PowellsBooks.Blog
Authors, readers, critics, media − and booksellers.

Three Lives & Co. 
New York City, NY

Dear Three Lives & Co.,

I’ve only visited you once but I’ve been talking about you non-stop ever since. The red corner door, the gorgeous wood details, the bookseller who immediately asked a customer (by name!) how they enjoyed their last read (by title!)… Magical.

Your admirer from afar,
Sarah R.

Elliot Bay Book Company 
Seattle, WA

Dear Elliott Bay Book Company,

Every time I’m in town I stop to visit you, without fail. There’s so much to praise you for, but I will limit myself to this: as a former buyer, I recognize and appreciate that you carry many difficult-to-source and low-discount items because you care about your customers and our unending need for scripts from obscure off-Broadway plays.

Thank you for always indulging me,
Keith M.

Books with Pictures 
Portland, OR

Dear Books with Pictures,

Your store is one of my happy places. You gave me a place to feel safe while shopping for comics. I've also found so many of my favorite titles because of your staff and your super-human ability to take one look at me and say, "You should read this." You are ALWAYS correct.

Thank you for existing,
Shayna

Massy Books 
Vancouver, BC

Dear Massy Books,

I still have the sheet of paper a bookseller filled out when I asked for recommendations of great Canadian authors in August of 2017. It was obvious your staff was passionate about their profession and I’ll always think of your wonderful store when I see a copy of No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod.

Your American friend,
Jeff

Magic City Books 
Tulsa, OK

Dear Magic City Books,

I found you on a walk through the Tulsa Arts District and fell in love with your beautiful bookstore and the work you do to help literacy thrive through the Tulsa Literary Coalition. Someday, I'll be able to visit you again!

All my love,
Dee

Newtown Book & Record Exchange 
Newtown, PA

Dear Newtown Book & Record Exchange,

Though we’ve been apart for over 25 years now, I still think so fondly of our time together. Whether it was a well-worn Dean Koontz mass market, C+C Music Factory’s debut album on cassette, or a place to spend all of the loose change I regularly pilfered from my dad, you were always there to slake my insatiable thirst for books and music.

Thanks for helping a young kid find his way so many moons ago,
Jeremy

Raven Book Store 
Lawrence, KS

Dear Raven Book Store,

You probably have a lot of valentines to read, so I’ll keep this brief: I think you’re great. Your advocacy for independent bookstores and the United States Postal Service makes me swoon; every social media post featuring your bookstore cats makes me smile (happy retirement, Ngaio!); and the announcement that some of your workers would share ownership of you made my heart grow three sizes. One day, I hope to walk your aisles, meet your booksellers, and sneak Dashiell some treats, but until then, I’ll settle for admiring you from afar.

Yours in bookselling and resistance,
Tove H.

Borderlands Books 
San Francisco, CA

To my enigmatic Borderlands Books,

I have wandered your aisles lost in fantasy, sci-fi, and the imaginations of your store. You introduced me to the provocative, illusive, and, out of this world stories. I have since moved away from the Bay area, but you are always in my heart and mind. Ripley, the sphynx cat, will always be at mind when I visit next.

Till our next meeting,
James

Cape Atlantic Book Company 
Cape May, NJ

Dear Atlantic Books in Cape May, NJ,

It's been 22 years and there are 3000 miles between us these days, but you'll always be the place I discovered reading for pleasure. I hope you're holding up okay these days.

Gratefully,
Angelo

Editor's Note: The original Atlantic Books that Angelo is writing to has closed! Cape Atlantic Book Company is a successor nearby, opened by a manager of the former Atlantic Books shop.

Bob's Beach Books 
Lincoln City, OR

Dear Bob's Beach Books,

I almost drove by on Highway 101 without stopping, but then I saw the airplane cockpit sticking out of the side of your bookstore, and of course I had to STOP. It's obvious that you own the building. Inside, I lost myself in the tiny nooks and crannies of your amazing bookstore and spent 30 minutes reading a book about Tom McCall and his iconic beach bill. Your bookstore is gloriously disheveled and full of personality. My favorite kind.

I can't wait to see you again for my next beach read,
Carole R.

Books 'N' Bears 
Florence, OR

Dear Books 'N' Bears,

I fell in love with your perfect little bookshop as soon as I stepped through the door. Though your footprint is small, you had exactly the book I needed. As if a trip to the sand dunes wasn’t magical enough on its own!

Planning a trip to Florence to visit again,
April

Browsers Bookshop
Olympia, WA

Dear Browsers Bookshop,

Your stacks and sweet gift displays warm my heart on even the rainiest of days. Your kind and charming booksellers are always willing to talk and listen, offering the best recommendations. I pine for your sweet window displays and brick walls.

Your friend in books,
Bry

Wallace Books 
Portland, OR

Dear Wallace Books,

From the moment I first laid eyes on the cozy, yellow bookshop in the heart of Sellwood, I was smitten. I am absolutely head over heels for your floor-to-ceiling selection and wide variety of new and used books.

Here's to many more rainy afternoons together,
John

Left Bank Books 
Seattle, WA

Dear Left Bank Books,

My heart always leaps when I arrive in Pike Place Market & see you! When I had a car it was covered in bumper stickers I got from you, & for you I make an exception to my only-purchase-books-I've-read rule & take a chance on something new.

Lovies,
Suzanne

Twice Sold Tales 
Seattle, WA

Dear Twice Sold Tales,

While your labyrinth of floor-to-ceiling shelves and stacks of books is definitely worth the trip, what I really love is your menagerie of store cats.

Stay purr-fect,
~Gary

Tsunami Books 
Eugene, OR

Dear Tsunami Books,

Thanks for being a comfy place to go whenever I was feeling down. Your big bookshelf of cheap, used classics is one of the best things I could ever ask for!

A big fan,
Nic

Dudley's Bookshop Cafe 
Bend, OR

Dear Dudley's Bookshop Cafe,

I loved meeting you last summer, even if it was only for a short while. When one of your cashiers saw my selection of books and wrote down a wonderful recommendation for me to look up later, I knew I would someday return to see you again.

Your admirer,
Marley

Robert's Bookshop 
Lincoln City, OR

Dear Robert's Bookshop,

Your many rooms leading into rooms and then more rooms of every kind of book provide hours of diversion in what seems to me to be possibly the second biggest bookstore in Oregon, a dreamlike treasure built into a coastal forest hillside in Lincoln City.

from Andy, a fan when I can

Brused Books 
Pullman, WA

Dear Brused Books,

A date with you was always spent unearthing adventure. Stocking my college years with secondhand vamps, Palouse maps, and a severely deteriorated Le Morte d'Arthur I miraculously still have, you really knew me best. ♥ ♥

Miss you,
Hannah W.

The Ripped Bodice 
Culver City, CA

Ripped Bodice,

From one Romance bookseller to another...Ripped Bodice, you have my heart ♥ when it comes to tracking down those hard-to-find swoony titles.

xoxo Mecca, a fellow ROMANCE enthusiast

Tin Can Mailman 
Arcata, CA

Dear Tin Can Mailman,

Your overflowing shelves and quiet corners were as much a part of my college days as a walk in the redwoods or a climb up to Founders Hall. Your iconic blue corner building is still a must-visit anytime I'm back in Arcata!

With love and fond memories,
Lesley

Shakespeare and Company 
Paris, France

Dear Shakespeare and Company,

Your labyrinthine, cramped, musty, historic, toppling-over, floor-to-ceiling, half-organized bookstore is the epitome of what a bookstore should be, and if my one visit ends up being my only visit, I can say that I will remember it forever.

Never change,
Jason

Books Are Magic 
Brooklyn, NY

Dear Books Are Magic,

You’re everything I’ve ever looked for in a bookstore and my love for you is *magic*! You are relatable, approachable, cultured, and kind. You’re creative, informed, warm, and witty. You’re small and humble, with a big heart and bigger impact on readers. Thank you for the love you show to this indie community and any time we interact on social media (swoon!).

Your admirer,
Hannah S.

Jupiter's Books 
Cannon Beach, OR

Dear Jupiter's Books,

There is something so comforting about your books stacked to the ceiling, the smell of the books, and the quiet treasure hunt within your walls where time means nothing. I love stopping by any time I am in Cannon Beach!

Until next time,
Shayna

Fact & Fiction 
Missoula, MT

Dear Fact & Fiction,

A trip home wouldn't be the same without your cozy embrace. I fell in love with you years ago and distance has made the heart grow fonder. I long to browse your staff picks and your local author section. I'll see you soon.

Love,
Bry

Eclipse Bookstore 
Bellingham, WA

Dear Eclipse Bookstore,

You are the platonic ideal of a used bookstore. The perfect blend of organization and chaos; the incredible view; the charming location. Whenever I adventure to Bellingham, trawling your shelves for surprising hidden treasures is a must-do. Thank you for the Tamora Pierce mass markets that completed my collection.

As the conversation hearts say, “U Rule,”
Madeline S.

Auntie's Bookstore 
Spokane, WA

Dear Auntie's Books,

A first love always holds a special place in your heart, and you are no exception. I may have moved on to new cities and different bookstores, but you will always be my favorite place to come browse the stacks.

Forever yours,
Baylie B.

Still North Books & Bar 
Hanover, NH

To Still North Books & Bar,

I got to have the first beer your ever poured!

There could be no greater happiness than sitting in your sunny front windows, watching little Hanover cycle through its seasons.

Thank you for 100 perfect afternoons,
The Comp Lit major

Titcomb's Bookshop 
East Sandwich, MA

Dear Titcomb's Bookshop,

Your dark woody banisters lead to three floors of new and antiquarian treasures, all part of your charm as a three-story bookstore add-on to a 1690 house on Cape Cod. The Titcomb family built the store (along the wrought iron sculpture/landmark out front) and they've been masterfully hawking tomes there for more than 50 years. Viva Vicky!

From Andy, a former browser, now a continent away

Lucy's Books 
Astoria, OR

Dear Lucy's Books,

I discovered you on an apocalyptic day, the summer of 2020, when smoke was everywhere. Everything else was closed due to COVID and the fires, but yet you soldiered on. Thanks for taking me in and for having a Tardis in your store.

You are the coolest!
Anne Rowe

Magers & Quinn 
Minneapolis, MN

The Booksellers of Magers & Quinn,

When I'm missing Minneapolis, which is often (yes, even in the coldest months of winter), I think about the many hours I've spent in Magers & Quinn, browsing the recently arrived used books, and finding hidden gems in the poetry section. It's been a couple of long years since I've been home, but I hope to see you again soon!

Still a Minnesotan at heart,
Adam P.

Skylight Books 
Los Angeles, CA

Dear Skylight Books,

In my favorite recurring dream, I am petting your store cat, Franny, and sitting under your sun-spackled ficus tree. With a teetering stack of books beside me, I am reading (to Franny) the opening pages of Salinger's Franny and Zooey, when Zooey Deschanel approaches me and hands me a copy of a very rare Aimee Bender book, that no one even knows about yet. It is festooned with Post-It Notes, Book Darts, pressed flowers, and marginalia. I'm not sure what it all means, but I feel like I'm in love. Happy Valentine's Day.

Kevin S.

Longfellow Books 
Portland, ME

Dear Longfellow Books,

You're one of my favorite places to visit when I go home to Maine. A lovely quiet space in the middle of the city, it's as much fun to quietly browse the shelves as it is to people-watch out the window onto Monument Square.

With love from the Other Portland,
Chris B.

Another Read Through 
Portland, OR

Dear Another Read Through

I’m missing your lovely brick-and-mortar store and its sweet tree since you had to close physical doors, but what I’ve always loved the most about you is your spirit, which lives on in your online form — and I’m so happy knowing you’re out there, still selling books and supporting your community and being you. Long live Another Read Through, and I hope to one day walk through your doors again.

Love,
Gigi L.

Vintage Books 
Vancouver, WA

Dear Vintage Books,

You are a bright, sunny day in this dreary world of rain. The thought of spending a cozy afternoon within your bookshelves brings me joy. I adore Maisie and Dickens! I eagerly await playing hide and seek with them, even though I know they will win.

Eternally your admirer,
Mariette E.

Housmans Bookshop 
London, England

Dear Housmans Bookshop,

My beloved, though an ocean separates us, I dream every night of your beautiful books, kind staff, cozy isles, and radical commitment to social justice. Our paths may have crossed for just a moment in time, yet I have left forever changed and long to return to your literary embrace.

Forever yours,
Ben

Prairie Lights 
Iowa City, IA

Dear Prairie Lights,

Even though I broke up with you, I'll still always love you a lot. You made the dark, sub-zero nights on the Iowa prairie seem almost cozy when you hosted stellar writers, while serving hot coffee and wine. I left a small piece of my heart at the back of the poetry stack on the first floor. ♥

Marianne T.

Adventures Underground
Richland, WA

Dear Adventures Underground,

Thanks for putting so much effort into providing a place for nerds of all kinds to be themselves and discover new friends/writing/comics/games/etc. Adventures Underground is a lifegiving oasis in the figurative and literal desert of SE WA! I love you and I'm in love with you.

Yours truly,
Adam

Writer's Block Bookstore 
Winter Park, FL

Dear Writer's Block Bookstore,

I first visited you at your original location in Winter Park, where your cushy reading chairs and tall white shelves offered a second home. Your chalkboard signage became as dear to me as any piece of art, so moonstruck was I.

Your enamored patron,
Lauren Heather

Green Bean Books
Portland, OR

Dear Green Bean Books,

You are an amazing and vibrant neighborhood bookstore specializing in children's books. Immediately upon walking inside, you're enchanted and all those magical feelings you felt as a child with a book in your hand come rushing to the surface. For kids of all ages (and those buying books for kids), it's a dream come true.

Love,
Rebecca W.

A Room of One's Own 
Madison, WI

Dear A Room of One's Own,

I'm in awe of the work you do, from Bookstores Against Borders to Queer Qare Packages and beyond! Your staff picks make my heart sing, your Twitter feed brings joy to my otherwise terrible scrolling. I was lucky enough to spend a crisp, sunny, snowy afternoon in your old location, and I'm looking forward to making my way back to Wisconsin and absolutely failing to play it cool in the new space.

♥ ♥ ♥,
Michelle C.

Cavalier House Books 
Denham Springs, LA

Dearest Cavalier House Books,

It's been far too long since we've seen each other. I can still picture the rainy Antique District of Denham Springs reflected in your perfectly polished windows. Wishing you and your owners the happiest of days. I love you forever.

Your distant and faithful friend,
Stacy Wayne

The Town of Hay-on-Wye
Wales

Hay-on-Wye, Wales,

Your entire town is dedicated to bookshops and what could be better than that! Shout out to the Children's Bookstore for helping me to track down the UK edition of the best children's Christmas book ever, Christmas in Exeter Street by Diane Hendry. I dream of visiting your bookstore-lined streets again.

Yours,
Anne Rowe

Loganberry Books 
Shaker Heights, OH

Dear Loganberry Books,

Every time I went home to visit my dad in Cleveland, we'd set aside an all-too-short afternoon to wander through your vast and lofty and book-filled depths. Now when I go, I go to remember him.

Thanks for the memories,
Warren B.

Word After Word
Truckee, CA

Dearest Word After Word,

I visited you during the summer of 2020, and it was the first time I had been to a bookstore in 6 months. Your recommendations were thoughtful and authentic and I left teary eyed with a stack of books. Thank you for being my home away from home.

Forever grateful,
Carrie K.

White Whale Bookstore 
Pittsburgh, PA

Dear White Whale Bookstore,

Call me Moby Dick because I just can't seem to quit you. I know, I know: we still haven't met, but there's something about that storefront appearing on social media that makes my heart swoon. Thank you for being here. ♥

♥ ♥ ♥,
Katherine M.

Munro's Books 
Victoria, BC

Dear Munro's Books,

I absolutely love your airy, open space and your bookseller's depth of knowledge. The last time I was in, I asked about Canadian poets who aren't well known in the US, and walked out with 6 or 7 books from marvelous poets I'd never read before.

Talk about well recommended!
Jason

New Renaissance Bookshop
Portland, OR

To my old friend New Renaissance,

I have been visiting you since I was a child, and every time you welcome me into your warm embrace, I feel at home. The people who care for you and your customers are always happy, and the incense that floats around your shelves is calming and warm. As always, I look forward to our next exchange of ideas.

With much love,
Lyla D.

Queen Anne Book Company 
Seattle, WA

Dear Queen Anne Book Company,

Your name is befitting you. A queen in her glory, ruling over Queen Anne, my heart, and my bookshelf. Though our time was brief, you left a lasting impression I shall never forget. Thank you for introducing me to the kingdom of Russian Chyerti.

Loyally yours,
Mariette E.

Mysterious Galaxy
San Diego, CA

Much LOVE to Mysterious Galaxy for making sure my moody girl Harrow edition had the black sprayed edges during those pesky lockdowns...plus your lovely thank you notes in my orders make my heart pitter patter.

Mecca A.

Livrario Bertrand 
Libson, Portugal

Meu Amado Livrario Bertrand,

You don't know me, and I don't know you. But how I've admired you from afar. My family immigrated from Lisbon and the Azores to the US in the '40s, so there's a lot of my heart in Portugal. But to peruse the aisles of the oldest bookstore in the world for myself would be a dream come true. One day, perhaps, I will get the chance. But until that day, I shall remain a distant and most fond admirer.

Com tudo meu amor,
Stacy Wayne