Book Sense

Since A Novel Idea opened in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2000, it has become the place for regional titles. "What most people in Chattanooga know us for are our books about local history and by local authors," said co-owner Karen Poole. "We carry a lot of books on Civil War history. There was a big battle fought here in Chattanooga, and battles fought on Missionary Ridge."

1. MY MOST EXCELLENT YEAR: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins, and Fenway Park, by Steve Kluger (Dial, $16.99, 9780803732278 / 0803732279) "In one of the most genuine books of the year, Kluger brings to life an endearing group of teenagers. This realistic fiction has multiple love stories, bravely including a young gay man's first crush.

Sara Loftus, a former urban planner, opened the 1,000-square-foot Bookworm's Attic in Huntington, West Virginia, a year ago. Transitioning from urban planning to bookselling made sense, said Loftus. "As an urban planner, I've always been interested in neighborhoods and communities. I saw that if I opened a bookstore, it was another way I could make a real difference."

Last month, California passed a new law that affects the redemption of gift cards sold by businesses within the state. California Senate Bill 250, Chapter 640, requires retailers to redeem for cash store gift cards or certificates with a cash value of $10 or less. The bill makes an exception for mall cards and donated gift cards and certificates, and it only applies to those sold in California.

Here is the full listing of March Book Sense Picks, with booksellers' comments, as well as a preview of the month's Notables. Independent booksellers in the Book Sense program will be receiving their March Picks fliers in the February Red Box.

Booksellers should note that the Book Sense National Bestseller and Regional Bestseller Lists, sent out weekly via e-mail, now come from ABA's Pete Reynolds, who works with Meg Smith, ABA Chief Marketing Officer.

In conjunction with the February 14 release of the film The Spiderwick Chronicles, the Cartoon Network, Inc. (CN) and Paramount Pictures Corporation are partnering to sponsor a Spiderwick Chronicles Sweepstakes. Book Sense will be a retail partner of the promotion and will provide 50 $15 Book Sense gift cards as part of the sweepstakes prizes, and Simon & Schuster will be contributing prizes as well.

Based on sales in independent bookstores with Book Sense nationwide for the eight-week period ending February 5, 2008. 1. You: Staying Young Michael F. Roizen, M.D., Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., Free Press, $26, 9780743292566 2.

Based on sales in independent bookstores with Book Sense nationwide for the eight-week period ending January 29, 2008. 1. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die Patricia Schultz, Workman, $19.95, 9780761104841 2.

After managing the Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia, for eight years, Kelly Justice is now its new owner. The plan that had been "batted around" for the past year and a half was finalized with former owners Louise "Boo" Smythe and Jim Smythe in the first week of January.