Notes from a Public Typewriter

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 three years ago in Ann Arbor, Michigan, they put out a typewriter for anyone to use. They had no idea what to expect.

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

Now in NOTES FROM A PUBLIC TYPEWRITER Michael and acclaimed author and illustrator Oliver have combined these notes with essays and photos, resulting in a beautiful, four color gift book. It’s a love letter to independent bookstores and a warm, loving portrait of a community that brings to life the magic of these beautiful, funny, inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking messages.