Boatload of Books: A Deep Downeast Bookstore

During a recent trip to visit my husband’s family in Eastport, ME, I had the pleasure of losing some time in Boatload of Books, a bookstore that opened earlier this year. The bookstore is mixed in with vintage and art stores, a candy store, a coffee shop, and a stone’s throw from the Quoddy Tides office, Rosie’s Hotdogs, and the Tides Institute & Museum. If you want something a little more than a hotdog, the Waco never disappoints, you can swing by Phoenix Fine Wines for a glass of something chilled, or have a frosty beverage at Horn Run Brewery. If you haven’t made a trip to Eastport, it’s worth the car ride. (Or the boat, if you are coastal and seafaring.)

Boatload of Books has a solid collection of crime fiction – including mystery periodicals like Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen Mystery Magazines (which, as a lover of the short form, speaks to a certain piece of my soul). There are reading nooks and chairs, coffee and tea, and a room hidden behind a bookshelf that is very, very fun. For those of you who have kids along, there is a desk with child-friendly activities, allowing for a nice bookstore meander. From the reading nook at the front of the store, patrons can catch great views of people passing by and the pier.

Boatload’s owner, Christina Jeffrey, took some time out to answer a few of my questions for curious readers.

Why did you decide to open Boatload of Books?

It’s been a desire since I was little to have my own bookstore. My grandmother taught me to read at 3 yrs. old and books became a haven during a mega dysfunctional upbringing. My first job was in a bookstore and then I went into special education, where literacy was the main focus. When I moved to Eastport, I knew there wasn’t a bookstore, but I figured there would be one nearby. I was clearly wrong. My sister came to visit and reminded me of my bookstore dreams and I ran with it.

 

Why Eastport?

I moved here a little over three years ago during circumstances that required a life change. During multiple visits and vacations, my husband and I fell in love with the community and the beauty of Eastport. Every city/town should have a bookstore. Our community needs this as much as I do, especially in the off season.

What are some of the things you like about having the bookstore?

I love when all the nooks and seats are occupied. Getting books, whether donated or purchased, is the best. Watching people find books that speak to them, seeing people actively seeking knowledge, and helping people access other worlds makes me really happy.

Any books you’d recommend?

Okay, so…I’m not a big crime reader. I know that’s a horrible thing to say to you. My suggestions stem from what I know my guests like to read and what looks interesting to me. I did read Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew a lot when I was younger. Nancy Drew’s books were what inspired my secret room of banned books at the store. I have just started a book by Tana French, The Searcher. So far it’s really good, but I’m reading in short stints between customers. I’m looking forward to winter when I’ll be able to read chapters at a time.

 

What’s a perfect day in Eastport look like for you?

A perfect day in Eastport would be cool and foggy. I would have chill tunes playing in the background and a cup of hot lemon ginger tea in hand. The seats will all be filled with happy readers and chatters, and little kids will be playing in the mini bookstore. I’ll be reading poetry from a vintage book that I found in the bottom of a donation box.

Is there anything else you want people to know?

I am really passionate about the power of literacy. During the last few years, as things have grown increasingly difficult for so many, I’ve thought a lot about what I singularly can do to help or make a change. Reading and writing have a massive impact on society. This little bookstore is my contribution, not just to my community but to anyone who walks through the door.

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If you happen to take a trip along the Bold Coast, be sure to stop in the Boatload of Books. If you live Downeast and love crime writing and horror, Boatload will be hosting an event that features writers from across this great state during the Witches of Eastport festival (10/25).

More details on this event soon.

As for some of my own writing updates:

[image error]You can find my story “The Usual Reasons” in the latest Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, available online or on the shelves at Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, and select local bookstores.

My story “For Laura” appears online for Stone’s Throw from Rock and a Hard Place Press. You can read it here. All the stories will be collected at the end of the year in a print anthology, too.

Carol Goodman Kaufman and I sat down to talk for her podcast “Murder We Write.” You can listen here.

My short story “Vacationland,” which was included in the Dark Waters Anthology Volume 2, made the Most Distinguished for the Best American Mystery Stories. You can buy a copy of the anthology here.

Finally – for my New England crime and horror writers – be sure to register for Crime Wave (more here) and Crime Bake (more here). Can’t wait to see you around!

Be well,

Gabi