Vancouver, WA

I love books the way some people love coffee. But with the economy as tight as it has been and the housing industry getting worse almost by the day, I try not to go looking for a good read too often other than at the library. Today I found myself at Vintage Books, tucked in the corner of a strip mall at 6613 E. Mill Plain Blvd in Vancouver.

They have the largest selection of used books I have seen in Vancouver. Of all kinds, which is what makes them dangerous for me. I can force myself to wait when I find a mystery I want, but when I find a book which could go in the Harmon Howard Genealogical Library, either as a family genealogy, reference, or historical fiction I have much less willpower.

When I arrived this morning one of their cats was sitting in the doorway. I was afraid it would zoom out the door, but I could not get it to open. Turns out I was a half hour early. I hate sitting in the car for half an hour with no book to read, but there is a Safeway in the same mall and I knew for a fact they had these marvelous gourmet cookies…my favorites are something I call chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I might have chosen a hot chocolate to go with it but this year I am suddenly allergic to milk. It has taken me a long time to realize that the allergy includes any kind of cheese, including cottage, whipped cream, sour cream, ice cream; no baked potatoes, root beer floats, or a la mode anything; so I ended up with a soda and waited out the time in their café.
                                              
When I returned to the bookstore I spent several minutes in one of my favorite sections, genealogy, but today there was nothing I wanted. I took a quick look at their mysteries then I forced myself to leave, too dangerous. My next stop is always the English History section, which is also dangerous because I will buy almost anything that helps with research on my book, set in 17th century England. Unfortunately, I found a book about Lady Arbella Stuart, a cousin of one of my main characters so I had to have it; I looked it up online later and had received a tremendous savings!
                                               
I have never really paid much attention to the rear section on “literature” because I would rather spend my money on mysteries, but today it beckoned. Trying to find an interesting book by title can be daunting, but there were short book reviews posted throughout the section, and many of them piqued my curiosity. I also pulled out many of the books whose covers depicted artwork of the 16th and 17th century. I intend to return here to add to my Howard library collection of historical fiction.
                                   
Near this section is a small area for special items and it was in here I found a September 4, 1926 edition of the Oregon Daily Journal from Portland, Oregon. It contained 12 pages, was about 22 x 22, and was a Friday afternoon edition. What a difference from what we now publish!
                                   
Vintage Books opened in 1975 and has a lived in atmosphere. In addition to the cat, there are several pieces of salvaged furniture where you can sit and browse your book choices, a knowledgeable staff, and if you have a little time there is sure to be a special book for you to take home.