The Indie Bob Spot: Escape Fiction

Escape Fiction, Salem, OR

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I don’t think I need to give you any instructions for a visit to Escape Fiction. It will be very clear when you enter and you’ll instinctively know what to do. You wander! I’ve seen corn mazes easier to solve than the maze of shelves and rooms in this bookstore. These are the kind of bookstores that you will delight in losing yourself and discovering the treasures in a remote nook or room. The work that went into this store is amazing and every bit of it was built and organized by owner and Marine vet Scott C. The store is 29 years old and when I asked Scott what his secret is he said hard work. He told me that bookstores are successful due to hard work and/or a location with a large population. Scott puts in 65 hours/day, open 7 days /week, which is an easy schedule now compared to when he started. Impressive indeed.

There’s no frills at this indie. They offer new and used books with most of the new ones in the front of the store. Unlike other bookstores, he places daily orders for new books. And all of his books are discounted, even the new ones. You’ll also find some books cheaper than what you find online. There are no sidelines except for some 3-D bookmarks and there are no online sales. Admittedly, Scott said he’s just weird and does things differently here. He’s particular about the books he takes and offers store credit in return for the ones he accepts. There was even a customer who moved away from Salem and returned 24 years later asking if he had any store credit. He did and it was honored. Scott will always have the records for this. Unlike milk, his store credit won’t spoil!

I don’t know if I’ve met a more interesting owner to visit with than Scott. More than once I told him he needs to conduct seminars but he told me he does that everyday in the store. Wow, what a wealth of knowledge. Everything from education to covid, to brokering produce up and down the west coast, to literacy before radio and TV, and so much more. It was all very interesting but I needed more time in the bookstore to absorb it all.

Next time you're in Salem check this place out. You’ll love the store, the experience, and the knowledgeable and friendly owner. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Shuggie Bain, Douglas Stuart. Shuggie Bain was born to a philandering father and an alcoholic mother in Scotland. As Shuggie becomes older, he grows more protective of his mother while he endures bullying at school. He was different but he wasn't sure why. This is a work of fiction with parts taken from the author's own life of growing up with a mother who suffered from addiction. Some of the Scottish slang and usage was challenging at times. Readable but bleak.

CURRENTLY READING: I Must Be Dreaming, Roz Chast.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Slaves In The Family, Edward Ball. Unlikely Friendships, Jennifer S. Holland.

This store has a great parking area with free and easy parking, something I'm ALWAYS grateful to find on my journey.

Within these walls a maze of exploration awaits. Don't enter through the door pictured. Follow the arrow on the side of the building for the entrance.

This is the true entrance which feels like a side door.

Looking to the right after entering.

Looking straight ahead from the entrance. Follow this view for your journey through the maze. The checkout counter is pictured on the left.

Attractive display of books at the checkout counter.

This picture is representative of the many bookshelf aisles.

Looking into the room to the right of the entrance.

Begin your exploration.

Don't worry, you won't get lost.

Meander through the store and discover this clever display.

The impressive thing about these many aisles is that Scott constructed this entire interior, including all the shelving, by himself. Great job, Scott!

Your journey is just beginning.

For me, I might call this the point of no return!

Thrillers have their own room.

An overview of the Thrillers room.

A room of novels with a very inviting display.

Keep going. If you haven't started dropping bread crumbs by this point, forget it. Good luck finding your way out. At least you'll have something to read!