When my husband and I first got married and his mom was still alive, we used to spend a week every summer in Bethany Beach. Page passed away several years ago now, but in her memory I’m wearing a pair of socks that matched a pair she had. When we particularly missed each other, we could call and declare a striped sock day and wear our socks together, even though we were apart.
So one place we always went when we were at the beach was Bethany Beach Books. It’s the most charming little shop, just steps from the sand. I was practicing law back then, not yet writing, and I used to love to pile up on books to read on my week off.
I haven’t been back to Bethany in years, but I checked on the internet to see if they are still there. With so many stores not surviving in this e-marketing age, I was relieved to see that they have. I expect the store is a bit quiet today, it being in a beach town and this being the middle of winter. But I’m thinking of Page, and wearing my socks, and wishing we were walking into Bethany Beach Books together again.
And yes, my socks do have holes in the bottom now, and are in danger of being leggings, so I can only wear them on special occasions. But today, Page’s birthday, feels like one. – Meg
Bethany Beach Books is at 99 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach DE and on twitter at @banksquarebks
Independent bookstores help new writers find an audience, and keep literature vibrant. If you don’t live near this one, please see the list of others in the sidebar under “Bookstores Worth Browsing.” Don’t see your favorite here yet? Please email me and I’ll do my best to have it featured here.
