Roger W. Carlson

Roger was one of the noblest people I ever met. Let him rest in peace. Alex Rivlin, bibliophile and bookbinder.

So sorry to hear of your loss, Aunt Deb and my cousins who I (sadly) never see.
Uncle Roger always seemed like a great guy, the few times I got to see him.

I recall the first of many times that I visited Bookman's Alley. I loaded up with more books than I had expected to buy, and, of course, I didn't have enough cash or my checkbook with me. Roger just told me to send him a check. I protested: you don't even know me. It didn't matter. Roger was truly a first-class person. It was a delight to visit with him. I regret I didn't do so more often.

I loved to shop in Bookman's Alley and had many pleasant exchanges with Mr. Carlson. He was never without a good book recommendation and a kind word. My condolences to his family and friends on the loss of this fine man.

I'll miss Roger, and the notice of his passing brought back many memories of my innumerable visits to his B.A., going back to 1981 when I was a graduate student at NU, and many visits thereafter. The many people to whom I referred him to purchase their books, the idiosyncratic and delightful decorative touches appropriate to each subject section of the cavernous store, his pleasant demeanor not attuned to mindless chit-chat, all that and more are fondly remembered.

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Carlson's family. I didn't know him personally, but I visited Bookman's Alley a few times. There is only one word for that store - Magic. There will never be another store like that and it is Roger Carlson who made it so special. I still remember my awe the first time I visited. It looked like this little shop, but it wasn't. It went on forever. As will my memory of Bookman's Alley and it's kind, gentle owner.

Very sorry to hear about Roger's passing. He was a great man - friendly, knowledgeable, keen sense of humor, a fine bookman, a gentleman. One of a kind. A classy person. I knew him for about 30 years and will miss him sorely. I know his last few years were very difficult for him and for his family due to the many physical challenges he faced. Loved his shop. Everyone did. What a charming place he created with his own special personality. Always looked forward to going to his shop and...

Charming, witty, smart, generous and about the nicest guy you would ever want to meet.

Dear family of Roger,
My condolences to the family. This is a difficult time, but there is someone that you can throw your anxieties on. At 1 Peter 5:6,7 God wants us to pray to him and let him know our distress because he cares for us. Best wishes.