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ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov 2, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Garrison Keillor, creator of the fictional town of Lake Woebegone, has opened an independent bookstore in the real city of St. Paul, Minn.
Common Good Books opened without fanfare Wednesday in the city's Cathedral Hill section. The host of American Public Media's "Prairie Home Companion" was expected in St. Paul for a neighborhood celebration Nov. 18-19.
The book shop is distinguished by what it does have, including a shelf devoted to St. Paul's best-known local author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and extensive fiction and poetry sections, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. There is also a lot missing, including romance novels and large sections of how-to books and computer manuals.
"We're not trying to be all things to all people," Sue Zumberge, the store manager, said. "It's not because we look down on those; it's just because you can find them elsewhere."
Four independent bookstores have closed in St. Paul in the past 10 years. Analysts say that Keillor may be able to buck the trend -- although his chances would be better if his name was attached to the store.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
