I have some happy and important news to share. I’ve just accepted a job at Battenkill Books, Cambridge, N .Y., working every Saturday at mid-day, working the bookstore floor to help match people up with books that they might like or need. Connie won’t let me near the cash register, so I won’t be selling the books, just recommending them and helping people find them.  Sort of a literary floor walker. It’s a great opportunity for me to stay close to the culture of reading, which I love (I am reading six or seven books a week these days) and to do something I think writers ought to be doing, which is actively helping great independent bookstores to thrive and prosper. It’s one thing to say we love and need bookstores, another to actively help them survive and grow. If I can be of help to people in finding books for them – I am very good at this, just ask Maria – all the better.

Connie and I have been working closely together for several years, I feel she and Marilyn are my family, in many ways. I sign and personalize any of my books purchased through Battenkill or via their website. We’ve sold thousands of books that way. I am always thinking of ways to support writing and bookstores, even as I use my Kindle to buy some books instantly and less expensively. I am enjoying my Kindle but I want to also keep buying and reading books from bookstores, and on paper.

One of the great things about bookstores is that people get to talk with knowledgeable people who can help them find books they will enjoy reading. That was lost when the megastores popped up, but it is returning. I keep up with publishing, read obsessively, and have written 23 books. So I think it’s a good job for me. Starting Saturday, Red and I will be at Battenkill Books, Main Street, Cambridge, from ll a.m. to 2 p.m. We’ll be there every week (barring travel and book tours and vacations) throughout the year. I will familiarize myself with the store inventory, keep up with new publishing titles and share my own experiences reading current fiction, non-fiction and mysteries. I’m also a children’s book writer and hope to help people find good titles for their kids.

I can help recommend books for readers, also as gifts for friends and family members. I’m happy to meet people, but I’m not there to talk about my dogs or my life, but about books. I’ll stick to that discipline. When it’s slow, I’ll check out the books in the store and help dust and shelve.

I have witnessed how hard Connie works in the store, how difficult running a bookstore is in the best of times. Being a writer isn’t simple either, but doing what we love is more precious than anything. It is hard for her to read as much as she would like. I spent half my nights reading and I would be happy to share my expertise and ideas as a writer, reader and a person who believes strongly that corporations are too powerful in America, too greedy and impersonal and individuals like Connie need to be encouraged and supported. So come on bye if you wish – or you can call and get book recommendations from me also, if you are getting your books from Battenkill or an independent bookstore. The store’s number is 518 677-2515. I am not uncomfortable with e-book readers, hey have an important place in publishing and are helping many people learn to love books and reading inexpensively and conveniently. Nobody needs to apologize for using them. I do and I write e-books as well.

But there is nothing sweeter than going to a bookstore and finding someone to talk to about books to buy and read. I’m reading John Banville’s new novel right now, and I can’t imagine getting that on an e-book reader. If I can help that, then this will be great and meaningful work for me. Red will be coming along to greet and meet new girlfriends.

I will also be starting a new feature on the blog, weekly book reviews of books I am reading. My first review will be of Jonathan Tropper’s new novel, “One Last Thing Before I Go.” It is that  rarest of novels, a sweet, penetrating and disturbing look at the emotional lives of men. I’ll put my reviews up on  Tuesday’s. Next I’ll review “Me Before You,” by Jojo Moyes. I write about dogs, animals, rural life, but my identity as a writer is central to me, and this is a wonderful way to nourish it. Poor Connie, I hope she can survive me. Red is primed for this. A born cuddler and greeter.