Broadway Books - Portland, OR

Broadway Books, Portland, OR

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Again, at the risk of being repetitive, regular followers of my journey know how much I sing the praises of indie owners and booksellers.  Broadway Books is my 563rd bookstore visited and it NEVER gets old meeting wonderful people like co-owners Sally M., Kim B., and bookseller Carrie.  Either every employee at Broadway Books is awesome (likely) or the clunkers weren’t working the day of my visit (unlikely).  Meeting people like this and experiencing the store leaves one with a "joie de vivre" and a spiritual lift that will never be duplicated by an online purchase.  With people like this, no wonder Broadway Books has been on a successful run for 32 years.  

Get a signed edition of Keith Rosson's new book, Fever House. 

Broadway Books is a one-level indie with a visible location on Portland’s busy Broadway Ave.  The store is packed with all new books and a few used.  Their online sales have been a big part of the business and were especially critical to the store’s success through the pandemic.  They have an active events schedule and have a space in the back of the store that they’re able to clear for these.  They were even fortunate to be able to host Michelle Obama on the tour of her book, Becoming.  Books by local authors and small publishers are strong here, separating it from other bookstores who may not be able to do this.  Another reason to visit indies is you never know when you’ll bump into an author like I did.  Keith Rosson was here signing his new books, Fever House, released on the day of my visit.  As for the store’s customers, co-owner Kim couldn’t have been more complimentary stating amazing, amazing, and amazing!

If this bookstore isn’t recognized on lists of Oregon’s finest I would be surprised.  The enthusiastic welcoming and kindness matched by knowledgeable chats with these three ladies is simply the best.  Pay this place a visit and discover the same joy I did.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  A Thread of Grace, Mary Doria Russell.  Historical fiction that focuses on the resistance in Italy and the many Catholic families who willingly took people into their homes, usually covertly.  The challenge with this book was keeping track of the many character names and their various aliases depending on who their allegiances were with at different times.  Time frame is 1943- the end of the war. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The English Experience, Julie Schumacher. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The English Experience, Julie Schumacher.  This Is Happiness, Niall Williams.  The Librarianist, Patrick DeWitt.  The Baseball 100, Joe Posnanski.  Go Shark card game.  

This sidewalk sign will tell you you're in the right place. 

Beautiful storefront. 

A portion of the large display window space. 

Looking into the store from the front entrance. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

Looking to the left from the front entrance. 

Curling around to the left after entering and you'll find a few of the greeting cards available. 

Directly to the right and across the front of the store. 

Staff recommendations display. 

A great way to keep kids engaged with summer reading. 

Find this area of the store for a bargain used book. 

See those boxes underneath this attractive display table?  Those are more books waiting for YOU to clear room for their spot on the table. 

A variety of crossword puzzles. 

Many journals to choose from. 

Partial view looking into the children's area. 

Another angle of the children's area. 

Look around the store above the shelves and see poster sized book covers.  I always enjoy seeing these. 

View looking from the back toward the front entrance. 

Oh, could I get comfy with a book here. 

Just a few of the books of local and regional interest.

Find an assortment of magazines near the front entrance. 

You'll find sidelines scattered throughout the store.  This assorted display is in the front of the store. 

I think any bookstore in the country would treasure a visit from this author. 

From L-R: Kim, a customer, Sally, and Carrie, the fine owners and staff you'll meet at Broadway Books.  Thanks for a great visit.