As the snowflakes gently melt on my windshield and I wind my way slowly into bustling Lake Placid, it seems like winter has finally arrived in the Adirondacks. Whiteface Mountain is alive with lots of fast-moving dots teeming down the ski trails, and the streets and stores are crowded with both tourists and last-minute local holiday shoppers. I am celebrating the season appropriately by getting myself to The Bookstore Plus on Main Street to catch the book signing by Olympic Gold Medalist for bobsled, Steven Holcomb.

The Bookstore Plus is one of my favorite shops in Lake Placid. Not only is it chockfull of a wonderful selection of good, "old-fashioned" books, but it also has a great stationery section, art supplies, music books, and often a sleeping dog. I have even heard the owner invite folks in with their own dogs.

In addition, The Bookstore Plus regularly hosts author signings. Today it is Gold Medal Olympic bobsledder Steven Holcomb who will be sitting at the table surrounded by his new book: "But Now I See, My Journey from Blindness to Olympic Gold."

I was able to get a review copy and take a quick read-through before my trip to Lake Placid. It is a touching and compelling true story of Steven's battle with blindness and his passion for snow sports.

The book describes how Steven, a native of Utah, entered the world of winter sports, in particular the sport of bobsledding. He won the Olympic gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and he captured the first 2-man title ever for the United States in the 2012 World Championships. But, paralleling the story of his exciting athletic career, is his personal story of the "incurable" eye disease that would ultimately force him out of the sport, miraculously, not for long.

In the publisher's press release drawn from the book, Steven is quoted saying, "Unfortunately, as the spotlight grew brighter, my ability to see it got worse." The release goes on to describe the book as, "the intimate portrait of a man's pursuit of a dream, laced with humility and the faith to find a way when all seems hopeless."

At the signing today, Steven is happy to share his experiences with the many folks who have taken the time out from their busy holiday schedule to stop in to shake his hand, get a book signed, a picture taken, or just take a look at the gold medal proudly displayed on the signing table. His popularity knows no age limits—there are children here who want to be bobsled drivers themselves and adults who have followed many an Olympic season, and there are even folks who have already read the book and praise Steven on his literary accomplishment as well as his athletic achievements.

Steven will be traveling to Russia shortly to continue living his dream.

The Bookstore Plus will be hosting author Jenny Milchman on January 28 for the signing of her new novel, "Cover of Snow" which has an Adirondack setting.

For more information about the happenings at the store click through to The Bookstore Plus website.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, swimming, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.