I noticed some media just couldn’t avoid the knee jerk reaction to Barnes and Noble buying Tattered Cover.

The hint of disapproval that a big bad chain had swallowed another independent bookstore.

The problem is that is bullshit.

Barnes and Noble bought Tattered Cover to take it out of bankruptcy and let it operate as Tattered Cover and make some money.

In many communities, independent bookstores have either disappeared or are struggling. Barnes and Noble has become the gathering place for people who love books and a place to peruse, sit and read, have a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.

There is and always will be a place for independent stores I hope.

But to deny the new reality that Barnes and Noble is way better than having no good sized bookstore is a narrow minded mistake.

We need them.