It was a sign. So I jumped out of the van into the rain and ran away.
OK, I need to back up a bit and explain, but first let me say that whether you’re with the family or alone or back at work this Friday after Thanksgiving, this is for you—and yes, it includes books.
Years ago, I was part of a large family celebration in Portland, Ore. We had a lovely time and when it was over we planned to spend a few extra days together, all crammed into every available crevice of our rented house.
I love being with family, but I also enjoy the occasional break from large groups, and that didn’t seem like an option at the time: We got home and our only agenda item was to hold a UN-style discussion. for future dinner plans. My people are passionate about meal planning.
Willing to cook, clean, take out or go out, I would accept any plan if I could avoid attending an afternoon session of the Family Dinner Debating Society.
I was thinking about this as we sat in traffic, a platoon of us piled into a rental van. We were at a red light, rain pouring down the window when I saw a sign.
It was a nod to the legendary Powell’s Books.
Back then, I was a big reader, but I didn’t write much about books, so I couldn’t pull off the “I have to go check out this bookstore for work” like I do these days. Anyway, I didn’t miss the chance to visit this giant, well-known bookstore.
Looking at the red light and trying to appear nonchalant, I blurted out above all the competing chatter that we should all go to the bookstore.
And for once, everyone agreed: No way.
So, as the seconds counted down before the next light changed, I whispered to my wife: Do you mind if I undress? And while I’m sure she said something wise in response – like, “Do you know the address of where we’re staying?” or “You know you should come back, right?” – I was crawling over seats and trunks, creating a blur as I squeezed the latch to jump out.
Then I went out into the street. The light changed and no one shouted, “He’s running away!” as the van sped off. I don’t recall cars honking their horns either, which either speaks to the politeness of Portland drivers or suggests that it’s not unusual to jump out of vehicles there when you spot a bookstore.
Anyway, I remember spending about four hours exploring the store. I finally bought a few books, walked back in the rain and stopped every now and then for a drink at one of the town’s drinking/reading bars.
She. it was. glorious. I came back fully loaded and ready to have a meal at the place no one wanted to go, but was the only place we could all agree. (To be honest, I don’t remember what we ate, but it was good to be together.)
So I hope you spend some of your day doing exactly what you love. And maybe you can make time for the sanctuary that bookstores, like libraries, offer. They are places where people, ideas and even the occasional animal companion can visit and find some peace.
Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, a great day to – let me consult my map of Southern California’s many bookstores – visit one of the 80+ (!) stores between Santa Barbara and San Diego to support booksellers ours.
So enjoy the day and if you see a bookstore, take it as a sign and go inside. (Just please don’t get out of your vehicle; ask to be released safely.)
***GIFT LINK: Map of Southern California Independent Bookstores***
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