Kathleen Caldwell and the Heartbeat of Montclair Village

The Bookshop Podcast

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In this episode, I'm in conversation with Kathleen Caldwell, the passionate owner of A Great Good Place for Books in Montclair Village, Oakland, who opens up about her incredible journey in the book industry.
From her college days navigating aisles at Crown Books to orchestrating author events at prestigious bookstores like Shakespeare and Company, Kathleen’s story is one of resilience, community, and an unwavering love for books. She shares the heartfelt tale of taking over the store after the unexpected passing of her dear friend and previous owner, Debi Echlin. Hear about the thoughtful changes Kathleen has made, including expanding the children's section and the deep-rooted connections she’s built through fundraisers and school donations.
Get ready to discover the essence of Montclair's literary heartbeat and the importance of building relationships with independent booksellers. Kathleen offers invaluable insights for authors, highlighting the significance of community support and engagement. Learn about memorable author events, including a thrilling encounter with Buzz Aldrin, and get Kathleen’s inside scoop on her favorite reads from authors like Matt Haig and Taylor Jenkins Reid.
This episode not only celebrates the magic of finding the perfect book but also underscores the ongoing efforts to keep Montclair’s literary community thriving. Plus, don’t miss our recommendations for must-visit local spots, from the scenic Redwood Park to the delightful dishes at Daughter Thai Kitchen in Montclair Village.
A Great Good Place for Books

Go Fund Me for Kathleen Caldwell

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Melanie Gideon

Katherine Rothschild

We All Want Impossible Things, Catherine Newman

Catherine Newman

The Coast Road, Alan Murrin

The Rachel Incident, Caroline O’Donaghue

We Are the Brennans, Tracey Lange

The Live Impossible, Matt Haig

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1. Kathleen Caldwell and the Heartbeat of Montclair Village (00:00:00)

2. Bookshop Owner's Journey in Oakland (00:00:11)

3. Building Relationships With Independent Booksellers (00:13:19)

4. Bookstore Community and Author Appreciation (00:24:01)