Tallahassee's Word Traffic Books Celebrates Grand Opening with Readings

In the day and age of cookie cutter bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Borders, Tallahassee's Word Traffic Books is refreshing with its mix of new and used books, comfy sofas and edgy art. Owners Chelsea and Van Fox opened Word Traffic Books on August 18 and celebrated its grand opening Saturday with author readings, tasty nibbles and good conversation.

Children's author Bridget Kamke read and signed copies of her book, Infinipede. Kamke's book, published in 2003 by Guru Beant Press, is about a multi-legged caterpillar-type creature trying to fit into the town he wandered into. The vibrantly illustrated book teaches values of tolerance, sharing and cooperation.

Tallahassee native Jeff Parker read from his debut novel, Ovenman. He introduced the audience to protagonist When Thinfinger, a philosophical Central Florida skateboarding dude and Post-it note fiend. After asking the group how many have attended a reading before, Parker read a portion from the back of his novel.

"I'm going to read a section about sex," he said. "Sex makes people uncomfortable and uncomfortable people don't fall asleep."

The intimate group of about thirty laughed.

Parker signed copies of Ovenman and chatted with the group. Published in 2007 by Tin House Books, the novel is receiving acclaim being described as funny, dark and creepy. Parker currently teaches at the University of Toronto and lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan and Toronto, Canada.

Word Traffic Books is comfortable and welcoming, on its way to being cozy. The locally owned bookstore has a nice balance of new and used books with plenty of room to increase the inventory. The selection is well organized and isn't overwhelming making browsing for the perfect read easy. Most of the used books are less than $10 with many under $5. Word Traffic Books also carries books by Tallahassee authors.

If a particular book is not in stock, the Tallahassee bookstore is happy to order it. Gift cards, audio books, stationery (including tree-free) and hot and cold beverages are also available. Artwork by local artists adds vibrant color while comfy sofas and a wooden church pew add character to the bookstore.

Importantly, don't miss the bathroom. No need to bring in your own reading material. The walls are covered with pages torn from books.

Word Traffic Books is located at 1227 E. Lafayette Street, Tallahassee between Lindy's Chicken and Wooly Bully and behind New Leaf Market. The bookstore is open Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (850-422-WORD).