Decorah author June Melby's book is selling well--with a little help from a friend

Decorah author June Melby is wrapping up a national tour to promote her new book, "My Family and Other Hazards."   She will appear at a Los Angeles bookstore on Wednesday to end her promotional tour.

Melby's memoir of how her family operated a miniature golf course in Wisconsin has drawn critical praise--including in the latest issue of "The Week," which calls it "wonderful" and "witty."

Melby has also drawn the interest of "Publishers Weekly," which is referred to as "the bible of the book business."  PW has posted an article about the help Melby has received from Decorah bookstore owner Kate Rattenborg.

The article says that while publisher Henry Holt has declined to provide sales figures, the book has landed on one of the bestseller lists compiled by the New York Times.  The publisher believes this feat is "directly attributable" to Rattenborg.

Not only has Dragonfly Books sold 164 copies of the book, but Rattenborg  nominated it as a Midwest Independent Booksellers Association Midwest Connections selection, and has suggested to other independent bookstores that they consider scheduling events with Melby.

Click here to read the full Publishers Weekly article.