This week’s Shop of the Week is Crooked House Books, owned by Rachelle.
What is the meaning behind your shop name?
A couple of years ago I closed my bricks and mortar general used bookstore, and decided I wanted to start a new, and much more specialized business at home. I live in an old late-Victorian house built at the beginning of the twentieth century. The house isn’t quite “straight” anymore, and when we were putting in the shelves for the new business, a friend who was helping said, “man, this house sure is crooked.” That was it! I named it right then, and Crooked House Books & Paper was born.
How did you get your start selling vintage?
When I was a child, my father sold antiques for a while, and he was always going to auctions and sales where he would buy old stuff. Specifically, I remember he would buy boxes and boxes of old books. He built a wonderful library this way, and I ended up with a nice collection of old children’s books as well. Because of this, I’ve always loved old books and old things.
About a dozen years ago, I moved from the Southwest to the Northwest, and started a new life in Portland, Oregon. I ended up buying a used bookstore. I’ve never regretted it, and over the years I have specialized more and more in the rare and collectible books and ephemera.
What is your favorite item in your shop right now, and what makes it special to you?
Of course it is so hard to choose, but I really do love this atlas. It is extravagant and beautiful, and it’s an open window to parts of the world that don’t even exist any more. The color maps are amazing!
I also love it because of where it came from. I bought it from a man in his 80s who has been collecting all his life. He decided it was time to start down-sizing and he was selling his book collection. His house is full of beautiful things, and while I was there, he kept bringing things out to tell me their stories. One thing would make him think of another, and I was there for a long time. His love for all of these things he had accumulated
over the years was so touching and everything meant something to him. I ended up going back two more times before our deal was done, and I hope I will get a chance to visit him again.
What is the most unusual or amazing item you have sold from your shop?
I recently sold a first American edition of Gray’s Anatomy. It was the most expensive single item I’ve ever sold, and the whole transaction was exciting and nerve-wracking. I was really happy to get it into the right hands, but I actually miss the book a little now.
SOLD!
Do you sell your items at other venues outside of Etsy? If so, where can we find you?
I do sell on several other venues, including Ebay, Amazon and Abe Books, but the best place to find me outside of Etsy is on my own website: www.crookedhousebooks.com
What social media platforms do you use? Share your links with us, so we can follow you!
www.facebook.com/crookedhousebooksandpaper/
www.instagram.com/crookedhousebooks/
www.pinterest.com/chbookspaper/
Awesome article, Rachelle…love that you met the man who owned the atlas…it always makes things we sell more special if we know the history or its previous owner{s} – Brava, wishing you loads of continued success!
Rachelle, Your story is so endearing! I love the story about the man in his 80s, and the meaning of your shop name. I have a love of old books, mostly bc I was gifted with my grandmother’s collection of recipe books and school books from her life. People who say old books “smell” l just don’t understand that the odor is LIFE. It is the life of the book and the life of the owner.
I wish you much happiness and success in your shop and days.
I hope that if I am around at 80 someone like you comes along to listen to the history of the things I love. God bless you.
Wonderful shop story.I love the name and the meaning behind it. I adore old books, even the smell. Best of luck to you!
Rachelle – what a great glimpse into your shop! I really enjoyed your interview, and I’d love to visit with your 80-year old friend, too! I have always loved books – especially the old ones that have character in their covers, binding, and the paper they are printed on. How fun that you live in (and work from) such an amazing house! I took a peek at your website – I didn’t know about that before your interview. Very nice! I wish you continued success with your shop, and look forward to seeing the books that you are always posting!
Great shop crammed full of WONDERFUL books!!
Loved reading your story, Rachelle! Your shop is wonderful! There is nothing better than the charm and beauty of an old book! Best wishes! 🙂