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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. Groff: A Literary Powerhouse 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 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 .