Reflections on 25 Years
A Note from the Editor of Foreword Reviews
As we wrap this issue, it marks the last few days of Foreword’s silver anniversary and I can’t let that pass without expressing my immense gratitude to the Foreword team and the independent presses who help make our success possible. That we are able to continue showcasing some of the most thoughtful, creative, and diverse books the world has ever seen fills me with awe.
After all these years, folks we do business with often share some warm fuzzies—please allow me to mention a couple. At the Texas Library Association annual conference, a tearful and overworked librarian from a small town thanked us for our work and reiterated how important reviews were in the ongoing battle against book bans. Her branch had just gone through a harrowing three weeks defending their collection. In addition, a bookseller who for 20+ years has helped us judge the INDIES Book of the Year Awards, recently shared how gratifying it is to help us recognize small press excellence through our awards program—books that more mainstream prizes often seem to be entirely unaware of. And, a First American at our premier Library Insights Summit reminded us that half of North America’s libraries are rural, and resources like Foreword keeps them from feeling isolated.
I do my best not to let the shaky state of humanity overwhelm me, and instead dream of the great possibilities the next quarter century might hold for the small press community worldwide. No matter what, we will stay fiercely committed to high quality book reviews and interviews from diverse authors, including the important genres of Translation, Poetry, and Ecology & Environment.
Please help us provide world-changing and optimistic content to our avid indie fanbase. Share the wins of your libraries, bookstores, and publishing houses on social media and tag us so we can help you bubble the news in the most positive way possible.
May your new year be filled with great storytelling and peace.
Victoria Sutherland
