Searching for safe places
If I could travel back in time, I’d tell my childhood self that one day I would have enough disposable income to purchase any book I desired. When I was in elementary school, I loved thumbing through the book fair flyers, circling the books I couldn’t live without. And the day the orders arrived I couldn’t wait to bring them home.
I had a library card, but those books were only visitors to my shelves. The loaned books I had to handle with care so I could return them in the same state as they were when borrowed. I couldn’t read them again and again, until the spines cracked and pages fell from the bindings.
Now I love collecting books. Recently I went with my friend Cathy to Denton, a nearby city with three lovely bookstores on the town square. All within walking distance of each other, providing you stop by your car and unload the heavy purchases before venturing to the next stop. First on our agenda was Recycled Books – a three story treasure house of used books.
Our second stop was at Denton’s newest bookstore – The Plot Twist. This shop is a cozy stop just off the square. They are a combination book store and bar, so you can unwind with a glass of wine while you browse the books. The Plot Twist is a romance bookstore so I was skeptical about whether I, a horror writer and reader, would find something. But I am also a fan of anything paranormal or witchy so I left with three books. I don’t think I’ve ever left any bookstore without buying a book or two or three or four.
Around the corner we found Patchouli Joe’s Books and Indulgences. Not only did I find a book or two, but because I signed up for their free newsletter during my birthday month, I received a free bar of their scented soap. (Part of the indulgences for sale in the shop.) I would have subscribed without the soap, but it was a nice reward.
No matter the size of the store, I can spend hours searching for the perfect books. It’s not so much the hunt as it is the desire to linger in the safe space. Libraries and book stores serve as doors to different worlds. There, I can travel safely no matter what horrors the outside world contains. I can exchange battling dragons, evading zombies, and conspiring with witches for worrying over whether National Parks, Social Security, and basic human decency will continue to exist.
I own what some might describe as a book hoard but I have named the ever-growing piles of unread tomes “my library.” Never mind that said library has spilled out of my office, into the living room, onto the floor of my bedroom, and occasionally can be found on the dining room table. The simple solution would be to stop buying books until I’ve read them all, but there is something so comforting about the stacks. The world outside is dangerous, but inside my home I have a fortress of books.
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Let's Get Out of Here 
Agreed:
“The simple solution would be to stop buying books until I’ve read them all, but there is something so comforting about the stacks.”
I do the same thing, and I doubt I’ll stop anytime soon.
It looks like a time was had, and that’s all that matters. Enjoy your finds!
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Lol – My Kindle is also full of unread novels. And I often realize I’ve bought a paper copy of a book I already have as an ebook.
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I don’t even use my Kindle App anymore; not for at least 3 years, maybe?! Strictly old-school paper or hardback books.
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I’ve visited 2 out of the 3 so far. Looking forward to visiting Plot Twist and checking to see if my book is still on the shelf at Patchouli Joe’s.
Life is short. Buy the book.
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Plot Twist is pretty cool. The ladies running it are a mother and daughter and they are nice and welcoming. It’s a small space, but they have a good variety of books. AND the bar! They hadn’t opened it yet when we were there but I see on their website they now have their liquor license. 😉
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Wow. What a place. One could spend the whole day browsing and refilling — I’m jealous. Be well, friend.
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Denton, Texas is definitely a great place to visit. It’s a college town with two universities so that may contribute to the bookish atmosphere! Recycled books is my favorite. So many books waiting for a good home lol.
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Loved this visit to my Alma mater!
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What a lovely day you had! My favorite job EVER was working at Taylor’s Bookstores – both at the Whiterock and Northwest Hwy locations. Oh and for a short while at the Technology bookstore on Macon Road. As the old song goes, Those were the days my friend!!
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