Ode to Barnes and Noble

The other day my friend and I were killing time before dinner and decided to go into the B&N next door to the restaurant. I've gone on about my love of the eReader but I should have mentioned that as much as I don't read paper books any more I miss bookstores.

I really miss them. I don't think I realized how much.

Walking through the doors I was struck again by the colors of all the covers, the excitement of seeing author's names who I didn't realize had a new release out. Old books, classic books, all the books I haven't read. Books arranged in neat rows. Special stand alone shelves and racks calling my attention to covers and authors I might not have picked up otherwise.

Then there was the smell of coffee and treats. And the sight of people alone reading while they ate a sandwich and had a cup of coffee and maybe saved room for a black and white cookie. See at the B&N it's okay to be out in public by yourself reading a book. No one thinks that's strange.

I browsed the new releases. I checked out all the staff recommendations. I went to the romance section and it was like visiting a this place I hadn't been to in so long… I had forgotten how much I loved just standing in front of it.

So this blog is dedicated to you… the brick and mortar store. May you always be there with your sections and your special racks and your coffee and your display of all delicious things I really shouldn't be eating.

I forgot that in so many ways Barnes & Noble is like my church and if felt comforting to be inside those four walls once again.