Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Books, Books, and Book People

I am a lover of books. Currently, I have about 7500 and I continue to buy books with almost reckless abandon. One of the things I love about books are book people. My love for books has enabled me to make good friends among those who buy and sell books. In every town I have lived in, I have become friends with the owners of local books stores. I was raised in Jacksonville, Fla; one of the greatest used bookstores in the world is the Chambline Bookmine in Jacksonville. I started going almost 30 years ago when I was a young teenager who couldn't even drive. My kids are still amazed when we go in and the owner treats me like an old friend. Recently I moved to New Bern, NC and have already gotten to know the owners of the two used book stores in town. I don't think I have ever met a fellow book person that I did not like. And usually, book people are incredibly interesting. Just today, I met a man (and bought some books from him) who sells books online and at a local Antiques Store/Flea Market. He's a retired newspaper editor and I really enjoyed talking to him and dealing with him. I guess book people are some of my favorite people of all. It is hard to explain to a non-book person what the love of books is like. I don't think you can teach it, you are just born with it.