Joni Evans | 12/01/2008 2:00 pm

Introducing the 'Just the Right Book' Program

Having spent half a lifetime in the book business, I’m particularly proud and delighted to introduce you to our newest exclusive feature on wowOwow: a partnership with one of America’s leading independent bookstores, R.J. Julia in Madison, CT. Through the “Just the Right Book” program wOw members can e-mail the expert staff of this bookstore and get a recommendation for themselves or someone they love within 24 hours. Even more, as a wOwer you can get a 10% discount plus free (gorgeous) gift wrapping. The staff at R.J. Julia has also put together special gift collections for wOw members who have a new baby or new mother in their family. And they’ll customize a collection for a kid of any age, so if you’re looking for just the right books for a niece or nephew they’ll take some information from you – all via e-mail – and assemble a customized collection of terrific books.

I always think that books make the perfect gift, but this year it feels more perfect than ever. So please click here and have a look.

Happy reading!

Read more about: Books, Gifts, Holidays, R.J. Julia Bookstore, Shopping

15 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Joni This is very cool, thanks for sharing!

By Jennifer Davidson on 12/01/2008 7:03 pm

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Joni, what a wonderful idea for the holidays! Thanks for sharing with us.

By Belinda Joy on 12/01/2008 7:19 pm

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Appreciate it, Joni. Happy holidays 2 U.

By James the Game on 12/01/2008 8:18 pm

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Oh oh. It’s not working, Joni. I filled out the Question bar on the Right Book page to submit to Julia, clicked on “Submit” and nothing happened.

By James the Game on 12/01/2008 8:24 pm

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James: I believe it’s working now. Give it a try, and thanks, JONI

By Joni Evans on 12/02/2008 10:47 am

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Joni — Is there a spot in Book Party that we - as the writers of WOW - can write book reviews ourselves for the other WOWers? I am a book reviewer (among other things) and occasionally find a “don’t miss” book that is far better than those highly publized and thus on the best seller lists. We all love to read — we don’t want to waste our time with so-so books — so it might be a nice addition that would be well looked through. Joan

By joan larsen on 12/05/2008 10:35 am

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Joan: We are hopiing to build out this feature ASAP! And so glad you want this… stay patient and stay tuned. JONI

By Joni Evans on 12/05/2008 10:57 am

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Joni — Changing the subject, but don’t you think it is about time that WOW got a major article in NYTimes magazine or other major venue now that is so successful? Yes, I saw the one in WWD, but I mean bigger big time. I have a number of personal stories of WoWers and how the regulars on this site have been such an encouragement that they already have made a major jump in life that you would not have dreamed of. All they needed was expertise and major support from “friends” on the site who they trust. There is one - perhaps more that I am not aware of - that has resulted in romance with a male and a permanent relationship that is flouishing, thanks to you. The personal interest stories of this unusual site are many. Frankly, when I happened on it last March, I had no idea that my writing would be published as I honed it. Joni, I think you have a hot topic here that will only draw more writers and readers if you make a major splash when more readers can find out about WOW. I would be most happy to share some of the more private changes that have happened through WOW with you. It’s about time, don’t you think? Joan

By joan larsen on 12/30/2008 6:30 pm

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Would love to hear your views. (And thank you for your comments.) What is the best way to contact you? I am at jevans@wowowow.com And Happy New Year! JONI

By Joni Evans on 12/31/2008 1:18 am

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It’s not working, Joni. There’s not even a Submit button now next to the question bar

By James the Game on 12/02/2008 2:03 pm

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I think this is a terrific idea. Some of my favorite Independant booksellers in San Francisco and Carmel have disappeared…they weren’t just bookstores but a community and way of life. Friends and I would go to author talks, to nearby restaurant to have lunch/dinner discuss and then back to the store to shop. I don’t like the mega store [except ones with real presence like Tatterbook Cover in Denver etc] Really was a loss when Clean and Well Lighted Place for Books disappeared in Opera Plaza SF…and two in Carmel are gone Books, Inc. and a great Indie in Carmel Valley. What I miss on RJ’s site are photos of the store. Went to YouTube and saw video tours of homes for sale in Madison….that would be a cool thing to do a vid tour of the store and link to it….plus it would be free PR…especially if it is outtakes from fun events….just make sure to tag it and put store name and URL…suprising how many don’t do that. Also….Flickr is the #30 most visited site on the Internet, very popular so if take photos and add them there also would bring more people to the site…..and if add a few links that ups Google stats too. ie like Pen…. http://www.pen.org/ and then people get ideas for books there too that RJ can order. That way get more of the ‘felt’ experience and we techies almost don’t need to go to a bookstore. I think that ‘personality’ is how to complete with the big box places like Amazon….much more inclined to go somewhere where there’s real people on the other end that will provide individualized help. Anyway just my opinion….but great idea…and loved her book picks. This might be of interest too—this fellow lives in France and is in my FaceBook friends and his book comes out Jan 19 “Throwing Sheep in the Boardroom”….interesting info on using social media. Very well done short vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubo1asE4l-o There are many Indies on FaceBook too…a real community of tens of thousands of writers/indies/wine people.

By Delete This on 12/03/2008 1:28 am

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Thank you Joni! I have always found books to be a good, affordable gift to anyone. The concept of providing custom book-finding is perfect. If I discover the problems that James experienced, I’ll let you know.

By Lena B on 12/04/2008 11:40 am

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Happy Holidays everyone! Long live independent booksellers! I live near Denver and the Tattered Cover Bookstore is a gem, as is Malaprops in Asheville, NC. I think autographed copies of books are especially great gifts. People seem to like the personal touch. All the best, Susan Gabriel (Author of Seeking Sara Summers)

By Susan Gabriel on 12/04/2008 12:11 pm

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For all of us self-published authors ( I am the author of “The Intelligent Woman’s Guide To Online Dating,” which is a great holiday gift for everyone’s single friends), independent bookstores are absolutely essential, and especially in this economy, I feel it is so important to support the independent bookstore owner.

By dale koppel on 12/04/2008 9:04 pm

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This worked beautifully for me. I got an answer within an hour with two excellent recommendations. I just have to decide which one I want to order. Great idea, and very helpful for the holidays.

By Kitty Webb on 12/05/2008 12:04 pm