I stumbled across the Book Doctor’s shop while walking around Dallas’ Bishop Arts District one day. It’s a tiny shop, nestled in the corner of a strip of stores.
I went into the store and started talking with the shop’s owner, Julie, a.k.a. the Book Doctor. She told me fascinating anecdotes about her customers, many of whom are book sellers or self-described bibliophiles. They seemed to carry tales that were as interesting, if not more interesting, than the books they bring in for repairs.
Julie told me that she is 12 weeks behind on orders. I wondered, with the economy the way it is, why are so many people looking to get their books repaired? Julie said she believes it’s because of the sentimental value that’s attached to books. People really do love reading, so much so that they’re willing to spend upwards of $1,000 repairing their books and Bibles.
After talking with Julie, I felt compelled to write a story about her, her shop and her customers.
Word on the Street 
Interesting story, Mallary. One thing that perplexes me: How does one manage to spill bleach AND salsa on a beloved book? I hope they were at different times. 🙂
Thanks! Well, the Book Doctor told me that the man was eating chips and salsa while reading a book his friend lent him. He got salsa on the book’s pages, so to clean up the mess, he put a little bleach on the pages, which turned into a lot of bleach. Finally, his wife said something to the effect of, “Honey, we need to take this book to the Book Doctor!”
I’ll confess: I’ve totally been guilty of accidentally leaving crumbs in the pages of borrowed books, haha, but I have yet to spill salsa and bleach on them!
Ha! I love it. I know I’ve done worse to borrowed books.
You know that blog I told you I’d get? I got it …
http://tozambiaorbust.blogspot.com/
That’s so exciting, Lauren! I’ll look forward to your posts.
Thank you!
I walked past the Book Doctor today on my way to lunch in Bishop Arts, smiled and thought of you.