A Bookmark Scavenger Hunt
Mini-reflections on the paper that holds my place.
In our house, bookmarks occupy roughly the same square footage as cat hair. That is, they’re basically everywhere: tucked into couch cushions. Magnified to the fridge. Dying a slow death in the pocket of my computer case. As I rearrange my chaotic stacks of books, one or two will fall out. And, inevitably, I’ll time-travel back to that bookstore experience: the coffee shop we patronized afterward, the weather, what I was wearing. All of it clicks back into place.
Today, I thought we’d go on a little journey through bookmarks. I went on a scavenger hunt around my house and found a few paper memories from my favorite bookstores.
Bart’s Books
Ojai, CA
This is one of my favorite places on the planet. Bart’s is an open-air bookstore overflowing with used books. I never leave without at least a few purchases and plenty of bookmarks. On a sunny day, you can sit in the store’s courtyard and read to your heart’s desire. (Fortunately, Ojai has 269 sunny days per year—so you’re all set.)
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Zibby’s Bookshop
Santa Monica, CA
Zibby’s is my neighborhood bookseller, and I’ve placed many a preorder here. The whole store is no bigger than my living room, but there’s plenty of magic to be found inside. They sort their books into hyper-specific categories like “whimsical romances” or “gothic literary fiction.” Fun.
Diesel
Santa Monica, CA
Located at the Brentwood Country Mart here in Santa Monica, Diesel is another small bookstore with a big heart. Sliding barn doors lead you to an oasis of literary fiction, both old and new. Highlights include a beefy photography collection and the middle table, which often includes less-marketed and/or translated selections. (The bookstore is currently for sale if anyone out there has millions to spare.)
The Book Den
Santa Barbara, CA
When I walk into a bookstore, I want to feel (deep exhale) calm—and that’s exactly the vibe this Santa Barabara store brings. A mix of new and used books line the shabby shelves, and the store doors are often thrown open to welcome a warm coastal California breeze. I feel peaceful just thinking about it and the overpriced cup of coffee I usually buy at Dune afterward.
The Village Bookseller
Charleston, SC
Whenever I visit my family in Charleston, I have to visit Blue Bicycle Books and The Village Bookseller. The latter is new-ish, and the owner (I’m sad I can’t remember her name) has the best recommendations. I love it when bookstores look beyond popular titles to find the hidden gems, the glorious debuts, and the translated masterpieces that just don’t get the marketing dollars. I always buy something I’ve never heard of at The Village Bookseller and, more often than not, I enjoy it.
Special Mention: The Frugal Muse
Madison, WI
I somehow couldn’t find a bookmark from my favorite Wisconsin bookstore, so here’s a little tribute to it. Deep into the pandemic, when it felt like nothing was normal, I could don my mask and spend some time in the stacks. For a little while at least, I could forget our confusing, COVID-twisted world. This place was big (midwest big), and I could get lost inside of it. What a deep comfort that was.
What is your most prized bookmark? And where did you get it?
Reading: Chain-Gang All-Stars, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Beautyland, Marie-Helene Bertino
Writing: Something new
Watching: Miley Cyrus and Joni Mitchell’s Grammy performances on repeat
Eating: Homemade sweet potato gnocchi (drool)
This newsletter is written and edited by me, so please excuse the occasional grammatical error or spelling gaffe. My Very Talented Mother, Caitilin McPhillips, designed my logo for me. Thanks, Mom.
I feel honored to have been to most of these bookstores—for some reason, the one in Brentwood Country Mart has my best memory. Maybe it was the beautiful California day, or maybe it was the cold soda in the courtyard and the scooter home afterward. In any case, I hope someone (with a few million to spare) makes sure those sliding barn doors stay open.
I love Miley (Flowers!) and Joni too and share your bookmarks obsession. I’m lucky to have a friend in NYC who sends me a batch he’s made every Christmas. He doesn’t sell them -- they’re just gifts from the heart and feature quotes from poets and songwriters. My favorite has a photo and quote from Walt Whitman.