Houston Book Community Mourns Local Literary Titan Karl Kilian Kilian helped forge the Bayou City's place on the national literary stage, founding Brazos Bookstore and co-founding Inprint. By Emma Schkloven 12/11/2020 at 1:56pm Mention the name Karl Kilian to just about anyone in Houston's literary community, and theyâll come back at you with a story about the Brazos Bookstore founder. âKarl seemed to have read every book he ever stocked,â recalls Matt Henneman, co-owner and current chairman of Brazosâs board of directors, âand he never failed to have a great recommendation handy.â Adds Blue Willow Bookshop owner Valerie Koehler: âHe was the consummate bookseller, knowledgeable in every way. Karl was a staunch supporter of the literary arts in Houston; a legend in the Houston book scene.â