In this new instalment of our 5 questions with series, we interview Ryan Toso from Möbius Books.

Möbius Books is an independent bookstore located in Port Alberni, BC. Though still fairly new — they opened in April 2021 — bookselling has been a constant in Ryan’s life with his mom being a retired long-time bookseller.

Their inventory goes beyond new books, they also carry puzzles, journals, and even baked goods!

Now, without further ado, let’s get to Ryan’s answers to our questionnaire.

1. Which author would you most like to have for an event in your store (living or dead)?

While I would much prefer a living author, I would love to have Mr. Tolkien in for an event. His books weren't what truly hooked me on reading but his works are incredible. The scope of his imagination and talent for world-building remains unmatched. While many authors have invented new words and phrases specific to their worlds, he created an entire language. I am in awe of his mind.

2. What attracted you to bookselling?

I am a second-generation bookseller. My mom was a bookseller for most of my childhood and again as recently as a few years ago, before retiring. I only recently got into it about two and a half years ago. I needed a career change, and the town that my wife and I chose to plant roots in had no independent bookstore, so it was a great fit. Being able to see the excitement in readers when they find that perfect book is so satisfying.

3. What's your favourite bookselling war story?

I really don't know that I have had the chance to have a particularly favourite bookselling war story. We have had a few bumps in the road getting opened, supply chain issues, wildfire road-closures but nothing specific to bookselling per se.

4. What is the most pressing issue facing bookselling today?

I am going to have to say the behemoth in the room. Amazon is just too big and very challenging to compete with. I always hope that people will remember to support local, independent booksellers. We do our best to be present and help find the right books.

5. What forthcoming book are you most excited about?

There are many books that I am hoping will eventually come out (Rothfuss, Martin ...) but Gwelf: Into the Hinterlands by Larry MacDougall 🍁 has me very intrigued.

BONUS: An aunt comes in looking for a gift for her niece, who likes embroidery and Proust, just got a new job on a cruise line, and whose beloved schnauzer just passed away. What do you recommend?

I would go with The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy for an uplifting and hopeful book to help with the loss as well as the loneliness on the cruise ship.

As a second, unasked, bonus I would highly recommend John Vaillant's 🍁 new release, Fire Weather. I believe that the worst thing about this book is that it will never be read by those who need to read it the most.

Thank you Ryan for answering our questionnaire! Read more instalments of our 5 questions with series here.

Are you an independent bookseller, small publisher, or library staffer interested in being featured in our 5 questions with blog series? Send us an email!