I'm picky about my bookstores. Part of this is because Powell's in Portland has spoiled me rotten, the other part is that I'm really tired of the chain stores with their milquetoast selection of Whatever Is Popular Now(tm). It's for this reason that independent bookstores really trip my trigger, and they're one of the first things I look for in a travel destination.
We happened upon the Cannon Beach Book Company on accident. We got lost looking for a beach enterance, and found instead this wonderful little section of the town that houses this store.
Like the other retail locations in town, it's a clapboard building with an open door and large windows to take in the view. The Book Company is two levels (separated by only a step) of books with soul. The people who work there are also owners in some cases, and do not hesitate to take a moment out of whatever they are doing to find out what you like to recommend something that fits your tastes. They publish a newsletter that feels like a letter from a friend -- a very enthusiastic letter that makes you want to run right out and buy the books they review.
I bought my favorite book of all time from this store. Sandi, the girl behind the counter, happened to see it out the corner of her eye while taking me to a section of other books she thought I'd like as beach reading, and ended up giving me a discount on it to get me to try it.
Now -that- is personalized service.
It's located just off the beach. If you're sunning yourself or you're tired of the beach culture, head on in and find a book to distract and entertain yourself. You'll be glad you did.