Elk Grove's Other Bookstore

A few weeks ago, in a about the uncertain future of Elk Grove's Borders store, we mentioned the dearth of bookstores here in town. (The Economist republished parts of our story last week in a piece about the demise of brick-and-mortar book shops.)

This week, we were happy to discover that while we were technically correct that Borders is the Grove's only 'mainstream' bookstore, Elk Grovians do have another source for paperbacks: Almost Perfect Used Books at 8694 Elk Grove Blvd.

Almost Perfect could just as easily be called Almost Invisible, hidden away as it is in the same mall that houses Dollar Tree, without even a sign on the street to advertise its presence. You probably won't find the latest non-fiction bestseller there. But you will find gently worn copies of Les Miserables and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, friendly service, and bins of M&Ms and peanuts next to the register.

There's an entire section devoted to 'Espionage and Intrigue' and a staggering collection of romance novels. Visitors are greeted with a sign on the door that asks a single cryptic question: 'Who Is John Galt?'

Clerk Justin Dator explained that the sign is a reference to Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, the favorite book of store owner Eric Hansen, a photographer who also owns another location in Sacramento.

Dator said the store also stocks some new titles and will do special orders upon request. Recent hot sellers include the circus love story Water for Elephants and the Hunger Games trilogy, a young adult series.

Dator, too, had heard of Borders's troubles.

"If they do close, people are going to have to go far for their books, or come here," he said.

If you want to check out Almost Perfect, do follow our directions above, and don't follow the sign that sits across from the Auto Mall. That sign points to the store's old location, closed since September.