When asked about his favorite bookstore, Bob Manson pauses for a moment: “That’s like asking a parent to pick their favorite child.”

However, parents typically don’t have over 600 children—which is how many bookstores Manson, a retired educator from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has visited. His literary adventure has taken him across 49 states as well as Canada and Mexico over the past decade.

As book enthusiasts nationwide observe National Book Month, Manson asserts that his exploration is far from over.

“Every bookstore I visit brings me joy,” said Manson, who dedicated 32 years to teaching band in middle schools. “I genuinely appreciate the owners and the communities they belong to.”

Manson was initially motivated by the book “My Bookstore: Writers Celebrate Their Favorite Places to Browse, Read and Shop” by Ronald Rice, prompting him to visit each store featured in it.

“It was his initiative to start visiting these places,” said Rice, who is now semi-retired after a successful career in publishing and bookselling. “And he went on to do just that!”

Rice expressed amazement at how Manson managed to visit all 93 bookstores listed in “My Bookstore.”

“I doubted he would accomplish it. But he didn’t stop there; he kept going,” Rice remarked, calling it a “great honor” to have inspired Manson’s bookstore adventures.

Documenting his bookstore visits

Manson engages more than just visiting. He converses with bookstore owners and patrons to capture the essence of each store and its role in the community. He documents his experiences through photographs and blog posts at The Indie Bob Spot and on Facebook.

“No two indie bookstores are alike,” Manson noted, traveling either solo or with his partner. Depending on the distance, he’ll choose to drive or fly, often staying with friends when possible. He credits his travels to a mix of frugality, a generous severance from his teaching career, and a phase of living with and caring for his mother, who sometimes accompanied him.

Having reached out to Rice regarding the bookstore book, Manson has forged a lasting friendship with the author. Both are passionate about discussing books as well as the people and places connected to them.

Manson’s most recent visits included Sojourn Booksellers in Stevens Point and Books on Main in Friendship (both in Wisconsin) as well as Words Worth Books in Waterloo and Fanfare Books in Stanford (both in Ontario, Canada), and he has lasting memories of several remarkable locations.

Some of his favorites include: The Strand in New York City; Powell’s in Portland, Oregon (which he affectionately refers to as “the Disneyworld of books”); Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Browse Awhile Books in Tipp City, Ohio (a historic and potentially haunted site), among others.

“I especially enjoy those that have coffee shops. But what excites me is that every bookstore I’ve visited has its own unique character,” Manson expressed.

From ‘Midwest kindness’ to skepticism

Manson emphasizes the diversity of bookstores across the country, having garnered impressions from one coast to the other (though he has yet to visit Hawaii).

He has noted the friendly “Midwest nice” even in major cities like Chicago. He pointed out that many bookstores in the South are run by women, representing the essence of Southern hospitality.

“On the East Coast, particularly in the Northeast, people often seem a bit reserved at first,” he observed. “There’s an initial attitude of, ‘Is this guy for real?’ But once you begin chatting, they open up and are just as friendly as people elsewhere.”

Amid ongoing cleanup efforts following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, his thoughts are with the residents and small business owners who are experiencing chaos in the Southeast.

Manson highlighted the BINC Foundation, a nonprofit that supports bookstore owners and employees facing unexpected financial, medical, and mental health challenges, mentioning their fundraising initiatives for small businesses affected by severe weather this fall.

Erika Mantz, communications coordinator for BINC Foundation, praised Manson as “an incredible ambassador” who has helped raise awareness about the available support for bookstore owners.

“Several bookstore owners have contacted us after hearing from Bob,” Mantz stated, adding that BINC Foundation launched an online initiative specifically to aid businesses and employees impacted by Helene and Milton.

Manson noted that some bookstores may not have eye-catching exteriors, yet they are “like stepping into a colorful version of ‘The Wizard of Oz” brings us back to a vivid, colorful interpretation. Remember, it’s essential not to make assumptions based solely on appearances.”

He mentioned that he has developed connections with nearly every bookstore he has encountered.

“There is an incredible variety of bookstores out there. Some specialize in niche genres, such as romance or children’s literature, while others focus on amplifying diverse voices, including those of Native Americans, Black authors, and the LGBTQ community.

“Despite these differences, they all have one thing in common: the staff in these bookstores are friendly and welcoming. I was uncertain about what I would find when I embarked on this journey, but the people I met along the way have been wonderful.”