Love of books prompts new store opening

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY JULIE ANDERSON
After opening a little over a month ago, Bookish-R-We, a new bookstore in Marion, is doing better than expected according to owner Susan St. John.

The bookstore, located at 331 S. Main in Marion, opened Nov. 27.

St. John said she knew she was taking a chance when she opened the store.

She attributes part of her early success to opening during the holiday season. She also said the Marion community supported idea.

?People seem to be very happy to have me here,? St. John said. ?People are taking to it rather nicely.?

She said most people express disbelief that a bookstore exists in Marion, but she doesn?t mind.

?It?s kind of been a lifelong dream of mine,? St. John said.

She said as a child, she thought it would be cool to have a bookstore so she could read all of the books she wanted.

She likes to read a variety of books, mostly fiction, and often changes authors. The best literature she said is written by William Faulkner.

Her selection of books reflects her taste, as well as several different genres of books people have contributed.

The store offers new and used books. Many of the books are ones she owned. Others have been donated as used books or traded. She is always looking for more books.

A selection of new books also is available.

The store includes sections for children, psychology, self-help and literature.

?I would like to hear from the public what they want me to carry,? St. John said.

St. John is waiting for her retail license before she can start ordering new books directly from the publishers. Currently, she orders new books at customers? requests.

In addition to books, her customers will find artwork in the store. The paintings are done by St. John?s mother, who has a studio set up in the store.

St. John hopes people will begin bringing in their artwork so it can be displayed in the store.

She is interested in displaying arts and crafts items, too.

St. John also does secretarial services, desktop publishing and designs pages for Web sites.

In the future, she hopes to have readings and book clubs, as well as continue the Saturday reading times for children.

After deciding to open the bookstore, it took about a month to find a location and set it up.

St. John?s love for books goes beyond reading books. She also writes them. She is currently trying to get two of her books published.

She has also had stories published in Random Ravings, a magazine that includes stories, poems and essays.

She hopes to receive enough stories from people to be able to publish it two to three times a year.

She also has written three screenplays.

St. John has enjoyed writing all her life.

?All I would do is read and write,? St. John said.

She said the bookstore provides her with a place to write.

This is not the first business St. John has run. She had a doll business when she lived in Florida. She had to give up the business when she became allergic to the porcelain.

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