The store is beautiful, and I was there shortly after opening on a Thursday and it was pretty busy! There is a small room with cookbooks and travel writing, and a carved out space for children and YA. In front of that is a beautiful art book section, more in-depth than most bookstores. While science fiction and fantasy are relegated to the back of the store (why do stores do this?), there is also a substantial section of music books. When in Nashville....
The author has handwritten recommendation cards throughout the store, which was a nice touch. A few of the cards are also written by her staff, but the majority seemed to be Patchett. I bet this sells quite a few volumes! There was a nice section of local authors, but my favorite feature was probably the shelves of local book club picks. What a great idea, and a service to the community (also probably selling quite a few books.)
As someone living in the southeast, I know how few authors bother to come down to visit the readers down here. It is really unfortunate, but clearly having a known author as a bookstore owner has made a difference at Parnassus Books, just check out this line-up:
Maria Semple! Isabel Allende!? Augusten Burroughs! Jess Walter! I wish I lived closer. I didn't buy a book. I didn't buy a $15 poster of the store either. I was in the mood to produce, not consume, so I bought an empty journal to fill up with my own words.
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