a recommendation from someone else that you wouldn’t have picked up otherwise?

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley was recommended to me by one of my colleagues. I expected it to be too light and fluffy for me. I was incorrect. Turned out to be a warm and character driven story with a lot of substance.

Favorite reading spot?

I love my house. It is 120 years old and looks as though it was built for reading. So I find a sunny spot, (unclaimed by the cat), grab my book, and escape.

Book you re-read every year?

I am obsessed with Elizabeth Strout. I reread her books constantly. She pops characters in from previous stories and I can’t rest until I refresh my memory of their histories. It is addictive and fascinating.

Favorite part about working at the store?

I absolutely love the opportunity my job affords me to meet and establish friendships with both my customers and my co-workers. I would never know such a diverse and interesting lot otherwise.

Do you have any good author stories?

A while ago I worked at the author event we hosted at the Boise Train Depot for the book Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Turns out that she is about my size and from a distance we look quite similar. We were even wearing almost the same outfit. So lots of people kept telling me how much they loved my book. It was very fun!

How did you come to Rediscovered Books?

For fourteen years, I worked at a big, wonderful local toy store. When it finally and sadly closed, Bruce DeLaney (one of the bookstore owners) stopped by to express his sorrow over our news and to offer the opportunity of a job at his bookstore if anyone was interested. I was interested! Just the beginning of working for the “BEST BOSSES EVER”!

What is something unique to you that you would like people to know?

Ummmmm….. Well, I guess that I am pretty funny. I like to hear people laugh.

(Editor’s note: Karen is also responsible for the amazing decorations at both of our Rediscovered Books stores!)

What are four all time favorite books for you?

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens