Imagine a book that captures the essence of a community so profoundly that it skyrockets to the top of a national bestseller list, even though it’s only available in a handful of local stores. That’s exactly what’s happened with In the Service of Others—a commemorative book about H & J Smiths, the iconic department store that closed its doors two years ago. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this book, written by Clive Lind, isn’t just a history; it’s a love letter to Southland, a region that holds H & J Smiths close to its heart. Launched on November 24, it’s now sitting proudly at No. 1 on the Paper Plus Top 20 bestselling books chart, despite being sold exclusively in nine Paper Plus stores across Southland and Otago, along with a few independent retailers.
And this is the part most people miss: the book’s success isn’t about commercial ambition. As Jason Smith, the current managing director, explains, it was created to preserve a piece of Southland’s identity—a place that shaped generations. ‘‘We wrote this book to capture the heart of a place that shaped all of us,’’ he says. ‘‘To see it reach the top of the national bestseller list is humbling and powerful. This result tells us the heart still beats strong.’’
Acton Smith, who led the company for three decades, adds that the overwhelming response has been ‘‘deeply meaningful’’ for the family. ‘‘It’s incredibly moving to see how strongly Southlanders have embraced this book,’’ he reflects. ‘‘H & J Smith has always belonged to the community as much as it belonged to our family. This milestone shows how deeply people care about the legacy and the stories held within these pages.’’
Clive Lind, the author, notes that the public’s reaction highlights the profound connection people had with the store. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Does the success of this book suggest that local stories, when told authentically, can resonate far beyond their geographic boundaries? Or is this a unique case, fueled by nostalgia and a community’s deep-rooted love for a lost institution? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective on why this book has struck such a chord.
