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Vestavia Hills book store owner turns page in life story

LINDA BROWNMilestone Books, which opened in 2004, has been a partner of local schools and the site of book signings for both local and international authors. (The Birmingham News / Joe Songer)

A shop that's become a favorite haunt for metro Birmingham book lovers will close its doors next month, as its owner turns a page in her life.
A shop that's become a favorite haunt for metro Birmingham book lovers will close its doors next month, as its owner turns a page in her life.

Linda Brown, who runs Milestone Books in the Vestavia Hills City Center, is returning to the medical sales business after six years of offering advice to voracious and reluctant readers alike on the books they're most likely to love.

Although she tried to sell the bookstore, potential suitors could have seen it as a risky move, considering the rough economy and the changing winds of the publishing industry.

Despite those pressures, Milestone continues to turn a profit, Brown said. But she divorced last year and needs to focus on a career path that will provide more stability for her family.

"This is just a personal decision that I had to do for the benefit of my children," she said. "I'm sad that nobody was able to step up and take my place, but I have no regrets."

Last week, as the news began to spread, Brown's regular customers stopped in for hugs and parting tips on their reading choices. They also stocked up on discounted books, marked 30 to 70 percent off, as Brown liquidates her inventory.

Heather Brown of Vestavia Hills likened Milestone to the independent New York City bookstore run by Meg Ryan's spunky character in the hit movie, "You've Got Mail."

"It's like the little Shop Around the Corner," she said. "I don't even know how to shop for a book if I don't come in here."

When Linda Brown opened Milestone in 2004 with her ex-husband, Jim, she was a stay-at-home mom doing market research on the side.

Her research, as well as discussions with Vestavia Hills city leaders, showed that the community needed a bookstore like Milestone. The area's high median income and strong school system indicated the business would do well.

Over the years, Brown learned the ropes of the publishing industry and helped build her business through bulk sales to schools and churches.

She also partnered with Vestavia Hills High School by selling books on students' required reading lists during registration, then donating a portion of her proceeds to the Parent Teacher Association.

Milestone was the site of regular book signings, with appearances by both local and international authors. Highlights include Pat Conroy, best known for "The Prince of Tides" and "Beach Music," as well as Ken Follett, who wrote "The Pillars of the Earth."

Brown aggressively pursued Follett, a British author whose 1,000-page tome about cathedral church building in medieval Europe has an almost cult-like following. After numerous e-mails and a letter from Brown, Follet had his publisher include Birmingham on a 2007 tour of major U.S. cities to promote the "Pillars" sequel, "World Without End."

Milestone's best year was 2007, Brown said, and while 2009 was tough for many small businesses, including hers, the store continues to operate in the black.

"I feel like I'm going out on top," she said.

But the publishing industry is changing rapidly, as discount big-box retailers continue to draw sales away from independent merchants. There's also growing competition from electronic readers such as the Kindle, while Apple's iPad -- introduced with much fanfare last week -- is expected to give an additional boost to the electronic book market.

"While personally I will never cuddle up with a Kindle, a lot of people do," she said. "I'm in a declining market."

Brown plans to liquidate her inventory during the next month and encourages customers with gift certificates to use them before it's too late.

At the same time, she's excited about returning to the medical sales field, where she worked earlier in her career. Her new job is at Integrated Medical Systems in Homewood, a firm involved in surgical consulting and instrument repair.

She's also looking forward to spending more time with her 16-year-old twin son and daughter, Carter and Sydney, who have both helped out at Milestone.

A lifelong book lover, Brown said she is thankful for the opportunity to open up a new world for some of her customers.

"It's always been fun for me to help reluctant readers enjoy reading," she said.
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