A Bookstore That Monk Would Never Visit
We just arrived in Phoenix for Thrillerfest. On the way, we stopped in Quartzite, AZ for a hamburger and discovered the most unusual bookstore I've ever seen. It's called Reader's Oasis and the gregarious proprietor, Paul Winer, likes to walk around the store nude. Naturally, Paul had a large selection of my books. These are my people.
I think Paul has stumbled on the perfect way for independent bookstores to compete with the big box book stores. This idea could really catch on in L.A... if the salesclerks were all Baywatch babes.
Speaking of babes, there's some kind of sorority or cheerleader convention going on in this very same hotel. I know some single thriller writers who are going to be very busy trying to thrill these other conventioneers. 
Perhaps because of the large crowd, we lucked into an amazing, free upgrade. We are staying in a huge, third floor suite overlooking the golf course. It has a living room, full kitchen, and a giant shaded patio. We may never leave the room.
oh my god. i can't stop laughing. i had to get out my glasses to see if that was skin or a rubber suit. :D
i'm still not sure.
Posted by:anne frasier | Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 07:11 PM
I gotta spend more time in Quartzite.
Posted by:J. Carson black | Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 07:45 PM
He's wearing a couple of blue ribbons. I guess we could call them furbelows.
Posted by:Richard S. Wheeler | Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 08:04 PM
I don't want to know where he keeps the change he gives customers. And I sure don't want to know where he keeps the dollar bills.
Posted by:Alison Kent | Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 09:41 PM
Yup. That's officially the best thing I've seen on the internet today. It's early yet, but I'll bet it'll stay the winner.
Have fun in Phoenix!
Posted by:Matt Bell | Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 09:57 PM
This post is the definition of awesome cubed:
Naked bookstore owners = awesome.
That crocheted nutsack = awesome.
Cheerleader convention = awesome.
Posted by:Wesley Smith | Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 05:40 AM
That actually is a coin purse, isn't it?
Or a cock sock.
Either way, Mr. Goldberg, that is fucking awesome. Cheers.
Posted by:Josh Maday | Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 05:59 AM
That's one way to keep an indy bookstore alive.
Posted by:Bill Peschel | Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 07:44 AM
dear god.
another photo.
i haven't been this entertained in months.
:D
Posted by:anne frasier | Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 09:01 AM
It that was in a book, I wouldn't believe it! :D
Posted by:Chadwick H. Saxelid | Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 10:03 AM
>"We may never leave the room."
"We" being you, Paul and the cheerleaders?
Sounds like a good time - Mark
Posted by:Maestro | Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 02:45 PM
These are hilarious, Lee.
Posted by:Jeff | Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 08:44 PM
It's a bagatelle.
Posted by:Richard S. Wheeler | Friday, June 30, 2006 at 05:26 AM
Richard,
I'm almost afraid to ask how you know that...
Lee
Posted by:Lee Goldberg | Monday, July 03, 2006 at 11:55 AM
That's what I get for being cute...
Posted by:Richard S. Wheeler | Friday, July 07, 2006 at 07:27 AM
FYI, Paul sells mostly USED books.... Almost Naked Bookseller, he does wear very brief shorts.
He does buy them from readers for small amounts, but USED books are not beneficial to publishers or authors. As you all well know.
He does handle some new books and magazines, but they make up a very small percentage. I'd say less than 10%, a lot less.
René
Posted by:René | Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 12:00 PM
I worked for Paul Winer(the naked bookseller) .Regardless of his undress he is one of the most honest ,generous and kind hearted individual you'll ever do busness with. It isn't a gimmick it's Pau!
Posted by:Georgina Williams | Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 05:13 PM