Page 158 Books - Wake Forest, NC

Page 158 Books - Wake Forest, NC

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There is nothing like the beaming glow of pride a person sees in the face of a new mother.  That's the energy that greeted me at Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, NC.  Suzanne L. and her husband Dave, are the new proud parents of a bouncing baby...BOOKSTORE!  6 months ago in May this little bundle wasn't even a twinkle in their eyes.  It wasn't something they planned at that time but opportunity knocked and in July they welcomed Page 158 Books to the Wake Forest family.  And even though it's only 5 months old, it seems pretty mature for its age.

Suzanne and Dave bought this indie from the former owner, Drew, renamed it Page 158 Books and hit the ground running.  It has a fantastic location in the heart of downtown Wake Forest along with several other independent businesses.  Suzanne doesn't have coffee in the store but she doesn't need to.  Wake Forest Coffee is conveniently located right next door.  This indie already has many things in place that you'll find at all the other successful ones.  Frequent author events are held in the store; twice weekly story time; several book clubs for many ages meet here including a high school banned book club; and one of my favorite events I would just love to observe sometime, cocktails and coloring.  Adult coloring books are big everywhere ( I don't get it) and here at Page 158 Books they have a group that colors and drinks wine (I get it).  This might be a nice event for other indies to consider (actually, ANY event with wine will probably work).

This business is so young though, they are still finding their way.  The one-level store is very roomy and they have a good offering of titles, all neatly arranged.  There is a great children's department in the back and I think kids who visit here probably love this attractive area.  The store offers some of the usual sidelines including reading glasses, journals, and t-shirts, among other things.  Sidelines are one of those things they'll get a better feel for in time.  They may also have options for expanding in the future if they decide to go that direction.  They're off to a good start with local customers but that base needs to continue to grow.

Suzanne and two of her staffers, Wendy and Gina, were fantastic to talk to.  You'll have a great experience meeting them and talking about books.  Why wouldn't they be excited about this new arrival?!  If you're in the Wake Forest region and haven't checked out this new baby, get there now before it's so old you don't recognize it!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Devil's Highway, Luis Alberto Urrea.  True account of Mexican citizens trekking across the border in search of a better life in the United States.  If you're not as informed as you would like to be about our immigration challenges, I highly recommend this book.  You'll have a newfound sympathy for others who want to experience life in our country.  Compelling and informative.  Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING:  Where All Light Tends To Go, David Joy.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Assassin's Accomplice, Kate Clifford Larson.

A great place to sit outside the store and enjoy a book on a nice day.  

Looking directly through the store from the front entrance.  

Pick out a coloring book, come to Page 158 Books, drink some wine, and stay inside the lines.  Good luck.  

The Indie Picks book display.  

It's so fun for me to visit bookstores and see warm, friendly booksellers who help me buy a book.  

A few of the sidelines available.  

If you're like me, you probably thought Wake Forest University was located in Wake Forest.  It isn't.  This is a great t-shirt.  

Some great places to sit and browse a book.  

A portion of the children's section.  Lots of space in this area for kids.  

A view from the back of the store looking toward the front.  

A few of the local interests and local authors in the store.  

I was really lucky on the day of my visit to meet Suzanne (center), the current owner, and Drew (right), the former owner.  Thanks for a great visit.