I’ve written several posts in the past about the pleasures of discovering literary history in my own back yard (Behind the Literature I and Behind the Literature III: The Hardboiled Streets of San Francisco), and also stumbling upon literary surprises while traveling (Behind the Literature II). While this post doesn’t focus specifically on writers, it relates to an enchanting book-related find. But first, a little bit of background.
I recently took a relaxing trip to Ojai, CA, with some college friends. I didn’t know much, if anything, about Ojai before I went, but learned a few things on our short two-day stay. Ojai is nestled within a stunning valley surrounded by mountains, off of which the light reflects each evening to create a glorious “pink moment.”
While we could have spent our entire time at our resort and spa with its myriad fitness classes, hiking trails, spa treatments, restaurants, and swimming pools, one of my friends talked us into a short walking tour of downtown Ojai - and I’m so glad she did.
We learned from our tour guide that the Ojai Valley was originally inhabited by the Chumash Indian tribe, and is said to have mystical energy. It is known as a spiritual destination where people come for healing and to capture their zen.
The tour took us through stops into several of the local businesses, where we were treated to lavender lemonade, tacos, honey, handmade ice cream, olive oil, and vegan pizza, topped off by wine tasting. It was marvelous, and we were able to meet a few of the business owners who were involved in the making of their products.
The special literary discovery, however, was not on the tour. But it’s hard to miss a reference to Bart’s Books if you are anywhere near Ojai or if you look up Ojai on the internet. Bart’s Books, founded in 1964, is a mostly outdoor bookstore, open every day from 9:30 a.m. until sunset.
One of the store’s unique features is that it offers books for sale at all hours on the honor system. Book-lovers can browse the books on the shelves facing the street, and drop coins through a slot to make payment when the store is closed.
Although I limited myself to the purchase of only one book (my suitcase was already too full, not to mention my shelves at home!), I enjoyed wandering through the maze of bookshelves that were topped by a tin roof and contained titles from Cooking to Poetry to Sci-Fi to Vintage Paperbacks to, my favorite, Mystery.
The highlight for me was spotting a Bill Crider mystery (the small blue one). He could have spent hours in this place.
Since books have healing powers for me, Bart’s Books was my own personal Shangri-La. Although I spent only a short time there, it made an indelible mark in my memory.
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