Willow Bridge Books, a very inviting store
Monica fixes no bookstore problem
Our family tradition is to spend Thanksgiving weekend at Yosemite National Park, hiking, reading by the fire and eating a lovely Thanksgiving meal with all of the friends and family who join us. The gateway city to Yosemite is Oakhurst, CA, a small town with a variety of galleries and fast food restaurants (Pete’s Place makes great burgers). Just over two years ago, Monica retired from semi-conductor life in Los Angeles, CA and moved to Oakhurst for a decidedly different lifestyle. When she asked about a local bookstore, she learned the closest one was 45 minutes away–90 minutes of driving to buy a book! Retirement was thrown aside and Monica opened Willow Bridge Books.
Monica chuckled when she told me she envisioned sitting behind the counter reading the day away. The day I visited, Willow Bridge was bustling with an author discussion, kids huddled among the shelves reading books, adults wandering around and two employees ringing up purchases. Monica isn’t getting much reading time lounging around the store.
Monica’s One Book Recommendation
I asked Monica if there was one book she would recommend to readers, which one would she chose? Without hesitation she named The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini as the best book she’s read in at least five years. I suggested she read Atonement by Ian McEwan (of course, it’s my one choice) as a companion read because in both books a teenager makes a very bad choice but as adults one truly atones and one does not, I find it interesting to think about the different results for the characters. We both agreed that Mr. Hosseni’s second book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, wasn’t as good. Monica thought he shouldn’t have tried to write from the viewpoint of a woman, I have to agree. I also think having characters live, then die, then live is a bit too soap opera for me.
Currently, Monica is excited about working with Applewood Books, a publisher of books with a historical American theme. Monica chose an out-of-print book, Applewood is publishing it, and she will be able to sell it at a nice discount to her customers. She chose a Bret Hart book to fit with the western theme that Yosemite exemplifies. She’s hoping in the future to find a publisher of manuscripts by local authors to publish and sell in the store. Oakhurst has several local authors and she would like to better support them.
Oakhurst is an Artistic Community
The store walls are lined with local artwork. Oakhurst is a strong artistic community. In the summer, high season for the area, there are artwalks that the store participates in. Willow Bridge Books supports the local community with events every Saturday afternoon highlighting authors or artists. The Saturday I visited an author, Nancy Tan, was discussing low stress living and her book Quiet Mind, Healthy Body. Other Saturdays included artisans such as photographers, painters and gourders talking about their work.
Monica mentioned that it is difficult to get named authors to come by the store, they feel it is too far away. I’m surprised, Willow Bridge Books is an easy stop on the way to one of the best places on Earth! Authors, walk away from your desk and head to Yosemite for fresh air and inspiration. On the way stop by Willow Bridge to sign some books, then talk to your accountant about a tax deduction for a wonderful trip.
40015 Hwy. 49, Suite 202
Raley’s Shopping Center
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Tags: California, California bookstore, oakhurst, Oakhurst bookstore
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nice site very interesting post keep it up
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