Notes from a Public Typewriter

By: Michael Gustafson - editor, Oliver Uberti - editor

Narrated by: Michael Gustafson, Will Collyer, Christine Lakin, Ron Butler, Roxana Ortega

A collection of confessional, hilarious, heartbreaking notes written anonymously on a public typewriter for fans of PostSecret and Other People's Love Letters.

When Michael Gustafson and his wife Hilary opened Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan, they put out a typewriter for anyone to use. They had no idea what to expect. Would people ask metaphysical questions? Write mean things? Pour their souls onto the page? Yes, no, and did they ever.

Every day, people of all ages sit down at the public typewriter. Children perch atop grandparents' knees, both sets of hands hovering above the metal keys: I LOVE YOU. Others walk in alone on Friday nights and confess their hopes: I will find someone someday. And some leave funny asides for the next person who sits down: I dislike people, misanthropes, irony, and ellipses ... and lists too.

In Notes From the Public Typewriter Michael and designer Oliver Uberti have combined their favorite notes with essays and photos to create an ode to community and the written word that will surprise, delight, and inspire.

Most enjoyable

Michael and Hilary Gustafson dreamt of owning and operating their own bookstore. That dream came true in Ann Harbor. Michael added his grandfather’s old typewriter and encouraged people of all ages to type. Some wrote simple sentences and others wrote paragraphs. All the writings gave him, his wife, and their staff a peek into the lives and souls of those who visited the store. Some of the notes are sweet while others will tear at your heart strings (Hi, Max). Along with the notes, Michael tells stories here and there about the visitors and the store. This rounds everything out and makes it a very enjoyable read.

Sweet sweet book

This was a sweet darling book all about words, books, lives, loves. A quick easy listen. Love the readers. Highly recommend. It will restore faith in humanity too!