86 Comments
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Hali Reiskin's avatar

awesome- CA soon?

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Sacred Hunter's avatar

Wow Sherman! such courage and wisdom gained, and the depth of humility you've maintained throughout your journey is inspiring! I have suffered from mental illness as well and after 22 years of therapy and finally finding the right meds, my life has turned into a journey of self-discovery through nature. I found your piece so inspiring and powerful! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, strength, and hope!

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Claire Cayson's avatar

Thank you Sherman

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Nancy Aaronson's avatar

Congratulations! Welcome back to the public conversation. You are an amazing presenter.

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Sara Singer's avatar

Sad I could not be there for your re-emergence at Village. I've been present twice back in the day of your public events. Highlights of a long life. You are precious, Sherman. Truly

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Leslie Gelb's avatar

It’s wonderful you share your experiences regarding mental health. I look forward to reading your memoir. I already know I’m going to love it. It would’ve been wonderful to be in town to hear your reading, but I’ll have to hear your voice in my head as I read the book. Congratulations. Good luck and good health. Xo Leslie

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Anton's avatar

These vignettes from Village Books hum with the quiet magic of bookstore nights—where strangers become temporary kin through shared stories, and every shelf holds the ghost of a future self. Your ability to find the sacred in the ordinary (a laugh between aisles, the weight of a book in tired hands) is why your voice remains essential. Not just an ode to bookselling, but to the fragile, fleeting communities we build word by word.

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Holly Starley's avatar

I remember when I first read You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, Sherman. It was years back, a lonely and difficult period in my life. I was hooked and read it cover to cover. It felt like a friend. So thank you.

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Suzanne H's avatar

Thanks so much for the late scheduling of your second night, which allowed me to get a ticket. I have loved your writing ever since reading Indian Killer, too long ago to remember when.

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Blake Nelson's avatar

That looks really fun!

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Imola's avatar

You are inspiring on so many levels Sherman! Such a joy to read you, always.

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Paula S.'s avatar

"the door to the attic of mania and the door to the basement of depression". Love this description. Your writing is just beyond.

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Kary Lee's avatar

Sorry I missed the talk. I read your memoir when it first came out. Loved it, but it was a hard read. I hadn't been prepared for so many anecdotal connections from a different lens. As a '82 Chewelah HS white girl and fourth gen WSU coug, ('86.) our paths could have easily crossed, perhaps a HS gym, Riverside on a saturday night, or just somewhere on hwy 2 or maybe Butches den? Anyway, I felt your pain and love in the book. You have a way.... maybe you could be a writer some day? HA!

I'm happy you've moved through the trauma, or are at least understanding how to manage it. Mental health can really kick our ass, but we fight back, yes? I might re-read it. But then again, maybe not. It took energy, and I'm also working to stay out of the attic and the basement. Cheers! What's next? -kary

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Colette K's avatar

Sherman, I am so moved by your humility and openness. Bravo!! 👏👏👏👏

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mary g.'s avatar

Paul and Kelly are the best! I worked at eagle harbor books with Paul a long time ago. What a mensch!

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Myq Kaplan's avatar

dear sherman,

congratulations! thank you for sharing this!

love

myq

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks, Myq.

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