From Books to Bookshop: Lauren Groff & The Lynx
From Books to Bookshop: Lauren Groff, The Lynx, and Defying Book Bans
Lauren Groff is an author whose words strike with the ferocity of a wildcat. Each of her intricately crafted novels and short-story collections digs into the complexities of human existence, leaving a lasting impact on her devoted readership. Now, Groff is expanding her literary influence beyond the page and into a brick-and-mortar haven for fellow bibliophiles—her new independent bookstore in Gainesville, Florida, aptly named The Lynx.
Lauren was also just voted one of the Top 100 Influential People by Time Magazine: https://time.com/6964750/lauren-groff/
More about Lauren http://www.laurengroff.com
More about The Lynx: https://thelynxbooks.com/
"Come to the Grand Opening on April 28th!!
The Lynx: GRAND OPENING April 28th
The Lynx is a new bookstore in Gainesville, Florida. We are a general interest bookstore that emphasizes banned books, BIPOC authors, LGBTQ+ authors, and Florida authors.
Though we aren't open yet, you can still support us by buying books through our affiliate link at www.Bookshop.org/shop/TheLynx!
A group of lynxes is a Watch. The Lynx will be your store; please join our Watch today.
Thank you. We love you."
Book The Laurel Oak Inn or The Camellia Rose Inn the night of or the weekend of The Lynx Books grand opening and save 20% off your entire stay. Book on www.camelliaroseinn.com or www.laureloakinn.com and use code LYNX20 at check-out.
The agenda for the opening celebration:
We are so excited to finally announce our GRAND OPENING date! Help us kick off strong on Sunday, April 28th with an all-day celebration, starting with a ribbon cutting at 10am. There will be music! author presentations! and so much more! See a detailed itinerary below.
10am Ribbon cutting ceremony
Tiffiny Rose Allen writing custom poems (through 4pm)
10:30am Firefighter story hour – kids
11:30am Zine making DIY craft workshop with S.A.W. – all ages
12pm Florida Legal Services' Fair Housing table (through 3pm)
12:30pm Rebecca Renner reading
1pm Ange Mlinko reading + bookselling
Collin Whitlock music through 2pm
1:30pm Amy Hempel reading + bookselling
2pm David Leavitt reading + bookselling
Lexi Braun and Conor Mitchell music through 4pm
2:30pm Cynthia Barnett reading + bookselling
3pm Lauren Groff reading x
3:30pm Sandra Gail Lambert reading + bookselling
4pm Thomas Allain music through 5pm
4:30pm Jack E. Davis reading + bookselling
5pm Kristen Arnett and Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya readings + bookselling
5:30pm University Press of FL publishing and author panel
6pm PEN America panel with Katie Blankenship through 7pm
7pm Closing toast
Groff: A Literary Powerhouse
FUN FACT!!! Florence, of Florence + The Machine, was inspired by Lauren's book, Florida, when writing the lyrics for the song "Florida!!!" in her collaboration with Taylor Swift. Check out Florence's Instagram post in the album below.
Lauren Groff isn't a stranger to literary recognition. From winning the Story Prize to being a National Book Award finalist multiple times, her writing showcases a remarkable ability to capture historical moments and weave them with the intricacies of everyday life.
Fates and Furies: This 2015 novel was an instant success, exploring the intricacies of a marriage through a dual narrative structure. Groff delves into the complexities of a seemingly perfect union, unraveling deep secrets and desires.
Florida: In this short story collection, the Sunshine State is more than a backdrop; it's a force that both shapes and haunts its inhabitants. Groff's stories feature hurricanes, panthers, and the simmering darkness that lingers beneath Florida's sun-soaked facade.
Matrix: This historical novel was one of the most talked-about books of 2021. Groff transports readers to 12th-century England and introduces us to the fierce and visionary Marie de France, an abbess who turns a failing convent into an island of feminine power and intellect.
Groff's prose is both beautiful and unsettling. Her words have a way of getting under your skin, burrowing into your mind to challenge your own perspectives. Her work is infused with themes of power, desire, ambition, and the ever-present battle between light and darkness.
Bookselling as Defiance: The Birth of The Lynx
Florida, in recent years, has become a battleground for book bans and limitations on what can be taught in schools. This censorship is antithetical to the open spirit of literature that Groff champions. It's in this fiery environment that The Lynx was born – a beacon of literary defiance.
The bookstore gets its name from the fierce Florida wildcat, a creature known for its resilience and cunning. It's a symbol that aptly embodies Groff's vision. Here's what sets The Lynx apart:
Banned Book Champion: The Lynx will place a special emphasis on titles that have been subject to censorship attempts. The store will be a safe haven for books that certain individuals would rather silence, and a resounding celebration of the freedom to read.
Diverse Voices: Groff believes in the transformative power of stories from a diverse range of perspectives. The Lynx will stock titles by authors from marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Florida-based authors.
Community Hub: More than just a place to get books, The Lynx will be a hub for literary events. Think author readings, workshops, and community discussions, creating a space where book lovers can connect, discuss, and find new literary treasures.
In recent interviews, Groff has stated that The Lynx reflects the resilience of the Floridian spirit, a reminder that the state is more than its political struggles. The bookstore is a stand for intellectual freedom and proof that there will always be those who fiercely defend the power of the written word.
The Grand Opening and Beyond
The Lynx is set to open its doors in the spring of 2024 and promises a grand opening celebration that will make waves in the literary community. But The Lynx isn't just about a single moment; it's about an enduring commitment to literature and community building. Here's the kind of impact we can anticipate:
A Literary Lifeline: In an era where independent bookstores are becoming increasingly rare, The Lynx will provide bibliophiles in Gainesville and beyond with a place to discover new authors, support local voices, and find that sense of belonging that only a bookstore can provide.
Anti-Censorship Inspiration: Groff's bookstore is likely to inspire similar initiatives not just around Florida, but nationwide. It serves as a reminder of the unwavering resistance to censorship and the belief that books can make a positive difference.
The Ripple Effect: The Lynx has the potential to revitalize Gainesville's literary scene, attracting new writers, readers, and events to the area. It could also boost the local economy by acting as a destination for book lovers.
If you ask me which one of Lauren's books is my favorite, I would have to say it's Square in a Circle World. Have you heard of it? Probably not... Lauren and Clay helped us have our first date out after Phillip was 2 weeks old. We dropped him off and said, "We may, or may not, be back," and proceeded to walk to Dragonfly Sushi. We did eventually reclaim him. Phillip was five years old and realized that Lauren was a famous author. He, of course, decided that since she was a famous author, she, of course, would want to write a book for him. He marched over to her house (well, with me holding his hand) and held out the blank book and asked her to please write a book for him. Can anyone turn down a cute 5 year old? Apparently not... So Phillip has his very own, one-of-a-kind, Lauren Groff book. And it's definitely my favorite. My second favorite is Fates and Furies.
