Parnassus Books-Independent Bookstore!
I am in Nashville, for a few days, expressly for the purpose of visiting this bookstore. Find out why!
Hello! I am in Nashville, TN today for a special event! I will be doing some other touristy things while I am here, but want to share a little about what I consider the main motivation for my visit. Parnassus Books is an independent bookstore in Nashville which opened in the fall of 2011. Notably, one of the two owners was none other than Ann Patchett, the author. She has written a number of novels, as well as two collections of essays. Her most recent book is Tom Lake, which I really enjoyed! I listened to the audio version read by Meryl Streep.
Parnassus hosts many events that feature authors discussing their newly released books and tonight, Helen Simonson is discussing her latest book: The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club which was just released this month. Ms. Simonson is originally from the UK and her first two books were: Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand (2010) and The Summer Before the War (2016). I read both of these two previous books and thoroughly enjoyed them!
Parnassus has a wonderful website with all kinds of information to peruse! They also have book clubs you can participate in if you are a local resident (which I am not). Do you have an independent bookstore in your town? I hope you will support them! There is an independent bookstore in downtown Augusta on Broad Street, The Book Tavern, which is a blend of used and new books and a fun place to visit and pick up a book! In Decatur, GA, take a look at Tall Tales Book Shop. They have been in the Toco Hills Shopping Center on Lavista Road for many years (since 1979). I have supported them over the years, as well. Full disclosure, I have purchased books from Amazon, and in recent years, have tried to use my local library for my book habit. However, if you want to buy a book, I hope you will consider purchasing from an independent bookstore sometimes! We want to keep them in business! Happy Reading!
P.S. Update: the author visit with Helen Simonson was a delight! She gave a wonderful talk, first reading from her new book, then telling a little about how she came to write the book, and, finally, taking questions from the audience. If you have a chance to catch her on her book tour, I highly recommend you do! She is a lovely lady and lots of fun.
Also, unrelated to books, I went to the Grand Ole Opry for “Country Classics Night,” and visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Both were very enjoyable and time well spent.