On my bookshelf

Time Was Soft There :: Jeremy Mercer

Part memoir, part travel book, part character essay. Jeremy Mercer chronicles his months as a poor, unemployed bum living in Shakespeare & Co. in Paris under the charitable auspices of its mercurial owner George Whitman (no, not the grandson of Walt Whitman, thank you!) who befriends him. There Mercer meets a ragtag bunch of writers, some odd part-time staff and curious visitors who over time, become part of the story of that legendary bookshop. Things we take for granted are all part of Mercer's daily adventures as he scrounges for cheap food, clothes and a hot shower with hilarious results. He also shares his growing friendship with George, a lifelong Communist and Sunday pancake chef.

I may not be headed to Paris anytime soon, but I'm glad I read what is probably be the 'last firsthand account' of Shakespeare & Co. Funny and quitely moving, this is a great read and yes! a worthy addition to any library.

Now reading: Still on The Princess Bride (bedtime), The Faith Club (daily commute) and the plodding Jane Austen Bookclub. I don't dare sniff the air in Borders or Kinokuniya lest I succumb to temptation. But oh! there are so many books I want!! Be strong, Kisane... Haha!