I was thinking this morning about the first time I stepped into a large bookstore--along the lines of a Barnes & Noble--and how it had seemed like my birthday, Christmas morning and an “A” on a math test all in one.
See, back in my hometown, in dark ages of my youth, books were purchased at “stationery stores.” There were a few racks that featured paperback best sellers from recognized publishers and authors. And we had one independent bookstore which catered mostly to high-end adult tastes like coffee table books and hardcover copies of the classics. My solitary joy, therefore, was the library.
Until the summer I was 18. I was wandering through the mall in a nearby town when I spied a long storefront and the banner “Paperback Booksmith.” (The chain has since gone out of business, but here’s a photo of one in the Boston area.)
I remember peering in the window and seeing hundreds, maybe thousands of books, and my heart taking off. I dashed in there, and went absolutely crazy. Every book I’d ever wanted, and some I’d never dreamed of. To have and to hold, and to keep!!! I scooped up book after book until I could no longer carry more.
At the register, I proudly wrote a check--I was working and had just opened an account--but for some reason, they didn’t put them in a bag for me. Maybe because I refused to stop holding them?
Outside, I ran into an on/again-off/again boyfriend who looked at me like I was nuts and asked me what I planned to do with all those books. “Uh, read them,” I said, and promptly went home to do just that. Joy to the World.
These days I browse bookstores--both brick-and-mortar and on-line--frequently, and for the most part, taking them for granted. So it’s wonderful to look back on that day and my Tower of Power...and to recall the deep-in-my-soul delight that good books can bring.
On that note, I've got a book deadline, so back to work!
Tina
Tina Ferraro
How to Hook a Hottie - Book Sense Top Teen Pick
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress - Finalist, National Reader’s Choice Award
www.tinaferraro.com
Hi Tina,
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel. I used to carry around those little Golden Books when I was young (so, I've been told) and have always loved reading. It's sad to see some of the independent stores closing, but life does change. I just hope that we never forget how wonderful it is to lose oneself in a good book. Better to get lost in a good book than anyplace else.
Janie
Janie
I used to dream about being locked in a bookstore all night. I couldn't imagine a better place to be trapped! :) I still can't.
ReplyDeleteSo nostalgic, Tina! I love bookstores. For me, my mind always returns to the middle school library where I'd have to hang out early in the morning since my dad was a teacher and I rode in with him. I can still here the squeak of the paperback spinning racks. That was a magic place.
ReplyDeleteThe bees are doing fine in SF but sure miss you and Steph!
Xo,
Heath
Steph,
ReplyDeleteI used to dream about being locked in the public library all night. Occationally, on some of the "wilder" days around the house, I still do! :)