The Indie Bob Spot: Beer's Books

Beer's Books, Sacramento, CA

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Ok, ok, I'll go for the obvious with the name of this store. No, the store name is not a typo. It is not Beer's And Books. No, you cannot get a cold one on tap here. There is nothing to drink here at all, let alone a beer. I'm pretty sure first time visitors here might be confused about the store name and what is offered. But for those who come here looking for books, they have those in spades. When you walk into the store you'll be greeted by a sea of books.

Beer's has this figured out, in business since 1936. They stock mostly used books along with some new. They offer customers store credit or cash for the books they bring in but will get a better deal going with the credit. On the day of my visit they were swamped with books coming into the store. They had so many books come in that they had to turn customers away. The nice thing here is all those used books are inventoried so they know exactly what's on the shelves. There are a few sidelines including t-shirts and puzzles but Beer's is mostly about the books.

I was mildly disappointed that nobody here would take the time to sign my travel journal or allow their pictures to be taken. I met the owner's son Andy, and two booksellers but they were too busy to sign. Regular readers will also notice the absence of pictures below of the Beer's people, another disappointment. Again, they just didn't have time. Of the hundreds of indies I've visited, 99% have graciously signed my travel journal (thank you!) and agreed to a picture (thank you even on bad hair days!). I wish I could've got any of them to visit a little more, I only need 5 minutes or so, but they just weren't able to.

I enjoyed the physical bookstore and I'm sure they have a legion of followers. I'll still continue my journey. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Raft Of Stars, Andrew J. Graff. Two 10-year old boys in rural Wisconsin think they've committed a crime and take to the river to escape, but escape to where? They endure wild animals, horrible weather, and rough river rapids. Reminiscent of William Kent Krueger with just a hint of Harlan Coben. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: All The Names They Used For God, Anjali Sachdeva.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Slaves In The Family, Edward Ball.