An interview with Bobbis Bookstore
Biblio checks in with Bobbis Bookstore to learn more about their book business, collecting interests and more! To view and shop their inventory, click here.
When did you get started in bookselling?
Having a lifelong love of books, I decided it was time to start sharing that with people and change careers to search out books for myself and others. Opened in 2005, Bobbis Bookstore started online. Given the current trend towards electronic books, it is more important than ever to preserve the printed book and create a place for those books in the future.
What drew you to bookselling?
Searching out books for my personal collection became something I loved. Finding that special book and the excitement of sitting down to hold it, leaf through it and loose myself in reading it was something I felt I could share by finding books other are looking for too. I still have that sappy feeling that books can mean that much to people be and be a prized possession.
Did you have any mentors in becoming a bookseller?
My husband is my mentor. LOL He encouraged me to take up bookselling and fullfill my dream of being surounded by books day in and day out.
What are your specialties as a dealer?
We love history. History speaks to us as a touchstone for the future. We are always looking for those books that speak to us from the past.
What's the most amazing book you've ever sold?
Wow, tough question. The most amazing book is the one that someone writes to tell us how special it is to find and receive it. I have had people write that they found the cookbook their mother used, or the story they were read to as kids and now have to read to their kids. This fulfills my belief that all books are special to someone. We are just trying to match those books up with the right person. All books can be amazing.
What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?
My favorite part of being a bookseller is finding great books in great condition. When you find that old book that is still like new, respected by its previous owners, you know someone is looking for it and its my job to match up those books and people.
Do you have an open storefront or have you in the past?
We do not have a brick and mortar store. We had a building built on our property that houses the bookstore, visits by appointment only. Some local people visit and friend are amazed with all the books and the building. We had the building built new and then remodeled with carpet, shelves, heating etc and it is an awesome retreat for us and a place for all the books that follow me home!
If so, do/did you have any bookstore pets?
We did have Bookstore Kitty Blazer. Unfortunately he passed this spring. He loved to sit on the shelves and look out the window at the pond. He is just too hard to replace at this time.
What is your favorite bookshop (other than your own)?
Wilmington North Carolina has a small bookstore we visited that is wonderful and packed with books! Quarter Moon Books on Top Sail Island North Carolina is awesome too!
What do you personally like to read? Collect?
I love history. I love political memoirs too.
What's your favorite book you personally own? Would you sell it, if the price were right?
Tough question. One of my favs is by Lyndon Johnson, The Vantage Point, signed by Johnson on a White House bookplate placed on the title page. I hold that book and think of the history and significance of the author. I also have Baby Divine by Bette Midler, signed, that is just a fun and happy book! Most of my favorites are signed by the author and I love to sit and read them. The historical books are definitely my favorites though. Most likely, I would not be inclined to sell the Johnson book.
What one book would you buy if price were no object?
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. First Edition, First Printing, pref. signed. I know its fiction and not my favorite genre, but the significance of the book, the symbolism, the history are just so great that it is a real treasure.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring three books, what would they be?
Walden by Thoreau, Snows of Kilimanjaro by Hemingway, and probably Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
