Postcard Bookshop: A Literary Journey Around the World

Independent bookstores serve as vital cultural hubs within their communities. They foster a sense of belonging, boost local economies, promote literacy, champion diverse voices, and connect readers with books in meaningful ways. This week, we delve into the unique world of Postcard Bookshop, a travel-themed haven in Portland, Oregon, owned by Patrick Leonard.

A Tiny Space, a World of Stories

Postcard Bookshop, as its name suggests, is a cozy space packed with stories. At just 300 square feet, it proves that big adventures can come in small packages. The store caters to all types of travelers, from seasoned jet-setters to armchair explorers, offering a curated selection of books to fuel their wanderlust.

Patrick Leonard’s vision for Postcard Bookshop stems from his belief in the power of reading to shape our understanding of the world. Novels have inspired his own travels, and he recognizes the profound impact books can have on experiencing places, whether real or imagined. His goal is to share this passion with others, providing a space where readers can discover new destinations and cultures through literature.

Geography as the Guiding Star

What sets Postcard Bookshop apart is its unique organizational system. Instead of categorizing books by genre, Patrick arranges them geographically. Each country has its own section, featuring a diverse range of titles, including guidebooks, language guides, novels, poetry, cookbooks, and nonfiction works by and about that place.

This arrangement encourages customers to explore a country holistically. When planning a trip, they can find practical travel information alongside immersive novels to read on the plane and cookbooks to recreate the flavors of their destination at home. It’s a way to extend the travel experience beyond the physical journey, fostering a deeper connection with the places they visit.

The World in a Piñata

Patrick’s favorite section in the store is located beneath a handmade, three-foot piñata of the earth. This table serves as a platform for showcasing different themes in world literature. He curates rotating displays that highlight specific genres, cultural traditions, or historical events from around the globe.

In the past, he has featured international horror authors in October and classic love stories from different countries in February. Currently, he is exploring the intersection of travel and science fiction, showcasing translated sci-fi novels alongside books about space and night sky tourism. This ever-changing display keeps the store fresh and encourages readers to discover new and unexpected literary landscapes.

Recommended Reads: Peter Hessler and Hannah Kirshner

Patrick consistently recommends Peter Hessler’s books to his customers, particularly his latest, "Other Rivers." This book explores the social and political changes in China over the past two decades through the lens of Hessler’s family’s experiences in the Chinese education system during the pandemic.

As tensions between the U.S. and China rise, Hessler’s work offers a valuable perspective on a complex country. Patrick believes that Hessler’s approach to writing as a "foreigner abroad" is a model for respectful and humane engagement with different cultures.

Another book that Patrick believes deserves more attention is "Water, Wood, and Wild Things" by Hannah Kirshner. This memoir, set in the Japanese hot spring village of Yamanaka Onsen, is a loving tribute to the artisans who work to preserve traditional crafts. Kirshner’s book delves deeper than the surface-level appeal of starting a new life abroad, exploring the rich community that exists beyond the tourist’s gaze.

Exciting Upcoming Releases: Robert MacFarlane

Patrick is particularly excited about Robert MacFarlane’s upcoming book, "Is a River Alive?" scheduled for release on May 20. MacFarlane’s writing beautifully explores the relationship between landscapes and people, examining how we influence and are influenced by the natural world.

In this new book, MacFarlane travels to diverse locations, including Ecuadorian cloud forests, the deltas of Southeastern India, and the forests of eastern Quebec, to investigate the global fight to protect our waterways. He blends travel writing, natural history, and a passionate call for ecological justice.

The Importance of Independent Bookstores

Patrick emphasizes the unique value of shopping at local, independent bookstores. These stores offer a curated alternative to online retailers, providing a space for readers to connect with specific genres and communities. Independent bookstores are staffed by knowledgeable and passionate booksellers who are genuinely excited to share their expertise and recommendations. This enthusiasm, driven by genuine interest, is a far cry from the algorithm-driven suggestions of online platforms.

Upcoming Events and Partnerships

This spring, Postcard Bookshop will launch a "World Traveler" book club, featuring a different country each month. Participants will receive passports to track their reading progress. The store is also located within Portland’s CARGO Emporium, a collective of local and global artists, makers, and retailers. This partnership provides opportunities for collaboration and community engagement, with a full calendar of craft workshops, art openings, and neighborhood events.

Postcard Bookshop is more than just a place to buy books; it’s a portal to new worlds, a community gathering place, and a testament to the enduring power of stories. It’s a reminder that even in a small space, the world can be explored through the pages of a book.