Elysian Fields Books and More is one of the newest stores popping up in the downtown area to provide a unique retail experience. Co-owner Brian Strawn has been working feverishly to create the right atmosphere and get the store open for regular hours. Strawn says, “Elysian Fields Books is a cozy little family friendly place tucked in the middle of the Oregon District. We are catering to those looking to spend time with friends and used books. We have some refreshments – coffee, tea, and goodies from neighborhood bakeries. We still haven’t named the two cats but we are taking suggestions.” 
Stop by and visit the local owners, enjoy some refreshments, and browse the collection of mostly used and a few new books at 436 E. Fifth Street in the Oregon District.
A focus on friends is the theme for one of the early events at Elysian Fields Books. Jen Violi, the award-winning author of the popular YA fiction, Putting Makeup on Dead People, is coming back to Dayton to offer a reading. Violi graduated from the 
University of Dayton and set her debut novel in familiar places around town. This will be the first visit from Violi since local audiences first discovered the novel through Nicole Amsler’s September 2011 review on DMM.
Don’t miss a great party at a new place with an old (or new!) friend – at Elysian Fields Books on Wednesday, June 13 at 7 PM. Light refreshments, a reading from the novel by the author, and a Q&A with some conversation will fill the recently opened bookstore. More on Jen here!
