Meet Nathaniel of Saltwater Bookshop in Kingston, WA!
In a sentence or two, tell us who you are.
It is said, that on Saturdays in the afternoon, you might find a bookseller waving their hands about and exclaiming things about some nonsense book or another. This is only 80% true, even on other days he is probably yelling about books.
How long have you been at Saltwater?
Since Opening Day in 2023!
What’s your favorite part of working at Saltwater?
I love when someone comes in not knowing what they want and we can go on a hunt for a book that is jusssst right!
What is your favorite genre? Why?
I am mostly a genre reader (fantasy, sci-fi, romance, etc.) but I especially love short stories as a format. I love it when an author can create a world or a story that leaves me wanting to know more or come back again and again!
Who is an author you will always read? Why?
Sir Terry Pratchett author of the Discworld novels. I think that he was one of the greatest satirists and humorists to have ever lived. One moment I can be reading a book diving into journalism or banking systems in a fantasy world, the next a group of retired septuagenarian barbarian heroes, death and their heirs, witches and their headology, wizards and their nonsense. He was fantastic and was taken absolutely too soon!
What book surprised you recently? Why?
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green. Surprised in the frustrating way where there is a reminder that we could be doing so much better for swathes of people, but of course one of the big difficulties always comes back to money.
What was your favorite book(s) as a child?
Holes by Louis Sachar. Every so often I find myself humming “If Only, If Only,” a great book!
What’s your favorite place to read?
A cabin by a lake in a forest.
Is there a book that gave you a perspective/lesson/advice that still sticks with you? If so, what book and what did it teach you?
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, a series of poetic essays that I read every year. My favorites are: On Giving, On Friendship, and On Joy and Sorrow!
