“I love walking into a bookstore. It's like all my friends are sitting on shelves, waving their pages at me.” ~Tahereh Mafi
Yesterday my husband had to meet a client in the late afternoon. We'd planned on attending a jazz concert at that time at a local college, but late Sunday afternoon was the only time his client was available.
I was disappointed that we weren't going to attend the concert, something we enjoyed together on a semi-regular basis. But when he told me his meeting was at Barnes and Noble, a favorite hangout I hadn't visited in a long time, my mood changed.
I was delighted.
Being weaned on books by two parents who are still avid readers, reading has always played an important role in my life. I was an English literature major in college because of it, and became a writer to try to weave words together to tell a good story.
I admittedly order my books from Amazon or directly onto my Kindle. I say "admittedly" because when people first started using tablets or ordering online I was a little embarrassed and, not wanting to be lambasted by my book group, I'd say things like, "I hardly order online" or "I still prefer buying the actual book from a bookstore, but if I'm traveling the tablet is easier."
With the advent of the Internet and the demise of the bookstore I feel sad thinking that my son's generation and the ones who follow won't know what it feels like to lose yourself in a bookstore for hours. What the smell and tactile sensation of touching and leafing through book after book does for the soul. What it feels like to sit cross-legged on the floor, thoroughly absorbed in the prose of what you are reading.
Mom passing on her love of reading to two of her grandsons
When my son was young we had fun going to Barnes and Noble's Storytime when parents would bring their young children to have stories read aloud. It was a magical time for us, and afterward I would tell my son to choose a book he'd like to bring home.
Sigh. I miss those days.
When I walked into the store yesterday it was like visiting an old friend. That smell - ah - how I love that book smell that pours over you. It's as calming and restorative as smelling the fragrance of peonies.
The store seemed more crowded now with it's holiday offerings and displays of specially priced books. But to me it was like going home. And the hour and a half that I had to myself seemed magical. Not only because I had a chance to leisurely peruse book after book, but also because my momentary flashes of memories brought me back to a time and place of complete serenity.
That is the power of a bookstore.
By far, the saddest outcome of technology. I love book stores, too.
I was just discussing the other day how I hate that I have gone to "the dark side", in that I am a committed e-book lover now. I resisted at first --- mostly because I didn't want to contribute to the demise of the book store or God forbid, the library, but as my eyes have grown weaker --- I wear progressive tri-focals now --- it has made reading an actual book difficult, particularly late at night. Also, reading on the tablet has saved my marriage --- no more arguing about the light shining in my husband's eyes as I promise to turn it off right after I "finish this chapter"; no more fooling with book lights that are cumbersome, not strong enough, or that I just can't put my hands on ("it was here last night, I swear!").
Yes, I have embraced the e-book and, I'm sorry to say, that I am one of the reasons that the book store will, undoubtedly, go the way of the dinosaur. As long as we have them, though, I, like you, can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
I adore bookstores. I had trouble using the kindle. Was I contributing to the demise? But bookstores were gone long before my Kindle arrived. I love the spirit of book stores. Nothing can replace it. In Monterey CA near me we have the most wonderful old used bookstore. It's absolute heaven to just be and let the books wash over you.
The book store and the library where all our old friends and new friends hang out!
I see the benefits of reading electronically but only in addition to real books, not instead of them. I think bookstores serve so many purposes beyond the actual book you buy, and that's what we're losing. There is nothing better for the soul than spending a day in a bookstore!
I love the convenience of my Kindle. I am a convert. But I LOVE bookstores. We in Portland are so lucky to have Powell's, probably the best bookstore in the nation. When we go there on outings, we'll always buy something just to support our local bit of heaven. I don't have the same loyalty to national chains.
I still head to the library on rainy days when I need a pick me up - roam the aisles and find a book that I never would have discovered had I not seen the cover and touched the the pages.
I love used book stores - in particular those that have very little order where I have to dig to unearth treasures. I do read electronically and listen (obsessively) to audio books but there is nothing like a great used bookstore in my opinion :-)!
I love bookstores and am so sad to see so many closing! They are a special, magical place and I always feel good walking into one!
"What it feels like to sit cross-legged on the floor, thoroughly absorbed in the prose of what you are reading."
Yes to this whole post, but especially to this! Sitting cross-legged with a stack of books is the quintessential experience in a bookstore and/or library for me. Thank you for inviting me to share Barnes & Noble with you. <3
I am so with you. My favorite are the second-hand book stores, I can get lost for hours in them. When I was newly divorced I had a fantasy of moving to Whitefish, Montana and opening up a coffee shop that sold second hand books, needless to say it remained a fantasy. Libraries have a similar feeling for me too. So glad you enjoyed your afternoon after all and it led to the inspiration for this post too!
One of my most favorite things to do in the world is to wander around aimlessly in bookstores. Pure delight!
I, too, love bookstores- I usually set aside time to "get lost reading" in the bookstore- other readers just don't get it!
I so identify with your post. I too order everything from Amazon and read on my kindle but love to spend hours at Barnes and Noble. I am a total "bookaholic" and my house is filled and filled with shelves of books. I love books and I love nothing more than loosing myself in a novel. I now have less time available and don't have the luxury to read a book for pleasure. But walking through Barnes and Noble is still one of my great pleasures.
Rainy Day Books, my local independent bookstore, is a local treasure. No better place to spend a rainy day.
Omgosh, I loved this post (this is your cheerleader speaking here. Pay attention...). I'm so glad you had that time in the bookstore to reminisce the good ol' days and to peruse the books...
I have such fond memories of taking my boys to Borders, but then alas...our local Borders closed up...I feel abandoned and want to shout no, no, no!
Luckily, we have a good B and N at the mall nearby. A great outing. I hope they never close.
Nothing replaces real books. Kindle Shmindle...it's not the same.
Thanks Cathy for sharing your thoughts on this topic. 🙂
Your devoted cheerleader (haha)
I also love bookstores, but rarely get to go to them anymore unless it's with my daughter.
Remember though how everyone lambasted Barnes and Nobles and Borders when they first came out because THEY killed the individual book seller? (Sleepless in Seattle?) and remember how people bemoaned the loss of the small town library...These times they are a changin'
I will actually seek-out a bookstore when I'm in need of a mood lift. Does the trick every time.
It is so terribly sad that bookstores are becoming an endangered species. We have none in our immediate area. The closest Barnes & Noble is about 15 minutes away, which is not that bad, but still farther than I'd like. I'm glad you have one to go to.