Fast Five: Melissa DeMotte: Book-lover, story adventurer and The “Well-Read Moose”
Meet Melissa DeMotte, bookstore owner, nature lover, nerdy aunt!
Generation: Baby Boomer (barely).
Career and community involvement: I had a 30-plus year career in finance as a CPA with a consulting business for nonprofits and as a CFO for a community development lender. Over the years I have served on a variety of nonprofit boards and a church council — mostly as treasurer. I’m currently serving on local boards for Family Promise and the Women’s Gift Alliance as well as the regional Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association.
1. What’s the story of The Well-Read Moose (and how did you choose the name)?
The Well~Read Moose came about after Borders closed in 2011. I had a strong feeling that Coeur d’Alene needed a bookstore to complement the wonderful library and cultural activities offered in our community. I attended a class offered by the American Booksellers Association in 2012 and decided to work toward opening an independent bookstore in 2014. It was challenging putting all the pieces together and certainly financially risky leaving my job with health insurance benefits. Without the Affordable Care Act, I never would have taken the chance on the bookstore. Just too risky as a breast cancer survivor.
The name came about through the bookstore consulting firm I was working with. They were from Florida and had never heard of “Cur da Lane”! After a few minutes scrolling on their laptops, they said “The Well-Read Moose.” They had NO idea how much I love moose (I feel they are a bit geeky like myself) and that I had moose décor all over my house. It was so easy and perfect.
2. Is there a book or reading experience which particularly impacted you?
I have loved reading since I can remember, but I think riding bikes to the library with my sister and the summer book reading clubs they offered were experiences that I remember most fondly. We were “on our own” riding our bikes and getting to pick whatever we wanted to read. We still share favorite books with each other which is very special.
As an adult, I was given “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by a friend and I was transported to Hogwarts! It is fun seeing parents who grew up with those books come in the store with their kids to pick up the next book in the series. Eyes twinkle and their excitement always makes me smile. I read a lot of children’s literature and am constantly wowed by authors who write wonderfully relatable books for kids and teens.
3. Have you observed anything interesting about people from working in a bookstore?
People love browsing and finding their next great read. We still get comments like, “Oooh, new book smell.” Yes, people buy books online and might read on devices, but the feeling of being surrounded by books is relaxing and comforting. Life is far too hectic and now with Covid more uncertain, there is certainty that there will be books and more books to choose and savor and pass on to someone you just know will love it as much as you do.
4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I did quite a bit of backpacking in the Sierras and a “seven nights in the Seven Devils” trip. My most memorable trip was completing the John Muir Trail over two summers. Yosemite to Mt. Whitney — 220 miles. I’m proud of that accomplishment and the scenery was spectacular. Oh to be 20 years younger and more fit…
5. If you had the power to change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Reverse the effects of global warming on our planet. It feels like it may be too late for many places and species already.
