HELLO!

I joke that in the depth-chart of my wife Kim’s affections, I am number six, further down from books, Lucian, podcasts, tea, and Subarus (Citra Pinot Grigio is in there as well). When we have moved the items that take up the most space in the moving van are Kim’s books. We don’t have a lot of “stuff” in our home, excepting paintings and prints that literally cover our walls (my idea) and Kim’s books. Years ago, brother Scott made me a bookshelf and ever since I have limited myself to keep only enough books that can fit inside it. If I purchase a book, an existing book must go. When I retire in two years, the small number of books I have retained in my office will be purged yet again, and the few books I keep will replace books you see on this shelf. My guess is 90% of my books are non-fiction.

This morning I read and watched with great interest a story about our Gus’ father Chris, who owns a bookstore in Lunenburg. The store is only open in the evening. A filmmaker took note and made this documentary that will appear at many film festivals this summer. Here is the story: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7311337   I love bookstores.

If I need to order a book I go through our local bookstore, Otis and Clementines. I have known Ellen, the owner, for years. https://otisandclementines.com/about  My favorite bookstore, located in Washington DC, is Politics and Prose https://politics-prose.com/our-history?srsltid=AfmBOooi7m99skhvvYY3jqOdKqHTLntXvthZL7Y1B7BroTdIlijAWsq- They also have a YouTube channel where authors come to discuss their books and take questions from the audience. I have watched so many of these I feel like I know the people who attend these gatherings. https://www.youtube.com/@politicsprose/videos Chances are one of your favorite authors has appeared at Politics and Prose to talk about their book. I also love their café, The Den, located next to the bookstore.

What is your favorite bookstore? Way back when, I would drive with two older retired clergy, one of whom was Ray Francis (he once served at Woodlawn United), to Bangor Maine for a preaching seminar at the local seminary (now closed). In Bangor, a local bookstore had the most interesting and provocative bumper stickers I have ever seen. I purchased several. Kim tells me, “You are not allowed to put those on our vehicles”, she fears one of those lads in trucks, who still have Justin Trudeau’s name on their bumper sticker (they seem to miss him) will pull me over in a toxic rage. I do miss those late January sojourns. And I miss the bookstores we visited along the way. “So many books, so little time.”

Peace, Kevin