Dear Reader,

It’s hard to believe that this is my twentieth year-end letter. When I opened the store in April of 1990 I dared to hope that R.J. Julia would be a dream come true, and thanks to you it has been all of that and more. Aside from the excitement of becoming a real part of this wonderful shoreline community – I've been lucky to spend twenty years doing the thing I love most: helping to put just the right book into the hands of our readers.

The most wonderful surprise for me has been the joy of witnessing and becoming a part of your dreams and journeys. How many anxious 5-year-olds have passed through these doors on their way to kindergarten, or excited 18-year-olds who are about to graduate from high school? How many brides, both young and old, getting married for the first or the third time? How many couples who have just become parents or grandparents? How many young people starting their careers – and older ones who are just starting over?

I remember the man who came in looking for Elegy For Iris so he could better understand what his wife would go through as his own Alzheimer's worsened. Or the man some years ago who had just lost his brother and was searching for a book that would offer comfort to his nephew. And I'll never forget the expression on the face of a young mother who told me that our recommendation of Diary of a Wimpy Kid for her reluctant reader son had transformed him into a passionate reader. She said to me: "It's a miracle, you know."

So the big dream – the bookstore – feels incidental. It is each day, each customer, each moment of connection - that really feels like the dream.

One month after I opened the store, I was filled - literally, since I was eight months pregnant with our son Edward - with life and enthusiasm. After twenty years, I’m humbled to say that I am still filled with enthusiasm, bursting with energy, and incredibly grateful. That dream I had so long ago continues to inspire me with joy and gratitude and I thank you for the privilege of being part of your lives.

My 2010 wish for you is that the coming year not only fulfills your big dreams but gives you the opportunity to savor those small moments along the way.

Happy Reading,

Roxanne

PS. Another great blessing in my life is the chance to work with so many wonderful and talented booksellers. We are so fortunate to have a staff that finds such joy in nurturing, in partnership with you, this extraordinary community of book lovers. This new format of our holiday catalog celebrates our fabulous staff. They have each chosen their favorite book to give this year - but they have lots of other suggestion - I urge you to visit us online at rjjulia.com, or come to the store to learn about all the books they are loving this season and to have them help with your holiday gift-giving. We're here to help you find just the right book.