It’s a tough business, but like Twain, the demise of independent bookstores has been exaggerated

For the past 12 years, through rocky times that included falling into receivership in 2007 and recovery under new owners, Jennifer Kandarian has worked at Books on the Square in Providence. Operating an independent bookstore, said the manager, is “about being a detective and helping [customers] find what they’re looking for rather than having stacks