Overbooked

‘So often, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me, and reminded me that there are good things in the world.’ —Vincent Van Gogh

The bookshops in the days of Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890) were transforming from establishments primarily for the very rich and very elite—few people then could afford to own books and books were so valuable that if you wished to purchase a book you would often have to order it first. Even looking at a book sometimes involved requesting a copy from the merchant at which time he would retrieve it from the back shelves of the store. Browsing was not encouraged. Some bookshops only published their own books. In fact, the literacy rate in the US in 1880 was only about 17% which, I can only imagine, the inability to browse books in a bookstore did not encourage an upswing in that statistic. Nor did the ability to mass produce books to make them more affordable help the situation.

Fortunately, we live in a world where over 4 million books are published a year and the literacy rate is over 85%. The United States is home to thousands of independent bookstores where you can physically pick up a book, feel the weights, smell the ink, ruffle the pages in your hands, read the synopsis and purchase the book the same day. Each bookstore is uniquely different and often quirky in their own way—as creative and colorful as the books that line the shelves along their walls.

I was recently reminded of those good things in the world when I visited Fargo’s newest independent bookstore—“Overbooked.” Owner Michelle Forness took some time from her busy day to meet with me and to share her story.

Val: Where did you grow up?

Michelle: I grew up in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. I received my bachelor’s in English Education at Concordia College and then attended NDSU for my Masters in English Literature. I have been an English teacher for the last 25 years and I still love it. The relationships that I have built with students and colleagues has always been the best part of my chosen profession. They are all part of my family and my life story. Nothing brings me more joy than hearing from a former student.

Val: Do you have other interests and hobbies?

Michelle: I enjoy a well-written TV show or movie where I really care about the characters. I hope to get back into knitting and crochet when things settle down a bit this winter.

Val: Can you tell me a little bit about your younger relationship with books? How has that evolved over the years and through your work in teaching?

Michelle: I always preferred reading to playing outside with my sister. She would get mad at me for not wanting to play Barbies or babies with her; I would rather read. I think many people have those types of “origin stories” as book lovers. I remember crying at my desk when my fourth-grade teacher read aloud Where the Red Fern Grows. How could I feel so sad for dogs I didn’t own? For people I had never met? I think that’s what sparked something new for me.

Sometimes people decide to become English teachers because they love to read; however, I always warn potential teachers this is the worst reason to become an English teacher. Loving to read is separate from teaching others how to read and write effectively. Analyzing how a writer creates characters, tone, setting, mood, and theme is not always “fun” and requires a different set of skills and demeanor. You already love the story – how are you going to make your students love it?

Val: What are the major contributions that you hope your store will have on the community?

Michelle: Throughout my “Soft Open Saturdays” in May, people told me time and again how happy they are excited to have a bookstore in Downtown Fargo. They miss the unique quality of walking into a physical, cozy bookstore to peruse titles, feel books, and flip pages.

I hope to bring tangible experiences to the community. Come and meet the author of a book; let your kids grab titles off the shelves; sit and chat about a new release; tell me about your old favorite.

Val: Did you always want to own a bookstore? Anything particularly inspire you toward this goal?

Michelle: Yes. For any book lover, I think owning a bookstore is a dream, however romanticized it may be. I almost signed a lease on a space two years ago, but some life events derailed that plan. I really thought it was over until this fall when Dane Ferguson approached me about purchasing shelving and inventory when he decided to close his shop of 15 years. So many things started to align, and I knew if I didn’t take the chance now, it would never come again.

My husband and I talked a lot about the dream and the reality of doing something this new and risky, but we have both always agreed to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. As we get older, we see how time slips by so quickly, and 25 years of teaching felt like a perfect number to say goodbye and start a new career. Quite honestly, I’m approaching it as another lane in education.

Val: Can you share your vision with me—major events that you hope to have in the store? Sidelines? Specializing in specific genres? Book clubs or writing groups?

Michelle: I already have several authors lined up for signing events, which is important to me. Anyone who writes a book is a hero! It takes a lot of work, dedication, and vulnerability to write anything and put it out in the world, so I would like to give local authors the chance to expose people to their work. I am also planning to host kid events like story times, reading challenges, and book promotions.

Walking around downtown Fargo as a family was really special for us when our kids were small, and popping in and out of shops is the best part of a walkable downtown. There should be a little something for everyone, and I hope to fill a gap for those “third spaces” for kids and young adults.

I also have a selection of things book nerds like me love: puzzles, trivia games, notebooks, and

Book-ish gifts. A cloth to clean your glasses that looks like notebook paper? Say no more.

Val: What do you feel will be the biggest threat to your profession?

Michelle: You might think Amazon, but I think the biggest threat to my profession is technology addiction.

Kids are growing up addicted to dopamine hits every 5-10 seconds, and their reading skills are declining at a rapid rate. As a society, we need to actively combat tech addiction and fight for our kids. As a parent, I know it’s difficult! I’ve failed in many ways, but we also need to recognize what we are up against. Huge companies are commodifying our kids’ attention spans; it’s a David vs. Goliath story in every household. But I believe the tide is turning, and we want to get back to ourselves through stories, books, imagination, creativity, and community.

Val: How do you see the bookselling profession and reading evolving over the next five years?

Michelle: More independent bookstores are opening every month, so I think the pendulum is swinging in the right direction. Everyone thought Kindles and Amazon would kill bookstores, but they have survived. We understand better than ever how important reading is for children, young adults, and adults, so I feel like reading is here to stay.

Val: Where do you see your store in the next five years?

Michelle: Right here! 619 2nd Ave. North Fargo! I want to be a shop that is steady, familiar, comfortable, and consistent.

Val: What effects will technology, and in particular AI, have on your profession?

Michelle: Oh, AI. I’m ready to scream. I worry about AI slop in the publishing industry; it’s already here, and it’s such a disappointment. I worry about our attention spans, our cortisol levels, and our ability to differentiate what is real from what is fake. I’m worried about that for humanity, not just my store.

Val: Do you have a favorite children’s book you have read and what in that book resonated with you?

Michelle: I always loved “The Monster at the End of This Book.” No matter how old I am, that book makes me smile and puts me back into my childhood home. It’s interactive, silly, and always relevant. Kids will always love to turn the pages and send Grover into a tailspin.

Val: What do you read for pleasure?

Michelle: I cannot wait for Ann Patchett’s new book Whistler, and Maggie O’Farrell’s book to land this June. I typically read literary fiction, historical fiction, and narrative non-fiction. I love anything with strong character development and dialogue. The story doesn’t even matter to me as much as the connection I feel with characters.

Val: What would you like people to know who haven’t picked up a book in five years?

Michelle: Pick up anything you think looks fun! Dip your toes in with something short and unintimidating. Ask for recommendations. Read something that’s going to be turned into a series or movie. Read it, then watch it! Compare them with your friends (which activates a higher-order thinking skill, FYI)! Anything you read makes you part of a community of people with a shared experience.

Val: What do you feel small bookstores provide to the community that the larger bookstores and on-line booksellers can’t?

Michelle: Small bookstores provide community, curated selections, and connections. My bookshop is part of me, just like any other bookstore owner, so it’s very personal when you stop by the store. You’re not just visiting the store; you’re visiting me.

As Vincent Van Gogh once said ... there are good things in the world,” and two of those good things are undeniably Michelle Forness and her new independent bookstore “Overbooked” in downtown Fargo.

To “visit” Michelle at “Overbooked” she is located at 619 2^nd Ave North Fargo and her store hours are Tue-Sat 10am – 6pm. She sells new and used books, unique gifts and sidelines and audio books that can be downloaded from libro.fm. If it isn’t in stock she can order it for you.

For more information you can also visit her web site at www.overbookedstore.com.

Val Stadick, recently retired, owned and operated Main Street Books in Minot, ND, for 19 years. She is an avid pickleball player, camper, gardener, and (of course) reader. She is spending her happily ever after wintering in Lompoc, CA with her significant other, Mark, and her summers back in ND, relishing in the company of family and friends. She believes in the power of books to educate, empower, and entertain and is excited to share all things “books” wherever and with whomever she can.

Have an essay for Writer’s Desk?
A piece of regional writing for Sense of Place?
A photograph that captures North Dakota or the surrounding region for Snapshot?We’re building this together. Send submissions or questions to Substack@thestudynd.org.

Support The Study