U.S. independent bookstores are discovering how to flourish despite the growth of electronic books with some even looking to form an alliance with a formidable competitor -- Google. The New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association, which represents bookstores in the northeast, said its membership has remained steady at about 300 stores over the last decade. Closures have been offset by new stores opening and existing stores have developed new business strategies. The New York travel bookstore Idlewild offers French and Italian lessons; San Francisco's The Booksmith hosts singles events for book lovers; and Politics and Prose in Washington offers 10 readings...