Interview with a Bookstore: Powell's Books in Portland

This huge “city of books” prides itself in hosting not just a million books – but a million of the best. The people behind Powell’s talk regulars, recommendations – and how “weird is the norm” in Portland

Interview with a Bookstore from Literary Hub is part of the Guardian Books Network

• Scroll down for the staff recommendations shelf
  
• The best independent bookshops in the world – readers recommend

Powell’s roots began in Chicago, where Michael Powell, as a University of Chicago graduate student, opened his first bookstore in 1970. Encouraged by friends and professors, including novelist Saul Bellow, Michael borrowed $3,000 to assume a lease on a bookstore. The venture proved so successful that he managed to repay the loan within two months. Michael’s father Walter, a retired painting contractor, worked one summer with Michael in the Chicago store. He so enjoyed his experience that upon returning to his hometown of Portland, he opened his own used bookstore in 1971. In 2010, third-generation Powell owner, Emily, became president of the company.

What’s your favorite section in the store?

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