Author James Patterson has sold more than 425 million books, making him one of the world’s most successful authors.
And over the last decade or so, James has made it a point each December to award holiday bonuses to employees who work at independent bookstores.
This year, he gave $500 bonuses to 600 booksellers across the country. Virginia Beach bookshop, Readbooks, revealed on their Instagram story that they were a receipant!
“Booksellers save lives. Period,” Patterson said in a statement. “I’m happy to be able to acknowledge them and all their hard work this holiday season.”
Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, expressed appreciation for the gifts – especially at this time of year.
“We all continue to be awed by, and grateful for, Mr. Patterson’s continuing support of independent booksellers,” Allison said. “It means everything to have him recognize and reward the valuable role booksellers play in the industry.”