Author James Patterson gift to Thank You Books staffer featured in Washington Post [VIDEO]

Thank You books co-owner Laura Lilly Cotten and Thank You Books bookseller Davis Gustafson. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

A staffer at Thank You Books, the popular independent bookstore off Crestwood Boulevard, was among hundreds of booksellers to receive a $500 holiday bonus from best-selling author James Patterson.

Besides a bonus, Thank You Books bookseller Davis Gustafson, got a shout-out from the Washington Post, which broke the news about Patterson’s holiday gift-giving spree.

James Patterson supports booksellers

In a statement to the Washington Post, author James Patterson declared:

“Booksellers save lives. Period. I’m happy to be able to acknowledge them and all their hard work this holiday season.”

A prolific thriller writer, Patterson has sold over 425 million books, holding the Guinness World Record for making the New York Times bestseller list the most in history.

Thank You Books holiday bonus

 Gustafson was one of 600 booksellers to get a holiday bonus from Patterson.

“This is the second year in a row that a bookseller from Thank You Books has received one of Mr. Patterson’s bonuses, and we are thrilled. Davis’s enthusiasm about books is contagious, as customers and fantasy book club attendees can tell you. Mr. Patterson has certainly selected aptly.”

Laura Lilly Cotten, co-owner of Thank You Books

Ever been to Thank You Books? This past April, Southern Living placed the bookstore on its list of 20 Friendliest Places in The South. 

Drop by, say hello to Davis and the staff and buy a few books for the holiday at their 5502 B Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212 location.

In the meantime, also check out our “Passion Video” about this special place.

Are you a Thank You Books fan? Tell us what you like best about the bookstore by tagging @bhamnow on Instagram, Facebook + LinkedIn.

Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.