Cloverdale bookstore is a ‘novel-ty’
Displayed inside the bay windows of the iconic purple house off Hwy 101 is a charming collection of used books. Their home, a 1930s riverside house, is now a bookshop. Stepping into the store is like experiencing a story in itself.
Inside, the wide, wood plank floors (that I’m sure are original to the house) creak as you walk through the shop. The sound only adding to the antiquated atmosphere. Small genre sections are noted. Beautiful spines of carefully selected books line the shelves. Vintage décor is sprinkled throughout the little room. Eddy, the shop kitten, softly jumps up on the display table to greet me.
At the back of the building, the French doors are propped open, as my visit falls on one of the first warm days of spring. Out past the deck the Nestucca River flows by, full from recent heavy rains. The shop owner, Linda Parkison, boils some water in a copper kettle for tea. I take a seat and absorb the setting. Eddy plays energetically with ball at my feet. As the tea brews, I settle in and prepare to hear a charming story: the one about the welcoming, whimsical bookshop owner in Cloverdale, Oregon.
Parkison opened book-ish: Used Books +Vintage Decor a year ago after deciding to relocate to the Oregon Coast. With her collection of used books, she transformed the iconic house into a one-room store.
“You can’t miss it. It’s the cutest little purple cottage: tiny, but might with heart,” Parkison said. And it’s true, a few months back on my passing drive through town, I took note of the unique shop. My curiosity is what led to that day’s interview.
Inside book-ish, there’s a curated inventory: mostly used books of various genres, a few new titles, and some gift items such as calendars and journals. Parkison is also quick to point out a beloved section: children’s books.
“It makes sense that often our favorite books, that really hold a permanent place in our hearts and began our lifelong love of reading in the first place, would be something we read as a child and then read and share with our kids,” she said. “My favorite books are a tie between Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine (1967 Caldecott Award Winner) and Charlotte’s Web.”
Her statement reminds me of the numerous storybooks throughout my childhood read by loving family members, and now the bedtime stories that are told in my own home.
Parkison points out that book-ish is only the second, dedicated bookstore in Tillamook County. The other, Cloud & Leaf Bookstore, is located in Manzanita nearly 50 miles north.
“People are really welcoming and happy,” Parkison said. “We’re trying to make Cloverdale a little destination stop. I'm always happy to order a book I don't have in the shop, or try track down something that's maybe been out of print. I welcome requests. As much as I love collecting books and sharing and connecting with other people who love books, when it comes to the business part of knowing and owning a bookstore, I’m still a complete rookie and learning as I go.”
The possibility of discovering a new read or a rare vintage find makes the novelty of South County’s own bookstore an enjoyable stop. As I thank my host for the tea and depart, a feeling of warmth resonates, like I’d just met a character from a really good book.
“Coming to the Coast has always been my happy place to get away from Portland,” Parkison said. “Who doesn’t just visit and say: ‘Someday I’d like to open a bookstore and retire. A lot of people say when they come in: ‘Do you feel like it’s a dream?’”
book-ish is located at 34380 S Hwy 101, Cloverdale. For hours, follow book-ish on Facebook or Instagram.
