Paul Yamazaki has been the chief buyer at City Lights Bookstore for more than 50 years, contributing significantly to its renowned collection. Lawrence Ferlinghetti initially founded the bookstore in 1953 to back Beat poets. The store focuses on poetry, translated texts, and socially and politically aware literature. Even after more than 60 years, City Lights still stands for freedom of thought and opposes authority.

Yamazaki was awarded the National Book Foundation's 2023 Literarian Award for his remarkable contributions to literature. He has additionally guided numerous booksellers throughout the nation.

The Art of Bookselling

In his new book "Reading the Room," Yamazaki expressed his enthusiasm for the current literary landscape, describing it as 'one of the richest and most rewarding times' for literature fans. The book serves as his tribute to the art of bookselling and a life enriched by intellectual pursuits.

The book also details Yamazaki's experiences over 24 hours, exploring the renowned City Lights Booksellers in San Francisco, his meticulous approach to book procurement, and his personal journey from a Japanese American upbringing in Southern California to embracing the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco during times of social upheaval. Yamazaki's narrative also highlights his collaborations with literary icons like Ferlinghetti and Sonny Mehta, shedding light on his aspirations for the future of bookselling.

Central themes include building trust with readers, fostering connections within the literary community, and the significance of generosity and knowledge-sharing in a life dedicated to the world of books.

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Insights from a Seasoned Bookseller

Yamazaki shared his experience as a bookseller in a recent interview. He attributed his success in his role to tenacity, patience, and attention to detail. Despite his demanding job, Yamazaki always welcomes books, contrasting them favorably with spreadsheets. When asked if he ever bought books from Amazon, Yamazaki firmly answered negatively. He also admitted to occasionally folding over the corner of a page, though he disapproves of the practice.

Sharing his ideal reading experience, Yamazaki recounted a unique encounter with Henry Threadgill's memoir while listening to the musician's albums in chronological order over 12 weeks. He also listed many books on his nightstand, including "Dark Soil" and "Exhibit." Yamazaki revealed that one might be surprised to find a knot-tying manual on his shelves, reflecting his varied interests.

Reflecting on his childhood reading habits, Yamazaki described himself as an enthusiastic yet undisciplined reader, fond of Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows." He praised Hari Kunzru's "Blue Ruin" as the last great book he read and discussed discovering classic novels like Leon Forrest's "Divine Days" for the first time.

When asked about the current significance of books, Yamazaki emphasized a growing enthusiasm for printed materials, especially among younger readers. He attributed this to the emergence of brilliant authors and the publication of exciting international literature by independent presses.

Exploring the Essence of City Lights

In another interview, Yamazaki provided insights into the essence of the City Lights Bookstore. Describing City Lights' eccentric corner building in North Beach, Yamazaki highlighted its historical significance as a hub for diverse immigrant communities and artistic movements.

Yamazaki also noted the intentional and serendipitous shelving practices at City Lights, which aim to encourage engaging conversations among readers. He considered the introduction of hardcovers at the store his crowning achievement, enabling them to feature works by esteemed authors sooner.

Reflecting on the bookstore's expansion over the years, Yamazaki discussed the dynamic process of curatorial decision-making, which involves considering factors like shelf space, thematic cohesion, and reader engagement. He stressed the role of curiosity and dialogue in shaping the bookstore's collection, acknowledging that not all bestsellers align with City Lights' values.

The bookstore flourished as a space for discovery and intellectual exploration. Despite the challenges faced by the industry, Yamazaki expressed hope for the future, citing the emergence of new bookstores as a source of inspiration. 

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