January
4
Book Soup Owner Dies
Glenn Goldman was a great guy who loved books and presided over my favorite L.A. bookstore, Book Soup, on the Sunset Strip. He put it up for sale on Friday, and then he died, of pancreatic cancer. He was 58.
Last time I spoke to Goldman, he told me business had gotten much tougher. For a time, Book Soup was the most popular indie bookstore in town. I attended countless readings and book signings there, most recently for Todd McCarthy's Fast Women: The Legendary Ladies of Racing. The space was jam-packed with canyons of books.
I guess my own Amazon habit is part of the reason stores like Book Soup no longer thrive. I love Amazon and I love bookstores too. I want them to co-exist. Though Kindle is obviously the way of the future, I still prefer the feel and ambience of browsing in a bookstore, and holding a book in my hand.
[Photo courtesy LA Observed.]



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I have been a fan of Book Soup since the days of the Bistro back in the early 90's. I have made it a point to go at least once a month if I lived in OC or LA to get a book, a mag or to a signing, even the South Coast Plaza shop. News Mews is a regular Friday stop for me now. Books piled to the ceiling in old china cupboards and the odd piece of furniture make it feel comfy and cozy. I am willing to pay the price of retail to go to places like this. Many smiling faces there.
Posted by: Tim | January 05, 2009 at 02:57 AM
I'm so sorry to know about Glenn's passway. We met in New Orleans at ABA Book Fair in 1986. after we spent a lovely week in LA. We also attended frankfurt book fair this same year.
I'm very sad.
Posted by: ana maria santeiro | January 06, 2009 at 08:11 AM