About Us

Katie Chastain – Owner

She first tried journalism, but it was too cold. She then tried teaching high school, but it was too hot. Finally, she tried bookselling and it was just right. In running a bookstore, she experiences a convergence of the things she likes best: powerful ideas, entertaining stories, interesting information, and organized shelves.  In addition to seeking out the best books in every genre, she hosts book discussions and writing groups, reads silly books to kids, and organizes thought provoking events such as TEDx.

Favorite Sections: Memoir, Hot Topics, Children’s

Favorite Books:

• Wild Swans by Jung Chang
• Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
• Freakanomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
• Anything by Mo Willems
• Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner

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Scott Chastain – Owner

Although not around as much as he likes, Scott lurks upstairs in his hole, drawing pictures of beautiful landscapes and designing public spaces as CEO of Chastain Design. As head light bulb changer and drill operator for The Bookshelf, he creates and maintains the store’s atmosphere. He is credited with designing the oft-praised shelves of the Bookshelf.

Favorite Section: Art & Design, Non-Fiction, Timeless

Favorite Books:

• Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs
• Democracy in America by Alexis De Tocqueville
• Watchmen by Alan Moore
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy
• East of Eden by John Steinbeck

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Carrie Shearer – Manager

For over 6 years, Carrie has been the face of the store. Her favorite game is “Guess that Book” (you know, when you give her an inane fact like the color of the book’s cover and make her guess the book).  A Barwick, GA native, Carrie has worked around the block in downtown Thomasville retail. When she is not reading, she enjoys kayaking and riding her lawn mower.

Favorite Sections: Fantasy, Nature/Ecology, Bestseller Fiction, Humor

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Sarah Turner: Director of Marketing/Purveyor of Awesome Events/Webmaster

Sarah is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in psychology.  She has been an acting teacher, a researcher, a counselor, and a cook.  Working at The Bookshelf combines everything she loves in life: books, good music, and great company.  When she’s not working, Sarah enjoys traveling, live theater, and sushi.

Favorite Sections: Timeless, Memoir, Non-Fiction

Favorite Books:

• The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
• Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
• When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
• The Odyssey by Homer

If you have ideas, recommendations, quips, quotes, qualms or conundrums regarding any of our events, please feel free to contact Sarah at: sarahnoelturner@gmail.com

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Kate Marvel-Lewis: Yoga Instructor

Kate is a Yoga Alliance registered teacher at the 200-hour level.  She is currently pursuing her 500-hour certification with Tias Little at Prajna Yoga in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Kate began practicing yoga in 2002, while living in the coastal mountains of western Oregon.  As a recent graduate from law school, she was looking to “get away from it all,” and yoga provided a natural path for this period of self-exploration and self-discovery. She has spent the last four years living in Milwaukee, WI studying with teachers from many different traditions including Iyengar, Ashtanga and Kundalini yoga.  Kate brings an eclectic style to her teaching, helping students connect to their own deeper understanding and intuition, as they reconnect with their natural ability to move and feel.  Kate’s teaching is also informed by her study of thai yoga massage with the Thai Bodywork School in Chicago, IL.