A Good Read Bookstore 
6211 B Pleasant Valley Road
El Dorado
530-434-1742

Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

My husband and I have always loved reading, visiting libraries and bookstores, but we never really thought of opening a store. It wasn’t even on the radar. Then, when one of the few bookstores in El Dorado County announced they were closing, we looked at each other and started concocting a plan. We were willing, young and crazy enough to do it, so a few months later, we opened up shop in a small building in an adorable spot in El Dorado. We’ve been here for two years now and love it!

Where do you go when the going gets tough? 

When Scarlett O’Hara was having a hard time, she went home to Tara. I find home in books. Some of the most influential books in my life were Alice in Wonderland, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Emma, Gone with the Wind, and the Bible. Reading them brings back memories from different stages of my life and helps me to continue to grow into the woman I want to be.

What’s your biggest job perk? 

I love all the opportunities this bookstore has given me. I’ve been able to jump out of my comfort zone and find great books in genres I had never explored. Ever since I was young, I considered all non-fiction too boring and all Roald Dahl too creepy. Now, I make myself branch out to genres and authors I previously shied away from; to my surprise, the books have been amazing! I’ve also met so many great people here. It’s been a joy getting to know the people in this community.

And finally, customer service is…? 

Doing all you can to help people find what they’re looking for. Books often mean more to people than just the stories they contain. I find that readers look to books to reminisce about childhood memories, to find new adventures, or to share a part of themselves with loved ones. I know how meaningful and enjoyable searching for a book can be, and I love helping my customers find a good read.