The Bookstore

Interview with Nella Monaco-Wells of The Bookstore

When did you get started in bookselling?

The Bookstore in Durham has been in business since 2011. It is a bricks and mortar business that has recently started going online. There are over 100,000 gently used books, old comics, new and vintage figurines, crystals and stones, tarot cards, and fine jewelry.

What drew you to bookselling?

I've always loved books and when I heard that there was a bookstore for sell in my neighbourhood I jumped at the chance.

Did you have any mentors in becoming a bookseller?

I've frequented new and used book stores all my life so a lot of what I've seen has remained with me. And with all the information found on the internet I have studied lots of different ideas and information.

What are your specialties as a dealer?

I specialize in classic and philosophy books

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

I have sold an old first edition Mark Twain book

What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?

Helping people discover new /old authors

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

Yes. My storefront is open Tuesdays to Fridays 10am to 5pm and Saturdays 10am to 4pm

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

I have 2 small dogs that I did have in my store for a little bit....unfortunately I find that a lot of people are afraid of dogs so I had to leave my dogs at home,

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

When someone asks me if I have a book--no title, or author--but the cover is blue.

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

I love all book stores! Amazing things can be found in any book store

What do you personally like to read? Collect?

I get asked this all the time! It depends on my mood I guess. I read horror, mystery, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, self-help, poetry...and no I haven't read all the books in my store!

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

I personally think books are meant to be shared, so I may keep a book for a few months or a couple of years but then it's time someone else had a chance with it.

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

I'll have to think about that one for a while. I'll have to give that some thought and let you know.

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

A philosophy book, a book on meditation, and how-to book on building either a boat or a tree house--or both!