Phil Larish, owner of Commerce Street Books, located on West Main St. in Charlottesville.
In September, I read an article about a new Charlottesville indie opened by Phil Lorish named Commerce Street Books. They were having a 3-day grand opening with events involving cheese, wine, donuts, and (of course) authors and books. I was super excited to discover that this new indie opened its doors at 499 West Main Street. In other words, it's located smack dab in the middle of where my book, Mama's Chicken & Dumplings, is set (albeit a 90-year difference)!
Of course, I had to check it out.
Wowsa! What a place!
First of all, it's located inside the Doyle Hotel--a gorgeous boutique hotel with rooftop dining. Commerce Street Books is beyond the hotel lobby, past a beautiful seating area, and down the steps on the left. It's a full-of-light bookstore with art, cubbies full of interesting items, cozy places to sit and read, and a wide selection of books. Its chic and modern decor perfectly matches the vibe of the hotel.
Of course, I had to check it out.
Wowsa! What a place!
First of all, it's located inside the Doyle Hotel--a gorgeous boutique hotel with rooftop dining. Commerce Street Books is beyond the hotel lobby, past a beautiful seating area, and down the steps on the left. It's a full-of-light bookstore with art, cubbies full of interesting items, cozy places to sit and read, and a wide selection of books. Its chic and modern decor perfectly matches the vibe of the hotel.
Doyle Hotel lobby area.
Phil was manning the register when I placed a MG read for my beach trip, Misfits: A Royal Conundrum written by Lisa Yee and illustrated by Dan Santat, on the counter. I decided to mention that I was the author of a traditionally published novel for kids that is in fact a West Main Street adventure with Vinegar Hill as its setting. Might he perhaps like to add it to his shelf? Of course, Phil knew about Vinegar Hill's history, and so inquired about the title of my book.
To my surprise and delight, Phil had already purchased at least one copy of Mama's Chicken & Dumplings! Of this I know because he promptly left the counter, located my book amongst others featuring Charlottesville, and faced it out! I couldn't believe it! There it was just a few books down from Rita Dove's collection of poems. How cool is that?!
I had to ask Phil how he came to purchase Mama's Chicken & Dumplings. How had he heard about it? Though he couldn't recall exactly, having had purchased so many books to ready his new store for opening, he guessed he stumbled across my book while doing an internet search for books featuring Charlottesville.
To my surprise and delight, Phil had already purchased at least one copy of Mama's Chicken & Dumplings! Of this I know because he promptly left the counter, located my book amongst others featuring Charlottesville, and faced it out! I couldn't believe it! There it was just a few books down from Rita Dove's collection of poems. How cool is that?!
I had to ask Phil how he came to purchase Mama's Chicken & Dumplings. How had he heard about it? Though he couldn't recall exactly, having had purchased so many books to ready his new store for opening, he guessed he stumbled across my book while doing an internet search for books featuring Charlottesville.
Hurray for SEO and indie booksellers who handpick titles!
Anyhooo, just wanted to share my I-spy-with-my-little-eye moment. And to say that if you happen to be in Charlottesville, VA, anytime soon, be sure to check out Phil's brand new West Main Street business, Commerce Street Books. It's a stone's throw away from the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, and steps away from Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall!
Anyhooo, just wanted to share my I-spy-with-my-little-eye moment. And to say that if you happen to be in Charlottesville, VA, anytime soon, be sure to check out Phil's brand new West Main Street business, Commerce Street Books. It's a stone's throw away from the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, and steps away from Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall!
