Q. Why is this site called papermustache?

A. The name has its origins in the fact that many famous and talented fiction writers happen to have mustaches. And paper is something you write on. So, you know, papermustache. Also, this site is about Chicago, a city that has a certain mustache reputation. Or, you know when you drink a big glass of milk you get a milk mustache. Maybe, if you read a lot, you get a papermustache…How’s that sound?

Q. Are you writing reviews of bookstores?

A. Yes and no. I would rather think of each post as a report. My intention is to encourage people to visit as many independent bookstores as is humanly possible. I don’t consider myself a critic like a restaurant critic or movie critic. I want papermustache to be a positive force, so, in general, if I don’t have anything nice to say I just wont say anything at all.

Q. Can I write about my favorite bookstore for this site?

A. For the time being, papermustache is going to chronicle one man’s adventures visiting all the indie bookstores in Chicago. This is a gigantic project for one person so eventually I might ask for help from some of the papermustache-a-teers. Also, the mustache-mobile is in the shop and some of these stores are far far away. So, we’ll see. In the mean time, please e-mail me with suggestions of stores I should visit.