Book Industry Characters - Cathy Langer

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Who are you? Existentially I'm not certain, but physically I'm Cathy Langer

What role do you play in the book world? I am happy to say that I have the best job on earth. I am an independent bookseller! My primary position is as the Lead Buyer for the Tattered Cover Book Stores in Denver. I'm also on the Board of the American Booksellers Association.

How long have you played that role? I began my career at the Tattered Cover in 1977.

If you weren't doing this, what would you be doing? Lord help me, I'd probably be a lawyer, but Joyce Meskis showed me another path to travel.

What are you reading? Fahrenheit 451 (Really. We should all reread it before it's too late.), Garden of Last Days by Andre Dubus III and I just finished the new Dennis Lehane, The Given Day, and a first novel from Unbridled Books called In Hovering Flight.

What's the last trip you took? Last pure pleasure trip was to Sanibel Island, Florida. My idea of heaven is reading on the beach. Last work trip was to Louisville for the Winter Institute. That was pretty much pure pleasure as well.

What would the title of your life story be? Daring Book for Girls

Who would play you in the film adaptation? Though some might suggest Meg Ryan, I would consider Meryl Streep if she would get serious, or, the perfect fit would be Helen Mirren.

If you wrote your life story, what 3 adjectives would appear on the dust jacket to describe it? Heartwarming, joyous and cinematic

What's the worst part of your job? My rear end gets sore when I sit with reps all day.

How many BEA's have you attended? 19 or 20

What's your favorite BEA moment? Oooh, that's really hard. Being almost alone with Paul McCartney. (Darn that Linda, may she rest in peace.) Dining with Al Gore. Partying with Bruce Springsteen and the Rock Bottom Remainders for a 40th birthday to remember.

What's your drink of choice (latte, scotch, vitamin water, etc)? Macallan 12, neat.

What excites you about our business? Books that change lives, books that make us think, books that let us escape and all the fabulous people that write, publish, sell and read them. That's why BEA is so cool! We're all here.