Cape Eye On Books with Anne LeClaire: Titcomb Bookshop's Hot Picks For February

Anne LeClaire

The story of how Nancy and Ralph Titcomb and their eight children came to move to Sandwich in 1969 and operate their bookstore is worthy of a book itself and certainly worth clicking on the store’s website, www.titcombsbookshop.com, and reading the “Our History” page.

Even those who haven’t stepped inside the shop are familiar with the wrought iron colonial man statue, a local landmark crafted by Ted Titcomb as part of his college portfolio. Step inside the three-story shop and you are immediately greeted by members of the staff who are, said one, “like family.” Shopping here is like a treasure hunt. There is a children’s section, antiquarian books for all ages, a wide range of new releases and the works of regional authors.

“For 40 years Titcomb’s Bookshop has embodied everything that is good and proud about independent bookselling dedicated to providing its customers with expertise, passion, individual service,” said Steve Fischer, executive director of the at the New England Independent Booksellers Association.

Titcomb’s Bookshop in Sandwich

Asked about the secret to their success, one staff member said, “This is a happy place.” Another added, “It’s magical.”

“You never know who you will run into,” said a third. “It’s sort of like the ‘Cheers” of the bookstore world.”

“It’s inviting,” said another. “It’s just messy enough to be welcoming, but not off-putting. You can find treasures here.”

Perhaps that is one reason the bookstore was selected by the International Booksellers Federation in 2007 as one of 50 unique bookstores in the world and featured in their calendar.

The store’s customer base is fierce and loyal and events at the shop – author appearances and signings, guest talks which might include a visit from an editor or translator, as well as a lively book club discussions – are always well attended.

In keeping with our theme for February, passion, here are

TITCOMB’S FEBRUARY BOOK PICKS:

“THE JAPANESE LOVER” by Isabel Allende – This is not a typical World War II story and it spoke to the staff because of both the uniqueness of the story – which is told backwards – and Allende’s exquisite writing.

“GEORGIA” by Dawn Tripp is a novel about Georgia O’Keeffe that one staff member called, “The standout of the season.” It’s a book that begs to be discussed, said Vicky Titcomb.

“THE PEOPLE IN THE PHOTO” by Helene Gestern – A wonderful book about the archeology of memory.

“A FINE ROMANCE” written and illustrated by Nantucket author Susan Branch – A delightful love story about falling in love with the English countryside.

“CROSSING TO SAFETY” by Wallace Stegner – “One of the top five books ever,” said Vicky Titcomb. A classic story of love and friendship over the years.

“LOVE IS MY FAVORITE THING” by Emma Chichester Clark — The staff’s bonus pick – a selection for children.