I think the origin of most geeks can be found in a deep love for print. Many of us start out as bookwarms. While other children are off being attractive, cool, athletic...whatever....we little geeks were indoors, hidden in a quiet corner of the library, on the floor with our noses buried in some sci-fi novel or adventure story. At least I was. Trips to the mall would find me NOT at the foodcourt trying to see and be seen...but instead hidden away in Waldenbook's reading the latest Bloom County, or Mad Magazine, or Judy Bloom book.
Man, if Harry Potter had come out when I was a kid I would have been utterly obsessed. Who am I kidding? I'm obsessed now. I made do with C.S. Lewis and Tolkien. Yeah, poor me. :)
The books I read shaped my mind and lit my imagination on fire. I honestly believed anything was possible. That sort of magical thinking is priceless and get's squashed out of us all too soon. But every once in a while some fabulous new tale comes along that resonates and you put down the laptop, the iphone and turn off the TV and lose yourself in it's pages.
I admit it. Twilight swept me away into the magical place. Mock me if you will. I don't care.
Anyway, one of our Elder Geeks (an actual relative), had a brilliant idea a few years back. He lives in a little village, deep in the Catskills, called Hobart. Uncle Don thought it would be a wonderful thing to revitalize the village by becoming a book lovers destination. It was a humble start. But it has taken hold. People are caught up in it's charm and the appeal is soul deep for book lovers. He and the other townfolk modeled their efforts after the world famous Booktown in Egland called
Hay-on-Wye. It is a world renowned tourist destination. Now the
Hobart Book Village is more of a "nook" by comparison to it's model but the buzz they have created has had some major payoffs for the community, even in this rough economy. Perhaps the biggest compliment is the recent arrival of Hatherleigh Press, which is distributed through Random House. They have set up shop a few miles outside of town and publish wellness and health-related books and periodicals. The press employs three full-time editors and publishers and many freelance writers, graphic artists and photographers from across the country. Owner Andrew Flach said he was drawn to the area because of its unique concept.
This is the most recent article regarding the success of the book village:
The Daily Star
What a long way they have come in just a few years! It's a beautiful drive. Worth the effort if you happen to be in the area. Also, if you are looking for that unusual book, I bet someone there can help. Just go to the website
Hobart Book Village and get connected with a book genius in no time.
