Winston Smith Books - Auburn, CA

Winston Smith Books, Auburn, CA

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What a joy to meet wonderful bookstore owners like Glen and the customers in their stores.  And what a special treat to meet James Patterson during my visit to Winston Smith Books!  He even took the picture of Glen and myself.  (Ok, ok, not the AUTHOR James Patterson.  Local citizen and avid reader James Patterson)  I also met an artist who lives locally but has some national renown.  Frank was responsible for some of the Star Wars artwork.  What do these people have in common with other indie owners and customers?  THEY'RE DARN NICE PEOPLE!  How lucky I am to enjoy this journey and meet people like these on my visit to Auburn.  My point?  If you're not visiting Winston Smith Books or your local bookstore you're really missing out.  

Glen came to this business from a job that was slowly deteriorating his health, physically and emotionally.  He made the decision to leave the insurance business and start his own business if he could just find the right one.  Finally, a bookstore business in Auburn was put up for sale and Glen KNEW this was exactly the business he was looking for.  Bookstores have saved many people, add Glen to the list.  Winston Smith has been here for about 18 years and Glen has been the owner for just under 5 years.  Conveniently located in downtown Auburn for all 18 years and easily accessible from I-80 for travelers, Winston Smith offers 45,000 books with mostly used and just a few new.  There are few sidelines so the success of the business hinges on the books.  I was so happy to hear Glen's one word response when I asked how things are going now since the pandemic.  "Great!"  This is especially impressive considering the store has little online presence at this time.  But he knows his customers and knows what to stock.  While I was there a customer came in and purchased two Rumi books and this is one of the popular poets here.

Glen enjoys many local regulars as well as tourist regulars.  Some customers come from San Francisco and many of the nearby western states.  He'll see many of these tourist regulars when they return time and again.  I-80 makes this very easy for those customers.

If you live in Auburn and haven't met Glen or been to the store, honestly, I can't believe it.  There is a depth and breadth to the inventory that will have something for everyone and every interest.  Don't believe me?  Check it out and see.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

 JUST FINISHED:  Let Me Tell You What I Mean, Joan Didion.  Collection of essays dating back to 1968.  I wanted to read something by this author but I think I picked the wrong one to begin with.   Maybe better suited for readers who enjoy this author and haven't read this one yet.  An obviously gifted writer but this didn't resonate with me at all. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Giving A Damn, Patricia J. Williams. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  1984, George Orwell.  One piano book and one guitar book.  

Another angle of the beautiful storefront. 

 

A sunny day provides the glare in an attractive display window. 

 

Begin your browsing before you enter the store. 

 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

 

Always ask your independent bookstore about these. 

 

Good idea. 

Everything book you need to be an active tourist. 

 

The store offers a few greeting cards.  Just about the only non-book thing here. 

 

Hey guitar players, I found lots of options for you. 

 

Just a few of the books of local interest or by local authors. 

 

Honestly, I think this is a beautiful sight!

 

These are only a few of the classics you'll find here. 

 

Here you go, collectors. 

 

Ask to see the vintage and collectible editions. 

 

Lots of books of local interest. 

 

Is it possible for a person to travel the country with a large personal library and then trade their books in here?  Asking for a friend. 

 

Mark Twain fans should definitely visit here. 

 

Partial view of the children's area. 

The left side rear of the store.

 

 

There's an upstairs balcony area waiting for you. 

 

Overview of the balcony level. 

 

 

The money shot.  Overview of the store from the balcony looking toward the front door. 

 

With Glen on the right, the fine owner at Winston Smith Books.  Thanks for a great visit.