Tag: book store

Paradox Book Store

Posted on by Tiffani @ Lattes, Lip Gloss, & Literature

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“No phone, no fax, no email, irregular hours, indifferent service, inexplicable categorization, narrow aisles, murky lighting, breath taking selection, dumbfounding prices, and NO DAMN CAT!” – Tom Stobart, owner

Coming from a small town in the Ohio River Valley area, and being surrounded by small towns as well – places like this you know don’t exist in bigger cities.

What is this hidden little gem?

This is the Paradox Book Store located in Wheeling, WV.  One of my favorite places to visit when I go to Centre Market. You may have seen posts about it before on reddit or Buzzfeed, but you really have to see it in person to fully enjoy it.

If you know exactly what you’re looking for and just want a quick in and out visit, then this place is absolutely not for you.  Since there is no real rhyme or reason to the books, its more of a place to mosey around in, searching around for those hidden treasures.

When you first arrive to Paradox, the first thing you will notice is the stacks of books outside.  As the sign says, the pricing on the books range or if you aren’t able to pay now, just pay later. Once you step inside, you immediately notice that the aisles are narrow and the books are just stacked on top of stacks!

 

The pricing of the books ranges from 50 cents for paperbacks to around $3 for a hardcover book, which is an absolute steal – especially if you find multiple titles that you want to read. I have walked out of there with arm fulls of books and a tote bag and only spent around $20! The lighting in there isn’t the greatest but I think it adds to the aesthetic of it all.  Obviously, the store smells like old books (is there really any other scent better than old books? Is there?! Huh?! Name one….I’ll wait!)

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THOUGHT SO!

 

As of right now, I’m not sure the store is open. I know that Tom has had some health issues that he was taking care of, but I also know that he had people helping him keep the place running. I think I may take some time and stop over tomorrow and see if its open.