Small Press: The Unbridled Joy of Buying Books on Vacation
Consider this your permission slip to spend more $ on books.
I’m an inbox zero kinda gal. I diligently check my texts pretty much as soon as they arrive. I lay out my workout clothes at night for the following day. I empty the dishwasher every morning. But despite being ~ diligent ~ I have one unwavering character flaw: I will always buy books when presented with the opportunity. And I will buy them with a fervor no matter that I already have a full shelf at home dedicated to my TBR stack. Emotion takes over. I can’t be help accountable when I’m in close proximity to books.
This past weekend, I took a day trip to Savannah, GA. One of the key sources of inspo for this newsletter and wider account, I figured it was about time that I gave the sleepy, haunted town a visit. We needed to get acquainted. That’s why I braved the triple-digit heat (and the humidity, oh the humidity) to prowl the brick-lined squares and relish in the Spanish moss-coated oaks. The solemn manses that sport broken windows and peeling paint like snakes shedding their skins. The hint of breeze that keeps you on the right side of sane. It was a vibe.
Anyway. Of course, I made a point to stop by a couple bookstores while there. (Side note: One of the best things about Savannah is that it’s mostly walkable, meaning you can feed your book fever without finding parking — a gift, as long as you don’t mind some schlepping.)
First, I swung by The Book Lady. Bury me here (not really, throw me somewhere in Bonaventure Cemetery, pls and TY). Offering a wide — and I mean WIDE – selection of used books, I panic grabbed a few that first caught my eye. Real quick: This is why it’s crucial to always have in mind a few books you’re on the lookout for. In this case, being in Georgia, I was hankering for some Harry Crews, an underrated Georgian writer who gut punched me with his novel, “The Gospel Singer” last summer. I haven’t had any luck finding more of his work in Nashville and had a hunch that might change when I stepped into his home state. I was right. From there, I let my frantic fingers do the walking and grabbed a few more vintage anthologies of Southern authors that I hadn’t seen before. I left pleased, if somewhat dusty.
Later in the day, I practically stumbled on E. Shaver, Bookseller, another local institution. This spot was more of your standard collection of new releases, local writers, and popular reads. I was impressed with the breadth of categories they offered. And the staff was beyond knowledgeable, also a plus. Again, I reached into my mental checklist, snagged a few books I’ve been dying to add to my never-ending TBR stack and closed out the day at a couple cemeteries, which if you know me, is a glass-shattering high note. Anyway, below I’ve captured a smattering of tips if you plan to visit bookstores while traveling and, naturally, my haul from this weekend, too.
Tips to Visiting Bookstores While Traveling
What’d I miss? Add your tips in the comments below!
Research: Duh. But really learn about which ones offer the types of books you’re into, the history of the spots, and cull down a list to two or three (after that, you’ll either be broke or burned out, and we don’t want either!). In advance of your trip, be sure to follow their socials to be aware of any unexpected closures, events, etc.
Map It: So Savannah is pretty walkable, which worked in my favor. But if you’re planning on hitting bigger cities like NYC or London, the last thing you want is to realize you’ve just left a neighborhood that had a bookshop you were hoping to frequent. Do the upfront planning to save yourself some heartache later.
Make A List: I rely on my Goodreads, mostly, however I do a little bit of literary calculus and hedge my bets of any specific works I might luck out in finding that aren’t as easily found at home. Write it down or make mental notes, whatever works for you. But remember to wander and keep your eyes peeled for any unique finds, but set a time limit. This will help optimize your search.
Buy the Book: You don’t need me to tell you this, but independent stores are the lifeblood of communities. (IMO). By patroning them, you not only support a local business, you’re contributing to venues for authors to visit these stores, promote their work, earn an income, and meet fellow bibliophiles. Pay it forward for the next book nerd. If you’re unsure if you want to buy that last book, just do it. It’ll be fine.
Have a Packing Plan: If you’re like me, you overpack. (Some could argue this is another character flaw. I say it’s another notch for my preparation badge). Anyway, be sure you know how you’ll be whisking your newfound beauties home. Shipping works. Stuffing your bag does, too. Just be sure you don’t have to make any hard decisions at the 11th hour before leaving.
Savannah Book Haul
“Collected Stories” - Tennessee Williams
“Classic Crews: A Harry Crews Reader” - Harry Crews
“The Grass Harp” and “A Tree of Night” - Truman Capote
“Foster” - Claire Keegan
“The Optimist’s Daughter” - Eudora Welty
“The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” - James McBride