With only one independent book store left on the island where I live, and the Borders book stores all gone, the recent replacement of the Barnes and Noble with a Ross Dress for Less seemed like the end. Although I find it hard to leave a bookstore without buying a book, clearly my purchases could not sustain their existence, and I too have been guilty of the convenience of mail orders and e-books. But a place without books is like a room without books – says something about who lives there.
So, on my road trip in California, I’ve been seeking out book stores, finding friendly owners who actually read books, and losing myself in the stacks, opening covers, touching pages, feeling the comfort.
So far, thanks to a fellow reader, I found Chaucer’s books in Santa Barbara – bought Rosemary Ahern’s The Art of the Epigraph: How a Great Book Begins a book I never would have found without browsing. Next, nestled among the bakeries and kitschy storefronts of Solvang, I found The Book Loft; my purchase – Valerie Martin’s The Ghost of Mary Celeste.
As I travel North to Monterey, I’ll be looking for more book stores. Do you know of any I can visit? I brought an extra suitcase.
The No Charge Book Bunch 
Fun! I make it a point of buying something whenever I go to a bookstore. It’s a hardship 😉
Like being in a candy store 🙂
Thunderbird bookstore in The Barnyard, Carmel, was my favorite. I hope it still exists. Aloha, Anita Benson Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:28:44 +0000 To: gramanita@hotmail.com
I found Pilgrim’s Way bookstore, and the owner told me that Thunderbird has been gone for 8 years. Nice memory.
So glad you made it to Chaucer’s. Wish I had met you there! There is a nice little bookstore in Carmel – don’t remember the name. Also, if you have the time, the John Steinbeck Museum in Salinas is a great stop for a book lover. Sounds like a wonderful trip!
Chaucer’s was great! Never would have found it w/out you – so thanks again. Will look for bookstores in Carmel and maybe the Steinbeck in Salinas.
We lived in San Luis Obispo for many years. Used to be a good used book store on lower Higuera street. Looks like you are having a good trip.
Suzanne
Found Phoenix Books – lots of character and piles if books everywhere.
Rosemary, I’m so jealous about your visits to multiple bookstores as I sit here on the Island with Just One Bookstore!
It’s great – can’t think of a better do-it-yourself tour.