Meet fluffy 'bookseller' puppy Story at Dog-Eared Books in Iowa
Meet fluffy 'bookseller' puppy Story at Dog-Eared Books in Iowa
Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations. This week we have Ellyn Grimm and Amanda Lepper, co-owners of Dog-Eared Books in Ames, Iowa.
What's your store's story?
We are high school classmates who returned to our hometown to raise families. We reconnected over a shared love of reading, social justice and our strong-willed daughters who ended up in the same preschool class. As the years passed, we hatched a plan to create something we thought was sorely missing in our community – an independent bookstore. Dog-Eared Books opened on International Women's Day in 2021. We are a place committed to nurturing a love of reading for all members of our community by offering a thoughtfully curated and inclusive selection of books. We believe reading and storytelling make us better humans, allowing us to better care for one another.
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
We're proud to be located on a thriving, historic Main Street in a college town that attracts people from all over the world. We engage with our local community in a multitude of ways: more than 15 book clubs, puzzle competitions, book fairs for kids and adults, author events, fundraisers, collaborations with other community businesses and organizations and advocacy work around social justice issues.
In the age of algorithms and AI, bookstores do what tech cannot – human connection. Our booksellers read voraciously across all genres and can find the perfect read for anyone who walks through our door. Of course, everyone's favorite 'bookseller' is Story, a 6-month-old golden retriever who works as a service animal in the store.
What's your favorite section in your store?
We personally love fiction of the slightly absurd variety – 'Sky Daddy,' 'American Mermaid' and 'Margo's Got Money Troubles,' to name a few. That said, we enthusiastically curate for the tastes of all of our readers.
What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?
Right now, we're really loving 'So Far Gone' by Jess Walter. We love to recommend it because we think it's a book that speaks to so many of us at this particular time. When the temptation to disengage from the world is so strong, the author urges us to remember why we need connection. And it's funny. We had the privilege of chatting with Jess Walter on our podcast "Bubbles and Books." It was a delight to discover that even with a laundry list of literary awards to his name, he remains warm and welcoming. We were so inspired by his hopefulness.
What book do you think deserves more attention and why?
We were blown away by 'O Sinners!' by Nicole Cuffy. It would be a travesty of epic proportions if it doesn't win all the things. Cuffy writes with such precision and intention. The interwoven narrative structure is brilliant. She also respects her readers – she gives us challenging, fundamentally human questions to grapple with and she doesn't give us easy answers. Cuffy also appeared on our podcast.
Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?
Reading is a solitary activity, but it can also be the basis for meaningful connection – we have found that our store has become a place that has allowed our community to forge connections and come to know one another better. Independent bookstores are run by readers for readers – each one that you walk into will surprise you with its unique offerings and forever change your reading life.
What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share?
We offer four monthly subscriptions that ship all across the country: new release fiction, romance, chapter book, and picture book. Our podcast discusses two of the best things in life – books and champagne. We're thrilled to be hosting one of our all-time favorite authors, Kevin Wilson, in June. Some other upcoming authors we're excited to host are Tarah Dewitt, Jess Walter and Paisley Hope. This summer, we'll be offering puzzle competitions, a boozy adult book fair and a flash tattoo event benefitting reproductive health care.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
Meet fluffy 'bookseller' puppy Story at Dog-Eared Books in Iowa
Meet fluffy 'bookseller' puppy Story at Dog-Eared Books in Iowa Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities. Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations. This week we have Ellyn Grimm and Amanda Lepper, co-owners of Dog-Eared Books in Ames, Iowa. What's your store's story? We are high school classmates who returned to our hometown to raise families. We reconnected over a shared love of reading, social justice and our strong-willed daughters who ended up in the same preschool class. As the years passed, we hatched a plan to create something we thought was sorely missing in our community – an independent bookstore. Dog-Eared Books opened on International Women's Day in 2021. We are a place committed to nurturing a love of reading for all members of our community by offering a thoughtfully curated and inclusive selection of books. We believe reading and storytelling make us better humans, allowing us to better care for one another. What makes your independent bookstore unique? We're proud to be located on a thriving, historic Main Street in a college town that attracts people from all over the world. We engage with our local community in a multitude of ways: more than 15 book clubs, puzzle competitions, book fairs for kids and adults, author events, fundraisers, collaborations with other community businesses and organizations and advocacy work around social justice issues. In the age of algorithms and AI, bookstores do what tech cannot – human connection. Our booksellers read voraciously across all genres and can find the perfect read for anyone who walks through our door. Of course, everyone's favorite 'bookseller' is Story, a 6-month-old golden retriever who works as a service animal in the store. What's your favorite section in your store? We personally love fiction of the slightly absurd variety – 'Sky Daddy,' 'American Mermaid' and 'Margo's Got Money Troubles,' to name a few. That said, we enthusiastically curate for the tastes of all of our readers. What book do you love to recommend to customers and why? Right now, we're really loving 'So Far Gone' by Jess Walter. We love to recommend it because we think it's a book that speaks to so many of us at this particular time. When the temptation to disengage from the world is so strong, the author urges us to remember why we need connection. And it's funny. We had the privilege of chatting with Jess Walter on our podcast "Bubbles and Books." It was a delight to discover that even with a laundry list of literary awards to his name, he remains warm and welcoming. We were so inspired by his hopefulness. What book do you think deserves more attention and why? We were blown away by 'O Sinners!' by Nicole Cuffy. It would be a travesty of epic proportions if it doesn't win all the things. Cuffy writes with such precision and intention. The interwoven narrative structure is brilliant. She also respects her readers – she gives us challenging, fundamentally human questions to grapple with and she doesn't give us easy answers. Cuffy also appeared on our podcast. Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important? Reading is a solitary activity, but it can also be the basis for meaningful connection – we have found that our store has become a place that has allowed our community to forge connections and come to know one another better. Independent bookstores are run by readers for readers – each one that you walk into will surprise you with its unique offerings and forever change your reading life. What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share? We offer four monthly subscriptions that ship all across the country: new release fiction, romance, chapter book, and picture book. Our podcast discusses two of the best things in life – books and champagne. We're thrilled to be hosting one of our all-time favorite authors, Kevin Wilson, in June. Some other upcoming authors we're excited to host are Tarah Dewitt, Jess Walter and Paisley Hope. This summer, we'll be offering puzzle competitions, a boozy adult book fair and a flash tattoo event benefitting reproductive health care.
Business Wire
13-06-2025
- Business Wire
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties' Nichole Story Delivers Significant Return through Staging, Design Services
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nichole Story of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties recently helped one of her seller clients realize a substantial return on investment through her interior design, staging and refreshment services. After evaluating the property condition, architecture and neighborhood, Story implemented a comprehensive six-week reimagining process for the home, which is located at 517 Poppy Avenue in Newport Beach and closed for $3.1 million. 'This was a unique home in a niche market,' noted Story, a 20-year veteran of the local market. 'It was worth the long hours because the seller ultimately netted approximately 18 times his investment into the refresh. To say that he was happy with the outcome would be an understatement. Plus, the eventual buyer had already seen the home before the reimagining. The fact that they changed their mind about it made it that much sweeter.' Story, who studied at the Interior Designer's Institute, said that she also recently helped a seller close a transaction for approximately $80,000 over the original asking price. 'In this case, the buyer's agent told me that the staging concept I developed for the listing was directly responsible for the higher sale price, so it was especially rewarding,' Story added. Numerous studies show that staged homes attain a higher sale price and a shorter market time compared to non-staged properties. 'I love design and staging because I get to use both the analytical, sales-oriented side of my brain, as well as my more creative side. I have lots of ideas and I usually have a vision for a property as soon as I see it, but I would never try to force that on a client or make changes that are not aligned with the neighborhood,' Story explained. Instead, Story draws from her experience in real estate and knowledge of design to help her clients make strategic decisions that deliver the maximum possible return. 'Working with the house is the game plan, not going against it,' Story said. 'One thing my listings have in common is there is always hidden value and a way to simply enhance what they already have to offer.' As a result of her extensive track record of success in the Orange County market, Story was a featured agent on HGTV's House Hunters. She successfully navigated a variety of market cycles since her entry into real estate in 2005, a factor that allows her to provide her clients with a valuable insight into local property values and negotiating strategies, along with reliable guidance on how to select a financing option that is aligned with their circumstances and goals. 'Real estate has been the perfect career choice for me because I love the idea that I can make a positive impact on the lives of my clients, and it's fun to help them envision what a home can look like,' added Story. 'The chance to be a part of a transaction is really meaningful and I truly believe that houses can end up feeling like a part of the family. They keep us safe and hold our memories, from special occasions and homecomings to heartfelt goodbyes.' Story also provides staging and design services to her fellow agents, teaches an online home staging course and mentors junior agents. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, tennis, entertaining and researching the latest interior design trends. To contact Nichole Story or learn about the financing options that could potentially allow for your home to be staged with no fees required until the closing of the transaction, call 949-375-9981, email Nichole@ or visit Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties proudly supports 2,500 sales associates in 42 offices spanning San Luis Obispo to San Diego. In 2024, our expert agents assisted in more than 6,700 client transactions for over $11.4 billion in sales volume. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., and a member of HSF Affiliates, LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. For more information, visit To learn about career opportunities, visit .
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Yahoo
Boston Red Sox manager tells two-time All-Star to ‘disconnect' after brutal start
The Boston Red Sox thought they had their franchise second baseman when they signed Trevor Story to a six-year, $140 million contract ahead of the 2022 season. However, Story's time in Boston has been plagued by injuries: missed 68 games in 2022 due to a right wrist hairline fracture and bruised left heel missed 119 games in 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery missed 136 games in 2024 due to a fractured left shoulder. Finally healthy in 2025, Story has appeared in 51 of 56 Red Sox games, but he's been struggling at the plate, posting a .589 OPS, 65 OPS+, six home runs, and a -0.1 bWAR. In 26 games since April 22, he's hitting .133 (15-for-105) with only two extra-base hits — one double and one home run. Advertisement His hitting metrics reflect those struggles. According to Baseball Savant, his bat speed ranks in the 30th percentile at 70.7, average exit velocity in the 44th percentile at 89.6, expected batting average in the 20th percentile at .234, and expected slugging in the 31st percentile at .388. Manager Alex Cora told reporters Sunday, including Christopher Smith, that Story needs to 'disconnect' in an effort to get back on track. 'Disconnect him today. Maybe tomorrow. And keep working,' Cora said, via 'It's not a lack of working. It's been a lot. And maybe just kind like back up and just watch the game from a different perspective.' According to Smith, Story has been particularly ineffective against fastballs this season, hitting just .182 (18-for-99) with a .192 slugging percentage and one extra-base hit — a double. Advertisement 'We know what's going on,' Cora said. 'Just a matter of hopefully it happens in the game. So we're working hard.' Before signing with the Red Sox, Story was a two-time All-Star during his six seasons with the Colorado Rockies, where he slashed .272/.340/.523 with a 112 OPS+, 158 home runs, 180 doubles and a 27.0 bWAR. He hasn't had the same impact with Boston, though, recording a .667 OPS, 83 OPS+, 27 home runs and 41 doubles through 214 games.
