Shopping for books, music and movies in the Windy City is about to get a whole lot breezier. In this edition of Meet the Bibliomaniacs, you’ll get to know the management team at HPB Vernon Hills, IL. Kelly, Tom, Tim, Jade and Allie are ready to help you with all your bookish needs. Take it away, guys!
What is your favorite part about working at HPB?
Kelly: I love the product and the company, but my favorite part is the people I’ve met!
Tom: The company culture and the friends I’ve made at all the stores in the district.
Tim: Cool people galore; surrounded by books.
Jade: Being surrounded by books and people with such unique, varying interests.
Allie: I find something that fascinates me every day.
What is your all-time favorite book, movie, or album?
Kelly: Tough question. Probably The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
Tom: The Americans by Robert Frank. His photographs changed my life.
Tim: Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon
Jade: Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
Allie: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
What are you reading right now?
Kelly: How to Fight Presidents by Daniel O’Brien
Tom: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Tim: The Likeness by Tana French
Jade: Cibola Burn by James S. A. Corey
Allie: Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey and Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
What TV show or movie are you embarrassed to admit you love?
Kelly: What Dreams May Come. Makes me cry every time!
Tom: Full House. I wish I was as cool as Uncle Jesse.
Jade: Supernatural.
Allie: Dark Shadows.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Kelly: I don’t like peanut butter. Reese’s excluded, of course.
Tom: I am the 7th Tom Garvey, but not Tom Garvey VII. We have all had different middle names!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Kelly: Anything artsy! I paint, sew, play instruments, try to build things…
Tom: I play bass in a band, and I take photographs as often as I can.
Tim: Paint, write, read.
Jade: Read and write.
Allie: Reading, crafting, and snuggling with my cat.
If you could write a book about yourself, what would the title be?
Kelly: Where Did I Put My Dang Car Keys?
Tom: Four is More: Why Bass is Best
Tim: Finding Time to Sleep: The Tim Hughes Story
Jade: My Eyes Hurt: The Life of a Constant Reader
Allie : The Water Baby
When are you the happiest?
Kelly: I’m happiest when I’m knee deep in a project and it’s just starting to come together.
Tom: I’m happiest interacting with people, talking about the books and authors I love!
Tim: Reading, usually.
Allie: When it’s just me, the cat, a book, and a glass of wine!