John Grisham may have moved from Oxford to Virginia some two decades ago, but he has and always will be a part of Oxford.

Take Square Books as an example. Widely recognized as one of the best bookstores in America, Grisham played a vital role in the independent store’s rise to greatness.

Making Square Books his home bookstore in the early 1990s when his suspense novels found international fame, Grisham helped add to the already established aura of Oxford as a literary town and Square Books as a literary centerpiece nationally.

That’s why this summer’s return of Grisham to Square Books holds so much meaning. He hasn’t toured in years, but will visit a handful of bookstores for his “Camino Island” tour, a new book out in early June.

Grisham would not think of doing a tour that did not include Oxford, and Square Books, so his June 20 stop here will be meaningful for both the city and its favorite bookstore.

Unlike days gone-by, when Grisham would sign thousands of copies, only 200 lucky raffle winners will get a book copy signed in person, but the event holds significance far beyond that.

We’re glad John Grisham still considers Oxford and Square Books an important part of his story, and we feel the same way about him.