Meet the Team: The Booklovers Behind The Book Lounge
At The Book Lounge, we believe the best stories are discovered over a perfectly poured glass — and the people who help you find them matter just as much as the books themselves. Nestled in the heart of Meridian, Idaho, we're more than your neighborhood indie bookstore and wine bar. We will be a gathering place for readers, dreamers, and anyone who's ever lost themselves between the pages.
We're so thrilled to introduce the incredible booksellers who will help us bring The Book Lounge to life every single day. These are the folks who will greet you at the door, press a beloved read into your hands, and probably convince you to try a new favorite pour while they're at it. Each of them brings something uniquely special to our shelves — and to our community.
We sat down with each of them for a little Q&A — and of course, we paired each interview with one of our favorite sips from the menu. Pull up a chair, pour something delicious, and get to know the faces behind your favorite fiction lounge.
Gerrhett - Bookseller
Sip & Read Pairing: Brown Beard Brewing IPA
Bold, hoppy, and full of unexpected depth - just like Gerrhett’s book pics. One sip (or recommendation) and you’ll be hooked.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself — how did you end up at The Book Lounge?
Hi everyone! I’m Gerrhett, one of the new booksellers at The Book Lounge! I met the owners at a bookish event last fall and have been keeping tabs on them ever since! Between my love for books, coffee, cozy spaces, and my standard schnauzer Teddy, working in a bookstore feels like the perfect fit.
Q: What's your current favorite book soon to be on our shelves — and who should read it?
Right now, one of my favorite books on our shelves is Fourth Wing— perfect for fans of dragons and magic! If you grew up reading Eragon, this is the adult fantasy for you.
Q: What's are you looking forward to the most about working at The Book Lounge?
What I’m looking forward to most at The Book Lounge is connecting with fellow readers and helping people find their next favorite book.
Q: If your life were a fiction genre, what would it be?
If my life were a fiction genre, it would probably be contemporary adventure with a little bit of chaos and found-family energy.
Ashtin - Bookseller
Sip & Read Pairing: Veer Scavenger Rosé
Light, layered, and a little unexpected — a perfect match for Ashtin’s love of fantasy series that pull you in and refuse to let go.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself — how did you end up at The Book Lounge?
I've been looking for spaces similar to The Book Lounge to enjoy myself as a reader, so it seemed only fitting to apply and be able to help provide the space for others like myself!
Q: What's your current favorite book soon to be on our shelves — and who should read it?
My current favorite book on the shelf is Crescent City, I started House of Flame and Shadow two days ago and I'm already hooked! Lovers of adventure and fantasy should absolutely check it out.
Q: What's are you looking forward to the most about working at The Book Lounge?
Getting to interact with other book lovers every day! My husband doesn't read much, and he will absolutely love that I will have other people that I can rant about my books to.
Q: If your life were a fiction genre, what would it be?
I would say coming of age and self-discovery, with some romance sprinkled in since I've found my husband!
Caitlynn - Bookseller
Sip & Read Pairing: Wild Abandon Cider – Meriweather (Non-Alcoholic)
Refreshing, creative, and proof you don't need alcohol to have a great time — Caitlynn’s approach to books, beverages, and building community, all in one glass.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself — how did you end up at The Book Lounge?
Hi, I’m Caitlynn! As a lifelong writer and genre-hopping bibliophile, I am absolutely thrilled to be one of the lounge leads and booksellers at The Book Lounge! With a passion for reading and building community through books and discussion, it has long been my dream to officially work at an indie bookstore!
Q: What's your current favorite book soon to be on our shelves — and who should read it?
I recently devoured “Persuasion” by Jane Austen (for those who wish to experience peak yearning), and am also so excited to talk about “The Road of Bones” by Demi Winters (series read-along book club anyone?? ), “The Dispossessed” by Ursula K Le Guin (for those who also live for the exploration of thought experiments), and all things diverse, fantastical, and perspective-bending!
Q: What's are you looking forward to the most about working at The Book Lounge?
Having studied and worked in wine, and am currently studying as an herbalist, I am most excited to build relationships and help curate your next favorite book + beverage pairing! There’s little more rewarding than seeing the delight of a satiating drink and hearing the rant of someone’s current book obsession (I also greatly look forward to adding all of your book recs to my already never-ending tbr).
Q: If your life were a fiction genre, what would it be?
My life tends to be a creative and chaotic adventure (the byproduct of too many intriguing special interests) that could only be encompassed by the fluid artistry of speculative fantasy — if I had to choose a genre that is.
It’s almost time to come find your next favorite book (and drink) in Meridian, Idaho
Gerrhett, Ashtin, and Caitlynn are just a few of the passionate readers ready to welcome you at The Book Lounge. Whether you're hunting for your next fantasy obsession, a thought-provoking literary classic, or a cozy corner to enjoy a glass of local Idaho wine, we've got you covered.
The next chapter of your reading life is waiting - we’ll be opening our doors soon. Then, you can stop by The Book Lounge at 33 East Idaho Avenue, Suite 120, Meridian to grab a drink, browse the shelves, and say hello to the team that makes it all happen. We can't wait to welcome you home.
