Interview with a Bookseller: Roxy
Who are you? What do you do at the store?
Roxy Strike, bookseller. I have a background in communications and Iowa Democratic politics. While in college at Southern Methodist University, I worked as a bookseller for Barnes and Noble College Bookstore. After graduating, I worked as an editor for the Des Moines Register Weeklies Division and then in public relations with a variety of clients. I’ve worked on campaigns as a field and finance staffer, and helped build a progressive e-commerce platform. I currently do communications for a health care organization. I dedicate my free time to advocating for issues close to my heart, trying (and failing) to cook Filipino food that tastes just like my mom's; crafting, dying my hair unnatural colors and questioning my decision to get a master's degree that involves so much math.
What genres do you read?
A true Pisces, my preference for genres changes based on my moods and environments. I'm currently reading humor, middle grade fantasy, literary journalism and cozy mysteries.
What is your favorite book?
Oof, that's a tough question. I love every book in the Percy Jackson and Rick Riordan Presents imprint especially The Storm Runner series by J.C. Cervantes, The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan and the Aru Shah series Roshani Chokshi. I also enjoy anything by Erik Larson—who knew I would be so invested in the history of meteorology, but Issac's Storm was that interesting. Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore—I keep having to rebuy this book because I'm always giving my latest copy to friends—it's that funny. The Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series by Mia P. Manasala—Pinoy food, intrigue, a sausage dog named Longanisa. What more could you want? The Thursday Murder Club series. Hear me out, it's a group of retirees living in a retirement community, manipulating cops to help them crack unsolved murders. I promise you, you'll love it.
What is the book that changed or affected you the most?
Once again, there's more than one here. The latest one was Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay. I'm half Filipina and this book was such an intense and eye-opening look into former Pres. Duterte's hardline drug "war." Reading Conspiracy of Fools by Kurt Eichenwald reinforced my resolve to become a journalist. Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh. It helped me understand what my dad's family went through during Partition and why it's so difficult for them to talk about it.
What’s a book that helped you get out of a book slump?
Every time I'm in a slump, I grab Lamb by Christopher Moore because it's a quick read, hilarious and hopeful.
What’s a book that you read at the exact right time?
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching by Kwame Mbalia. I was feeling pretty deflated by the political climate, but there was one really beautiful passage about choosing between giving up and abandoning the vulnerable or staying and fighting for what is right. I really needed to read that.
Are there any books you own several copies of? Why?
I have digital, audio and physical copies of the Rick Riordan & Rick Riordan Presents books.
What is your earliest book memory?
My dad's collection of books. I remember looking at the covers before I could read and wondering what they were about. Turns out they were all theological or philosophical books because he's a pastor, so not my cup of tea. But it gave me a curiosity about what we can find between the covers of books.
What is your favorite place to read?
We have this giant comfy armchair that we inherited from my husband's parents. It's the perfect place for snuggling in with a blanket, a cat and the fireplace going.
Show us your bookshelf! How do you organize it? What are the vibes?
Much like my life, our bookshelf vibe is chaos. Our books are mixed in with family photos, old campaign swag, gifts and who knows what else tucked into the nooks and crannies of the shelves. Also, don't be surprised to find books squirreled away around the house: stuffed between couch cushions, under my pillow, under the bed, in the front seat of my car, on a pile of work papers, on my nightstand.
What advice would you give readers? Non-readers?
There's a book or genre for everyone. Sometimes it takes a minute to find where you're most comfortable, but you'll find it. And if you need suggestions, all of us at Dog-Eared Books will be more than happy to give you some suggestions!
Tell us a controversial book opinion
I really don't like the smell of old books. It's wild, I know. But I also hate the smell of bread baking in the oven. So here we are.
Why do you read?
To escape. To inspire. To laugh. To cry. To take a break from reading 50 pages of statistical theory.
What do you love about bookselling? About our store?
I'm using a lot of quotes today. Like the 11th Doctor says, "We're all stories in the end, just make it a good one, eh?" I think that's what I love about bookselling, both in college and now. Everyone is so interesting and has a unique story and their book choices are a way to hear and see their stories. I love everything about Dog-Eared. The décor, my colleagues, the customers, the vibe, And of course it goes without saying, Lovie. Who doesn't love that sweet little fluff?
