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 20 years.  Her father was a librarian, and she grew up, surrounded by books, in St Joseph, MI.  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

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 a daughter named Gwendolyn (and she has another daughter named Violet on the way soon!).  To reach Gina at the bookstore, feel free to write her at gina@literarylifebookstore.com.


Favorite Author(s): Jerry Spinelli, Jhumpa Lahiri, Mary Oliver
Favorite Literary Genre: Young Adult
Favorite Harney & Sons Tea: Pomegranate Oolong