My novel is set in Bar Harbor. Some of it takes place in the present, other parts in Eden, which was the actual name of Bar Harbor before 1900. A few moments ago, I was working on the second draft (about to type the 24,222nd word) and the memory of a bookstore in Bar Harbor flashed in my mind.
In August 2008, I visited Bar Harbor with my husband and in-laws. I had been on a reading hiatus. Well, not really a hiatus, but one of those long stretches of time when I pick up book after book, read the first couple chapters, get bored, and then stay away from it for so long that I never finish it. It’s a bad habit, but one that I’ve never outgrown.
Steve and I were perusing the shelves at Sherman’s Bookstore (which has been there since 1886) and I wasn’t finding anything that I wanted to read. Bookstores are more like art galleries for me (I am actually happier looking at shelves filled with book covers than anything hanging on the walls in the Louvre). Usually, I only buy books that I’ve read about or have been recommended to me. I’m not one to take a chance on a random novel. I had just about given up when Steve pulled a book from the shelf, read the synopsis, and encouraged me to give it a chance. So, I did. And I was pleasantly surprised.
This sparked a long (obsessive) love affair with books. I was insatiable. I went so far as to buy a flashlight for the car, so that during long trips I could read while Steve drove. It was heaven. Currently, I’ve fallen into my unfortunate book abandon habit again, but I’m hoping my vacation next week has an intoxicating read in store for me. I would love nothing more than to get lost in a book right now.
Point being, I just realized that the setting of my novel happens to be the place that my love of books was rekindled most recently. And the bookstore was founded in 1886, which means it was around during the time that most of my novel takes place. I think that’s pretty fantastic…now back to editing!
ps- The book I picked up at Sherman’s was The Book of Joe, by Jonathon Tropper. Maybe in honor of this post, I’ll pick up This Is Where I Leave You. Anyone read it?
I found my center, my purpose, and my heart through writing and I’m here to help you do the same. I work with entrepreneurs, authors, academics, and other driven individuals to help them find their voice on the page. 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
That is so cool! What a neat story! I’m going to think good thoughts of you having book signings there.
You rock Al, I didn’t even think about that! How cool would that be? Hope copy-edits are going well:)