The Book Nook in Oregon creates a safe space to celebrate stories

Local independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve. 
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations.
This week we have Megan Waterman, owner of The Book Nook in Canby, Oregon!
What’s your store’s story?
The Book Nook is a small-town, woman-owned bookstore. Since we opened six years ago, we’ve evolved to carry both new and used books as well as gifts and games. Through this growth our core goal has always stayed the same: Provide our community with a safe space to celebrate stories together.  
Check out: USA TODAY’s Independent Bookstores Map
What makes your independent bookstore special?
We pride ourselves for being a gathering place in our community. We host multiple book clubs, storytimes and game nights. We champion local authors and artists through our involvement with our city’s art association and we work closely with our city to be involved in downtown markets and events.
What’s your favorite section in your store?
I love our children’s area. With a cozy reading chair for moms and dads and tiny chairs for the littles we love hearing the joy and enthusiasm from beginner readers as they discover new literary adventures. We make sure to stay well stocked in stuffies (we call them reading buddies), activity books and children’s games as well.
What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?
My current favorite fantasy novel to recommend is “The Adventure of Amina Al Sirafi” by Shannon Chakraborty. Set 600 years before Chakraborty’s City of Brass trilogy, it’s inspired by Middle Eastern folklore and hits all of the boxes for me: Strong female main character, sea adventures and a sprinkle of romance. 
What book do you think deserves more attention and why?
I wish more historical fiction readers would read “The Secret Book of Flora Lea” by Patti Callahan Henry. One of my top reads of the last year, this story follows a woman as she discovers a rare book that has connections to her past. Long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during World War II are revealed.
What upcoming books/series are you most excited about and why?
Like the rest of the romantasy reading world, I am eagerly awaiting “Onyx Storm” the third book in Rebecca Yarros’ The Empyrean Series because well… dragons and dragon riders! 
Books similar to ‘Fourth Wing’:What to read if you loved the dragon-filled romantasy
Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?
Story is so important, it teaches us things about ourselves and the world around us. We believe a well curated bookstore is a vital part of any healthy community. It gives us a place to connect and discover and celebrate with real people. And (like at our store) there are often bookstore dogs (or cats) to greet and celebrate with you!
What are some of your store’s programs or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?
We are really proud of our weekly book clubs and our monthly local author events! You can discover all of our events at booknookcanby.com.