About Us

Detour Books: Found in Translation launched as a woman-owned, independent online bookstore on October 1, 2020 from our headquarters in Easthampton, MA. We joined a swell of new business owners around America who were compelled to take a detour in their work lives due to the changes brought on by the Covid19 pandemic.

We are working directly with writers, translators, scholars, and small and large publishers to provide a source for the diverse voices of world literature in English translation with a focus on Yiddish writers, women writers and illustrators, and international children's books. Most of our translated books are making their English language debut.

Our curated catalog of children’s books offers a way of connecting parents and kids with stories that reveal cultural diversity, motivate world travel and learning new languages.

Also, there is no drop shipping here. All the books on our site are on our shelves. Call us old fashion, but our connection with our customers is paramount and hands-on shipping is essential to the high level of customer service we provide. Read about our Shipping Policy here.

A tiny marketplace of uncommon decorative textiles, housewares, letterpress note cards and educational toys has evolved alongside our selective catalog of books. You'll find unique gift ideas for the travelers, readers, writers, and the kids in your life.

The "we" is a small volunteer team of friends and colleagues who have helped push this venture out into cyberspace. With their support in editing, publishing, and marketing we have made a start.

Please let us know how your user experience goes in our shop via email to Sami@detourbooks.com

About the Bookseller:

Sami Keats has worked as a fine art photographer, hand bookbinder and a public school teacher. For six years (2014 to 2020) Sami managed the English language bookstore at the Yiddish Book Center and Museum in Amherst, MA. As a life long bibliophile the transition from bookbinder to bookseller was seamless.

The creation of Detour Books allows for inclusion of writers from all over the globe for adult readers and exceptionally illustrated children's books with stories for the whole family. Just as Sami found endless creative challenges in the darkroom, the bindery and the classroom - her work as a bookseller is charged with the constant evolution of the world of books.