The Book Shop - Green Valley, AZ

The Book Shop, Green Valley, AZ

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I continue to advocate, plead, and rant that there is no better book-buying experience than one can have when you visit your local independent bookstore.  I also know that this opinion and write-up is preaching to the choir since most of you do this.  But this bookstore visit was just one more in a long line of examples why visiting a bookstore is better than buying online.  If you buy your books online you don’t get to meet fascinating customers like Sonja, a regular at The Book Shop.  Sonja is 92 and grew up in Dutch Indonesia.  She missed three years of school due to the Japanese occupation in WWII.  She talked about her American experience and said she still doesn’t get some “Americanisms.”  She also noted that for some, The American Dream is an American Nightmare.  A wonderful person to meet, visit with, and learn why we shouldn’t take so much for granted.  My mom would’ve loved meeting her.

After visiting The Book Shop and meeting owner Dianne S., I can understand why Sonja is a regular.  This indie is a one person operation and it’s because of Dianne that it continues to succeed.  Way to go Dianne! The Book Shop offers new and used books in a compact space that has excellent organization.  Dianne deferred credit for this to the store’s original owner, Corrine, who started the business in 1996.  Customers who bring their books in can receive store credit for trade.  Since the store has a great many regular customers who are snow birds, these books come into the store from all over the country creating a broad inventory of genres and interests.  There are only a few greeting cards here for sidelines so the success of the store is dependent on book sales with active shoppers.

One of their promotions here are their book rentals.  If you see a new release or popular book you would like to get but can’t afford to purchase, consider renting it which is much cheaper and more affordable for some.  I think this is a great idea.  

For my readers who are enduring harsh Midwest winters, I have some advice.  Follow your snow bird friends south and then follow them to The Book Shop in Green Valley.  You can enjoy books, nice customers, and a knowledgeable and friendly owner.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Carthage, Joyce Carol Oates.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Live Wire, Harlan Coben. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Rules of Civility, Amor Towles.  

Another view on a beautiful day. 

You'll be anxious to start the book you bought so have a seat here, enjoy the sunshine, and get started. 

 

Browse the bargains before you enter the store. 

 

I think this is a great promotion. 

 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

 

A few steps inside and looking to the right. 

 

Attractive shelf display to the left. 

 

Shelf displays are at the ends of aisles throughout the store. 

 

Head to these shelves for book rentals, a much more affordable reading option than purchasing a book.  Also a great idea if you don't want to get on a long wait list at the library for a book you want to read. 

 

What the local book groups are reading. 

 

The store offers many options for books of local and regional interest. 

 

An award winning bookstore.  No surprise. 

 

Dianne was featured in this article when she took over the business. 

 

Just a portion of the mysteries in the store. 

 

One of the many book nooks. 

Very neat and organized. 

Partial view of the children's area. 

 

Hey snowbirds, are your adult children too far away to help you with your phone?  Pick up this book and solve those problems. 

Find these uniquely created greeting cards on the front counter. 

 

I've been to bookstores where a local artist is so dedicated to the bookstore that they will do an artistic portrait like this.  Impressive.

 

Overview of the store looking toward the front entrance. 

 

With owner Dianne on the left and regular customer Sonja in the middle, two of the fine people you'll meet at The Book Shop.  Thanks for a great visit.