Image courtesy Vroman’s Bookstore blog
Every so often we here at The Abbeville Manual of Style like to give a “shout,” as the kids say, “out” to independent bookstores that meet our high standards of quality and panache. What are those standards? Well, carrying Abbeville books doesn’t hurt, of course, but neither does offering a well-written blog dedicated to literary “issues, events, and happenings.” These are just two of the strengths of Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, CA, which bills itself as “Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore.” We commend their blog, maintained by webmaster Patrick Brown, for reaching beyond store news, local events, etc., to discuss books, bookselling, and current literary Web articles in a style that connects with those of us all the way out on the opposite coast. Today, for example, Pat gives a nod to the 50th anniversary of Philip Roth’s wonderful novella Goodbye, Columbus, and includes footage of himself reading the opening paragraph as part of a “Vromantic” Valentine’s Day video (it was the first book he ever gave to his future wife).
If you find yourself in the Pasadena area anytime soon, we recommend dropping by the place itself; until then, we encourage you to add the store’s Web incarnation to your list (ever-growing, thanks to our tireless recommendations) of daily bookmarks. Also, if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and read Goodbye, Columbus—and don’t skip the short stories in the volume, of which “Defender of the Faith” remains our favorite.
