Zachary G. Tomaszewski
Zachary recognizes nature as having a primary significance in his life. He possess an ardent passion for poetry and wields his words accordingly. Zachary is currently self-studying, learning from our Environment. Also, he is working collaboratively on an independent literary & arts review magazine, the Litribune. One will notice Zachary’s inclination for establishing relationships within the community; he acknowledges Literary Life for having helped him meet many an outstanding person. He thoroughly enjoys conversation--sharing stories-- and listening and watching birds and other fellow animals, make music. Trees hold the head of his heart.
Favorite Author(s): Mary Oliver, Henry David Thoreau, Ted Kooser
Favorite Literary Genre: Poetry
Favorite Harney & Sons Tea: Chamomile
Currently Reading: Next-to-Last Things by Stanley Kunitz
Roni K. Devlin
Roni has loved most everything to do with reading and writing for as long as she can remember. Though her career path ultimately led to medicine (and a specialty in infectious diseases), she has long maintained the desire to own her own business, particularly one that would allow her to share a passion for the literary life with others. Roni hopes that LitLife will become a treasured neighborhood establishment that celebrates all things literary. She is committed to development and revitalization within the neighborhood and the surrounding area, and welcomes comments on the role LitLife can play within the immediate community. Outside of medicine and books, Roni enjoys great food, engaging conversation, good music, and cool movies. You can reach Roni at roni.devlin@literarylifebookstore.com.
Favorite Author: William Styron
Favorite Literary Genre(s): English and Russian Literature
Favorite Harney & Sons Tea: Hot Cinnamon Spice (though Paris is a close second!)
Jennifer
Jennifer has lived in Grand Rapids for over 20 years. Her father was a librarian, and she grew up, surrounded by books, in southwestern Michigan. Jennifer graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in history and she is especially interested in the Napoleonic Wars and World Wars I and II. One of her favorite “book memories” is the first time she read Pride and Prejudice. It was on a train between Paris and Nice, France. She has traveled extensively, but her favorite place is in a big comfortable chair with a good book, a cat on her lap, and a nice cup of tea. Jennifer can be reached at the store by writing to jennifer@literarylifebookstore.com.
Favorite Author: Jane Austen
Favorite Genre: History
Favorite Harney & Sons Tea: Earl Grey Supreme
Gina Gort - Bookseller Emeritus
Gina is originally from the U.P., but is now happily settled in Grand Rapids. Though she has studied at Secchia Institute of Culinary Arts (and bakes a mean birthday cake!), she has had a lifelong passion for reading and writing. Gina’s primary interest now is in literature for children and young adults, and without a doubt, LitLife will be the site of her first children’s book signing. Gina is married, and has three beautiful daughters. Gina no longer actively works for LitLife, but remains a strong advocate for and supporter of the bookstore; she will always remain a Bookseller in Good Standing!
Favorite Author(s): Jerry Spinelli, Jhumpa Lahiri, Mary Oliver
Favorite Literary Genre: Young Adult
Favorite Harney & Sons Tea: Pomegranate Oolong
Benjamin Davey
Benjamin is much like a paperback book herein bookstore found: he’s shy, but his cover opens naturally with no spine cracking and really, he’d love to tell you a story. Benjamin is a student of Gaia’s Free Academy of the Arts, where he majors in Revolution Science. Benjamin is a community organizer, working for the local non-profit, The Litribune. Whether you’re looking to expand your world through literature or expand your community through involvement, Benjamin would love to help. He’s the type to wear a pair of shoes until his friends throw them out in concern. He is a writer in the school of Honest Expression. Ask him if poetry can save the world, and he’ll smile.
Favorite Author(s): Amy Hempel, John Rybicki
Favorite Literary Genre: Short Fiction
Favorite Harney & Sons Tea: Bangkok
Currently Reading: Refusing Heaven by Jack Gilbert