Quote: Copperfield Books is apparently well known on the West Coast. I became acquainted with it on this visit, and quickly fell in love. Aside from being an independent bookstore, they pride themselves in their efforts to maintain a censorship-free press. The owners are situated in Sonoma County and their book selections reflect the local causes, and the flavor of the local folks. I found it surprisingly refreshing to have a tarot reader in the back of the store. She was dressed as a gypsy, seated with a large round table in front of her covered with a red cloth. No takers at the time.

Their section on house decor was outstanding, rivaling the best stocked areas of Barnes and Noble or Borders. Did I forget to mention the waterfall? Yes, a wonderful, murmuring, soothing waterfall sits in the center of the store gurgling water. It's positively enchanting. The selection of magazines is definitely not random. Most are targeted to well read individuals and/or causes such as conservation, green living, healthy living, gay causes, art, photography and the like. Very little in the way of cheesecake, and that was a welcome change.

They also have a very active guest program where author and readers converge. They will do out-of-print book searches for you, and also sell tickets to worthwhile cultural events in the community. They have their own literary magazine called the "Dickens" (how appropriate) to which contributions are solicited on line and at the store.

Their annex is located a few yards down the street, and we browsed in there for a long time; I was particularly delighted to find never seen before titles. Copperfields has 5 stores in Sonoma County and are headquartered in Nebraska.

From journals Sebastopol: California's Apple Cart