I saw a post on Facebook last week asking why people still buy books—physical books that is—and I was very interested in the comments. They ran the gamut from wanting to read off-screen from those who use computers all day, to readers who just want to build a library of favorites. Some liked the feel of a book in their hands and others liked the fact they could share the
ir physical books.
I’m not at all picky about reading format but I buy a lot of books and whenever possible, I buy them from Independent bookstores. My reason? I want to do my part to make sure there will always be Indy bookstores. They are magical places owned by people who love books as much, if not more, than I do. And they know “things.” You can walk into any Indy bookstore and say, I love Agatha Christie—Miss Marple, not Poirot, at least not as much. What else would I like? And they know!
I love the packed shelves and overflowing boxes. Whenever I travel, I look for a bookstore in the area because they all reflect the personalities of the owners and differ in selection and style.
Many bookstores bring authors in to chat with readers. I’ve been lucky enough to live near two in particular; The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, AZ and Aunt Agatha’s in Ann Arbor, MI (sadly, now closed) where I’ve met some of my favorite authors.
I’ve spent so many happy hours browsing the shelves at bookstores I hope physical books and the bookstores that sell them live on forever. How about you? Do you have a favorite bookstore?
NEWS: Bouchercon 2019 will be at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas. I’ll be on the Agatha Christie panel November 1st at 1:00. Then at the Kensington signing until 4:00. If you’ll be there, come by and say hello!