An interview with A Quiet Corner For Books
Biblio checks in with A Quiet Corner For Books to learn more about their book business, collecting interests and more! To view and shop their inventory, click here.
When did you get started in bookselling?
I formed A Quiet Corner For Books in 2004. We were a part of Booktown Books, a bookstore cooperative for four years and now operate out of our home.
What drew you to bookselling?
A combination of a long time interest in books, working as a teacher plus several years working in the book business including college bookstore management, and working in new and used bookstores. I have also helped my wife and her business partner in a brick and mortar used bookstore that they have operated since 1983.
Did you have any mentors in becoming a bookseller?
Yes, I know and have known several other book dealers who have taught me much along the way.
What are your specialties as a dealer?
We have a general inventory but are strong in music, art, literature and poetry.
What's the most amazing book you've ever sold?
A bilingual paperback biography of baseball pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela. It was a fascinating book and the first excellent sale ($75.00) that I made as a used book dealer.
What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?
The biggest thrill for me is seeing a young adult get excited about an author or subject that is reaching into more advanced or challenging places for them.
Do you have an open storefront or have you in the past?
Yes, we were in Booktown Books for four years in Grass Valley, CA.
If so, do/did you have any bookstore pets?
We currently have a cat at home and had a cat for years at my wife's store who, sadly, passed away recently.
What is the funniest / strangest / scariest thing that ever happened in your store?
Giving customer service to a movie personality and keeping my cool so as not to interfere with that persons privacy- thus I am not naming that person here.
What is your favorite bookshop (other than your own)?
The Bookery in Placerville, CA and Booktown Books in Grass Valley, CA
What do you personally like to read? Collect?
A have and read a wide variety of books, especially music, art, literature and nature/environment.
What's your favorite book you personally own? Would you sell it, if the price were right?
Two- my little Golden Guide to Insects because it is the earliest book I owned that I still have and my beat up old copy of Ernest Thompson Seton's ROLF INT THE WOODS which my father gave me when I was quite young. I have not interest in selling either book for any amount anyone would likely be willing to pay.
What one book would you buy if price were no object?
Edward Abbey's JONATHON TROY, the only Abbey I do not own.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring three books, what would they be?
1) FANATIC Vol 3, Henry ROllins 2) OUR BAND COULD BE YOUR LIFE, Michael Azarrad 3) THE CULTURE OF MAKE BELIEVE, Derrick Jensen ...and then swim to the next island and pick three more!
