Mind Sprocket: The Back Page : Books galore!

On a quick weekend trip to Washington D.C., none of my destinations were for The Typical Tourist. Sometimes tourist things are fun, possibly necessary, but this time, I perfectly enjoyed the Eastern Market. Think open-air, indoor and outdoor, row after row of fish, meat, nuts, vegetables, fruit, art, jewelry, scarves, and vintage dishes vendors.

I could not stop noticing how everyone was enjoying the perfect February weather (we didn’t even need coats) by eating outside on restaurant patios and milling around the vendor tables, sharing conversation with families and strangers. This little experience off the metro’s orange line creates a little community inside the District’s vast urban life.

Before running off to catch my flight, I happily attest that my last stop was in a used bookstore. Not used, as in abused, but as in, loved. I’m fairly certain this place is a book heaven. or haven. Either way, you decide. You couldn’t technically see inside through the windows because the windows were filled books , on both floors, and the basement would probably have the same luxury, if it had windows.

storefront

I’m telling you, the books covered the space. There weren’t even rooms anymore. In all three floors, from the basement to the main floor, to the upstairs, books conquered walls from floor to ceiling, half the stairwell, and even the bathroom. Maybe this was my idea of Heaven, I’m not sure. But I could have stayed there all day and night.

One of the best parts? No marketing. No huge signs. No book took precedence over another book. White paper with black marker announced categories, but that was it. Simple, huh? Oh, and you can’t forget that you’re not paying full price. That’s a huge perk, especially in D.C.

books to ceiling

What would have made it better? Well, if the three girls behind me wouldn’t have talked about how they are third degree from Mariah Carey, rather loudly, I might add. (Apparently, Mariah is hard to contact. Call her agent.)

If you’re not in D.C., then you should check out a used bookstore near you. Buying used books is glorious for the mere reason that when you hold a previously-owned book, you hold something that has had a life before you, in someone else’s hands. Who knows, maybe the book traveled to Cambodia and back or inspired a leader to fall off his high horse or helped someone let go.When you hold an old book, well, then it’s your turn.