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09/03/2005: "New Books Galore"

One of the most common comments I hear from people is "Someday I'm going to open a bookshop." Maybe so, but your best bet is to volunteer your time in a bookshop or library to see if it's right for you. I've seen many a "flash in the pan"; people who start hot and burn out quickly. Being a bookseller is a test in patience and tenacity, and the problems that arise cannot be solved by just throwing money at them, but oh my lord, how many people try that!

There's an old story circulated among book merchants about a man who opened a store with the gimmick, "Bring three books and get one for free!" Nice trick to get stock, but it didn't help his bank account. According to the tale, he somehow managed to stay in business for two years and then folded, by which time he had two storage lockers filled to the rafters with books. And a lot of debt, of course.

To paraphrase an old saying, "Man does not live by books alone." ;)

Another wannabe bookseller burst onto the scene with a huge store, brand-new store-bought shelves, a huge staff, and even a marketing director! He brought in stock from other stores and invested in a huge advertising blitz. The initial crowds were good, but the stock was substandard; the advertising kept going until finally the business went belly up. Simply put, whoever stocked the books wasn't a reader.

If you're going to merchandise a single product, know it. I'm reminded of the short story, "The Sound of Summer Running" by Ray Bradbury. In brief, a boy wants new sneakers for the summer, and at the end of the story is arguing with a shoe salesman who isn't wearing sneakers. "Candy store man eats his own candy, don't [sic] he? Cigar store man smokes cigars!" The salesman is entranced by wearing the sneakers, and strikes a deal with the boy. Very good story! I believe it's in Bradbury's book, "'R' is for Rocket".

Many are the times when a customer comes in and finds me sitting in my easy chair with my nose in a book. My new read behind the counter is a copy of "Frankly Speaking: Trader Vic's Own Story". VERY readable!

We have new stock!

I was fortunate enough to be invited to review a personal library, and bought several boxes worth of books. Amongst the purchases:

Island in the Sky, by Ernest K. Gann. First Edition, Second Printing. This was Gann's first adult book, and is a riveting story of an Air Transport pilot. The book has long been out of print, and the movie (starring John Wayne) has never been available on VHS or DVD.

Who's Who in the Bible, by Comay & Browning.

An Encyclopedia of Chinese Food and Cooking.

The Art of Arranging Flowers, by Shozo Sato. This is probably one of the best books explaining the art, and is quite a good explanation of Japanese Ikebana (flower arrangment). Our copy is encased in a transparent plastic jacket to prevent wear.

My Stomach Goes Traveling, by Walter Slezak

Mountains and Molehills, by Frank Marryat. This is the 1952 reproduction of the original 1855 copy, which is still cited by historians as 'the' book about Gold Rush California.

Drifting Down the Delta, by Erle Stanley Gardner. The creator of Perry Mason takes a cruise on the California Delta in 1969. Although best known for his courtroom drama mysteries, very few people were aware of his travel writing. Quite good reading!

That's My Story, by Douglas "Wrong Way" Corrigan. Signed and Inscribed! The story of the famous flyer who intended to fly to California, and wound up in Ireland!

Many more books here, too many to list. Come on in and see them!

BONUS: The construction boss tells me that the roadwork out front will be finished in Mid-November. All you loyal customers, I still need you!