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An interview with Warren's Books

Biblio checks in with Warren's Books to learn more about their book business, collecting interests and more! To view and shop their inventory, click here.


When did you get started in bookselling?

1976


What drew you to bookselling?

Desperation


Did you have any mentors in becoming a bookseller?

None


What are your specialties as a dealer?

General retail


What's the most amazing book you've ever sold?

Horatio Alger book from 1857 for $850


What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?

Money


Do you have an open storefront or have you in the past?

Had a store from 1976 to 2004


If so, do/did you have any bookstore pets?

3 boys until 1993, 1994 and 1995


What is the funniest / strangest / scariest thing that ever happened in your store?

Funniest: Watched a guy put 4 packets of cocaine in a book. When He left I went to see what it was then flushed down toilet immediately. 3 guys came in (cops) and went straight to book. Now that was funny! Strangest: A guy stacked up about 35 Louis L'amour paperbacks and when I told him the price he said "You mean I have to pay for them?" Scariest: 3 Mexicans came in at closing time, pulled knives and said "give money." I pulled up my 357 and said "get out" 2 left quickly the one that had gun to his head froze in place and peed. That could also be the funniest.


What is your favorite bookshop (other than your own)?

McKays in Nashville


What do you personally like to read? Collect?

Read historical non-fiction paranormal and all types of war and history. Collect books on 1950s adult type women like bad girls, art poster and movie related items


What's your favorite book you personally own? Would you sell it, if the price were right?

Have no one personal favorite and of course would sell it if price was right.


What one book would you buy if price were no object?

Have no preference.


If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring three books, what would they be?

A Bible, Porn Magazine and a survival manual.