The Indie Bob Spot: The Avid Reader

The Avid Reader, Davis, CA

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You meet the most fascinating people in bookstores. In addition to wonderful owners and booksellers the fellow customers you meet are always interesting. Here at The Avid Reader I met Katie who told me the story of her mother's bookstore in Lexington, MA years ago. As with me, she told me about the good times she had there especially on Friday nights when the store would fill with so many regulars and local authors. I call these, experiences with kindred spirits. Something I enjoy on every bookstore visit. At this indie Katie was that kindred spirit as well as the great booksellers I met, Elliot and Sophia.

This is a classic independent bookstore in a beautiful college town. This is one of those indies that is deserving of national recognition outside of its city and region. It is in a great location downtown surrounded by many other small businesses that attract a lot of foot traffic. That foot traffic includes many devoted regulars, customers from the UC Davis community, and tourists. Husband/wife owners Erin and Brett A. are only the 2nd ownership in the store's 30+ year run. As Elliot told me, the store survived the 2008 financial crisis AND the recent pandemic. Nicely done, Avid.

Avid Reader offers a healthy inventory of all new books and a wide array of sidelines. Although I've visited hundreds of bookstores, I still see new sidelines. Unique stickers, candles, quirky bookstore socks, greeting cards, t-shirts, puzzles, and so much more. Of these, Sophia told me that the various stickers and candles are huge hits. Pre-pandemic the store was host for author events and signings and that is something they hope to resume in the future.

I didn't get to meet Erin or Dan on this visit but I had a fantastic time meeting Elliot and Sophia who couldn't have been nicer to talk to and hear about the store and its success.

You don't have to buy a book when you visit a bookstore (however I would recommend it). But if you find yourself in a "slump" or a "funk," check out an independent bookstore for an emotional "pick-me-up." Enjoy an experience with the kindred spirits staffing the store AND visiting the store. You won't get that experience online. In Davis, this is that place. Go to on indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Native Son, Richard Wright. Story of a young Black man in the 1930s living in poverty, hangs with the wrong crowd, and deals with systemic racism. That racism rears its ugly head and he's all but convicted before a trial for the murder of a white woman. Relevant today although first published in 1940. Classic work and I enjoyed this book. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Bring Me Back, B.A. Paris.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Goofy socks and a small designer bag.