Library Love for Every Man Dies Alone

Last night, Dennis Johnson, publisher of Melville House, got to read an amazing piece of feedback for one of his recently published books from a librarian in Minneapolis, MN. The book, Every Man Dies Alone has already received rave reviews in the newsmedia, but there’s something to be said for this personal, from-the-heart feedback from Jon, a Readers Advisory man by trade. Here’s an excerpt from the letter Dennis received. (The background you might need is that Melville is starting a cool little “postcard” marketing campaign for the book, echoing the characters’ own clandestine publicity efforts in the novel.)

Hi there,

I sat down and read Every Man Dies Alone shortly after it first appeared on the book scene, and within the first hundred pages I knew I had something outstanding.  Since finishing the book it very comfortably ranks as one of my all time favorites, and as a book I would unhesitatingly recommend to anyone.  Being a librarian by trade, I immediately recognized the accessible nature of the book, and I’ve added this title to the top of my “Books for Non-readers” list–a truly high compliment considering the inherent gamble in putting your faith in one book to transform a non-reader into a reader.

So, I’m navigating toward my point, I swear.  I recently read on your blog about the genius idea to market Every Man Dies Alone with postcards, which could then be left anywhere/everywhere.  I would love to get my hands on a stack of these postcards, and I could engage in quite a campaign of postcard dropping here in Minneapolis , MN .  Metro-transit, coffee shops, libraries, community bulletin-boards, and any random windowsill or stairwell I can manage to find. 

Oh, and before I forget, I should like to give a little shout out to Micawber’s Books in Saint Paul for turning me onto Every Man in the first place.  What a great independent bookshop.

Anyway, if it would be possible to obtain a stack of postcards, or any posters, bulletins, or other materials you could spare, I’d love to contribute with a citizen’s campaign of my own.

If this won’t work out I understand, and I’ll just have to keep marketing by word-of-mouth.  You all do great work, and I’m happy to know of you and your books. 

Your friend in Minneapolis ,

Jon Allinder