Portland Bookstore: Looking Glass Bookstore

I first stumbled upon Looking Glass Bookstore while on a trek with my wife to visit the Sellwood antique stores.  As we were walking down the sidewalk I saw a sign that had the word “book” in it, which always peaks my interest.  I also noticed that this sign was attached to a red caboose, which further heightened the level of curiosity.  After negotiating a time limit with my wife (she knows that I can literally become part of a bookstore if I don’t have some “time frame for withdrawal”), I walked up the steps and ducked through the door into the caboose.

Once inside I was immediately disappointed that I had only negotiated for 15 minutes, because this store was much more than what it appeared from the outside.  Well into my browsing mode I became even further disappointed as I realized a considerable portion of the store was dedicated to my favorite genres: politics, history, sociology, ecology, etc.  Barely able to make it through the first few sections before I began visualizing my wife checking her watch, I took one for the team and vowed to return for a more thorough grazing.

I have been back a few times since, and am always impressed when I go.  The store definitely has an opinion and a personality, which is exactly what a store this size should accomplish.  I would say that if you are of a conservative political persuasion, you may throw this store in with the whole “vast liberal conspiracy.”  Although if you were opened minded you would find books to suit your tastes as well.

In addition to the non-fiction mentioned above, there is a strong literary section with it’s own dedicated room, and a vibrant poetry selection as well.  Also, don’t forget to take a peak at their shelf full of sale books.  I was able to get Wendell Berry’s A Continuous Harmony for a mere $5.00 on a recent trip.  And while at the register you will be tempted with local literary journals, as Looking Glass deftly takes advantage of all shelf space.

Local is a theme that runs through the events Looking Glass puts on as well.  One event occurring the 4th Monday of every month is a partnership with the Oregon Writer’s Colony to hold Presents!, a series of free workshops for aspiring writers.  Recent events have also included PSU professor Tony Wolk speaking on his new book Lincoln’s Daughter, a stop on the Write Around Portland tour, and a celebration of William Stafford’s Birthday.  Events coming up include a celebration of their second year in Sellwood (though they have been around 30), a reading by Jill Kelly, and another by Scot Siegel.

I know deep down each of you have always wanted to take a ride on a bright red caboose.  Well now is your chance to fulfill that dream, while at the same time quenching your desire to find that next book to fall in love with.