Paradise is a book shop

Books. They're just words printed on paper bound between a cover, right? If you've ever read a book, you know they're so much more than that. But what about the bookstores where these treasures are first discovered? There must be something to say for these special places that house endless spines piled, stacked, wedged along every open shelf, into every free corner. A leather armchair to lounge in, a ladder to reach high shelves, and a thousand titles to be leafed through in search of that perfect summer read.

 

backyard of The Annapolis Bookstore

At The Annapolis Bookstore, there is not a surface in sight without a stack of books to decorate it, each one with its own story - and history - to tell. Books sold at this charming establishment are in line with the shop's motto:

Used, new, rare, and always remarkable

Remarkable is the key word. Each book is remarkable in it's own right, waiting for a reader to happen upon it and fall in love, as every avid reader hopes to do with their next literary endeavor. At The Annapolis Bookstore, owners Janice Holmes and Mary Adams guide each person who passes through the door on their journey to find their perfect book, whatever that may be. Or for the solitare-seeking patron, they're happy for people to browse the rows for hours on their own quest.

An upright piano is nestled under the front window of the shop, its keys ready for any passerby so inclined to play. A cafe in the back serves organic coffee and sweet treats. And the backyard provides a quiet retreat, tucked away from the city happenings, complete with a miniature house made entirely of books. 

NS' and my participation in The Annapolis Bookstore's 24-hour read-a-thon

There is literally nowhere in the world quite like The Annapolis Bookstore. The books, the people, the ambiance - they're all so special and create a place that I hope can continue for many years to come. It's the You've Got Mail story, but this time instead of Meg Ryan battling (and falling in love with) Tom Hanks over big bully Fox bookstore luring her clients, there are real people whose lives are invested in giving the community a gathering place, a quiet place, a place of discussion and ideas, a place for the young and the old, a place which we should support for Annapolis and its people. 

Shop local is the catch-phrase of today, but it needs to be more than that. We must act on it. Instead of clicking that "Add to shopping bag" button, visit The Annapolis Bookstore on Maryland Avenue. Leaf through their books. Interact with people. You never know what you'll discover when you venture out from behind your computer screen. 


PS - they'll be showing the film To Kill a Mockingbird tomorrow evening in the garden to celebrate Harper Lee's 2nd book being published, so even more reason to get over there!

Bed-a-Thon on Maryland Avenue

Every year, The Annapolis Bookstore runs a 24-hour Bed-a-Thon in the window of their cozy shop.

Beat the recession blues, read a good book in bed

they write on a chalkboard outside, urging people on the street to wander in and find a book of their own to take home. It's hard to deny the bliss of sitting in your bed, nestled under the covers, engrossed in whatever book you're reading at the moment. I read books very slowly - largely due to the little time I give myself to read - and often have trouble really getting into a story. But when I do get lost in the story, there's nothing else I want to do but finish it. And when it's done, all I want is for it to continue.

Reading in a window on Maryland Avenue from 2-3pm has its share of distractions. Friends coming in, dropping their dogs off in your lap for you to keep an eye on as they browse the Valentine's Day card selections and then collecting the pups on their way out (I of course welcome the canine company anytime); passer-bys pointing and waving at the novelty of a person lying in a bed in a window that's not in Amsterdam; and the general chatter that takes place in any place of business, but is especially interesting in this bookstore, as it serves as a sort of center of community life in Annapolis that comes so naturally to the welcoming, enthusiastic owners.

I finished 8 pages in Middlesex during my hour in the window. Nik read about 6 in one of Clancy's novels. Despite being unable to immerse myself in my book, I enjoyed the experience - distractions and all. Still, it might be a good idea to sign up for the 4am shift next year - although I'd probably read even less zzzzzzzzzzzz