It’s amazing what a week at the beach can do for the soul. The Leathers – the whole family plus mom-in-law Marge and “daughter” Samantha, our 13-year-old brown golden retriever – had our first real family vacation in almost three years.

Overdue? You can say that again.

The best thing about a beach vacation? Reading, of course. And I’m so happy to report that I didn’t see one Kindle or iPad or other e-reader. Sure, they’re great on airplanes and coffee houses, but at the beach where sand, sweat, suntan lotion and saltwater rule, only a good paperback will do.

And I saw plenty of them – pages filled with lily white breasts and murder suspects and famous folks from our past and heroes and hoods.

 I went well equipped, having hit the Friends of the Brentwood Library’s  book sale the day before we took off. First up was Evening Class by Maeve Binchy. I don’t know how I missed that one. Then it was Letters from Pemberly, the first Pride and Prejudice sequel I actually liked. Third was one I actually checked out of the library (don’t worry Susan Earl, I read this one only on the screened porch). Titled What’s the Least You can Believe and Still be a Christian, the small book is by my new pastor, Martin Thielen. I’m happy to report I think I pass.

Walking on the beach and seeing so many people reading made me happy, and a bit bittersweet too, knowing that here in Brentwood our Borders store along with all Borders everywhere are closing.

I think about some of the “surprise” books I’ve found in bookstores and on library shelves over the years that I never, ever would have read if I hadn’t picked them up and read the book jacket. Ever read Crazy in Alabama? You should.

When I read that Books-a-Million plans to take over 30 Borders stores, I put in a little time before vacation trying to find out if our Brentwood store might be among them. So far, I’ve only received this from the Alabama-based chain:

“Thank you for contacting us on the purchase of the Borders store in your area. While we can't comment on any plans to acquire particular store locations, we are always interested in learning where there is a need for one of our stores and I will be happy to pass this information on to our corporate office for consideration. We look forward to expanding to new communities & hope to see you in one of our stores very soon.”

Best regards,

Ouida Johnson
Customer Service Representative

So, if you’d like to see the Brentwood Place space remain a bookstore, give Ouida a call or send her an email too. Maybe they are really interested. We can hope.

Speaking of Borders, I’m wondering how many city ordinances that huge GOING OUT OF BUSINESS banner hanging outside the Brentwood Place storefront is breaking. But what’s the city going to do? Shut the place down?

And speaking of books and authors, I had this email from Rita Dozier, executive director of the Williamson Literacy Council while I was gone:

“… I’m backtracking from the Author! Author! event. Someone stopped me and said I want to help with next year’s event – BUT – of course – I don’t remember who said it!  So I’m going down my list of attendees searching for the woman interested in being on the planning committee…”

It wasn't me but might it have been you? If so, let me know and I’ll let Rita know.

UFOs in Brentwood? Maybe
Finally, on a topic that has absolutely nothing to do with books unless my usually very reliable source who shared this tip was reading a science fiction novel while sipping an adult beverage or two Saturday night, there’s this: UFOs in Brentwood. Yes, you read that right.

A member of our BHP Advisory Board reports that he saw “what appeared to be hundreds of... uh, well, it looked like hundreds of balloons floating up in the night that were glowing” on Saturday night south of Concord off Franklin Road.

“I've heard nothing about aliens from outer space visiting Brentwood,” City Manager Mike Walker replied to my query.

What about you? If you saw something, or know something, do tell. Inquiring minds want to know.

Susan Leathers is editor of Brentwood Home Page. Click here to read previous columns. Email her at susan@brentwoodhomepage.com