Time Was Soft There by Jeremy Mercer

A must-read for anyone with bohemian tendencies. I loved his writing. He evokes such a sense of place it's hard not imagine actually being there among the dusty shelves and creaky floorboards and the rag-tag assortment of characters all living in a bookstore. What a quirky and delightful memoir.

When it came my turn to be served, the young woman at the desk gave me a bright smile and folded open the cover of my book. With meticulous care, she stamped the title page with the crest of the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Then she invited me up for tea. pg3

Along with the shelves of centuries-old books, the antiquarian room has a desk, a lovely stuffed armchair, and, of course, a creaky but thoroughly sleepable bed. pg36

The rich history of the store was reflected by the walls of framed photographs, the first editions of Ulysses and Tropic of Cancer, the mementos of travels past. pg93

If you ever come to Paris

On a cold and rainy night

And find the Shakespeare store

It can be a welcome sight

Because it has a motto

Something friendly and wise

Be kind to strangers

Lest they be angels in disguise

Shakespeare and Company