I saw the videos of Wilmington, Vt., where a raging flood destroyed most of the businesses on Main Street, but it was a jolt to drive in today and see the extent of the damage. Vermonters do not much whine or complain or ask for help, and Lisa Sullivan, the owner of Bartleby’s Books, above, hesitated before even agreeing to let me come here. She was busy rebuilding Bartleby’s, hoping to open for Thanksgiving and helping other businesses. She lost her other store, the Book Cellar in Brattleboro, last year in a fire. I’ve been to her bookstore many times but we have never met. I’ll get to meet her in an hour at the Deerfield Elementary School in Wilmington, Rte. 100.

It is wrenching to see beautiful Vermont with all of its scars from the flood. The Southern part of the state is very hard hit, but also very busy rebuilding. The sound you hear is not one of lament, but of construction. They are putting it back together. Got to head out but I’ll report later on what is, for me, one of the highlights of the book tour. Occupy Vermont with tourists and visits. And maybe come to Bartleby’s for Thanksgiving.