Photo: Chris Emeott
A beloved bookstore celebrates a milestone anniversary this spring.
On April 1, 1980, five women turned their love of books into a bona fide passion project and opened Lake Country Booksellers. Forty-five years later, the dream of these “founding mothers” persists, and the shop is still owned and operated by local women, some of whom are related to those original five. Faith Basten, Susie Fruncillo, Roberta “Bert” Kiemele and Nancy Thysell carry on the legacy.
“We feel grateful to our community. We couldn’t be here without them,” Fruncillo says. “I feel really proud, and I think Nancy, Faith and Bert all feel the same as I do.”
Faith Basten
My mother (Alta Johnson) was one of the original owners. I started helping out here in 1996. I loved working with my mom and having my kids hang out here occasionally. They loved having special access to get the Harry Potter books a day earlier than the rest of the world. It has been a joy working here for 28 years.
Genre of Interest: Memoirs
An underrated memoir: Landlines, Salt Path and The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn
Best new memoir: Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane
Favorite local memoir: Bud’s Jacket by Barbara Wojcik
Susie Fruncillo
I am a mother of three, grandmother of five and lifelong lover of books. After being a customer at Lake Country Booksellers and hearing that part of the ownership was for sale (in 1998), I bought in. It has been a work of love, passion and purpose!
Genre of Interest: Quirky books
Underrated quirky book: A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again: Essays and Arguments by David Foster Wallace
Best new quirky release: Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford
Favorite local quirky book: Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher
Roberta “Bert” Kiemele
I’ve been involved with the store since 1999 thanks to my sister, Susie, who encouraged me to become an owner. I love the bookstore. Every time I walk in the door, I’m happy to be there.
Genre of Interest: Mysteries
Best new mystery: The Golden Doves by Martha Kelly
Underrated mystery: The Strike series by Robert Galbraith (also known as J.K. Rowling)
Best local mystery: The Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger
Nancy Thysell
I have been involved with Lake Country Booksellers since the early 1980s. As one of our “founding mothers” (Alta Johnson) was my mother-in-law, I often brought my daughter, Kia, to visit grandma at the store. Kia moved back and is now working at the store. Love of books must run in the family! This is the best job I have ever had as I love interacting with our customers and sharing my passion for reading, books and life experiences.
Genre of Interest: Historical fiction
Underrated historical fiction: Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Best new historical fiction: The Women by Kristin Hannah
Best local historical fiction: The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
Lake Country Booksellers
4766 Washington Ave.; 651.426.0918
Facebook: Lake Country Booksellers
