Local authors are celebrated at Annie's

Shop owner draws together dozens of writers to meet their readers, By Aimee Henkel Wantage — When Diane Henderson lost her job five years ago she needed a new one, but instead of pounding the pavement, she bought Annie’s Book Stop on Route 23. She didn’t know anything about running a business, but she knew she loved books and the people who wrote them. In particular, she liked local authors and many of them became her friends over the years. Henderson enjoyed having them come into the shop to sign books for her customers. It’s a good way to connect readers with writers and it gives local authors some exposure. Three years ago, someone suggested to Henderson that she get all of her local authors together for a group book signing. But she’d never gotten around to it — until last Sunday, when she hosted more than 25 local writers. They got to meet readers and each other. “These authors come in all the time and ask to get together, and I wanted to help them sell their books,” Henderson said. The group event, she declared, was a success. It was “so wonderful to see them all talking and being together.” Proud tradition Annie’s Book Stop has been in business for 22 years, and it’s thriving, even with rock bottom used book prices. Henderson is proud of her eclectic store, “Hard covers are only a dollar here, and people can’t believe it. We have customers come and buy armloads of books. Plus, we have books about local history, local authors’s books and interesting used books. You never know what — or who — you will find here.” Sunday’s get-together featured writers of children’s books, romance and everything in between. Below are some of authors and the books they discussed. Anna DiVito, author of “Annie Oakley Saves the Day,” part of Scholastics’ young reader’s series of historical fiction nominated for the Scott O’Dell Award. Deborah Guarino, best-selling children’s author, “Is Your Momma a Llama?” The book is celebrating its 20th year in print and has sold over 1 million copies. Julia Quinlan, author of “My Joy, My Sorrow: Karen Ann’s Mother Remembers,” in which the writer recounts her journey as a grieving mother whose daughter’s death became the center of a landmark legal battle. Lori Space-Day, author of “The Zookeepers Daughter,” a memoir about growing up at Space Farms, full of stories about the animals born at Space Farms. Evelyn Lang, a Christian speaker and author, who wrote: “Lessons I Learned from the Lord.” Marion Kahn, author of the memoir “Child of Madness,” about her childhood. Rodney Johnson, author of “Thomas Edison’s ‘Ogden Baby,’” a history of Edison’s iron separating plant on Sparta Mountain. Wasco Hadowanetz, Ogdensburg town historian and author of “The Backwards Tunnel,” about the tunnel on Corkhill Road. Rabbi Gerald Catano, author of “Finding the Presence of God Within,” a poetic reflection on Christian, Islamic and Jewish prayers. Jayne Morgan, author of “What to do with an Ahh Choo,” that discusses hygiene habits for children. Ofer Aronskind, author of “Summer Sleep Away” and two other young adult books fictionalizing his summers at sleep-away camp. Angie Miller, a yoga instructor, author of “Animals Do Yoga and So Do I,” a children’s book illustrating several yoga poses kids can do. Valerie Josephson, author of “Who Would Not Be a Soldier: The Boys of the 20th Maine,” a young adult historical novel about the Civil War based on the life of her great-grandfather. Dan Boltz, author of “Dan’s Pants: The Adventures of Dan the Fabric Man,” a children’s book that teaches how to make a positive out of negative situations. Kenneth Dahuse, author of “The Hell Riders,” a Western fiction about personal redemption, loyalty and love. Fred Space, author of “Ralph Space: The Legend,” a biography of the founder of Space Farms. Stew Smith, author of “The Complete Guide to Navy Seal Fitness,” about how to pass grueling fitness tests.