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I’ve always been bewitched by books: The feel of them in my hands, the delicious scent of their paper, their world waiting to emerge as I read.

I found it disheartening when the Tudor Book Shop closed last year. I remember so vividly when my parents would take me to the Kingston staple to pick up the latest book in the “Babysitter’s Club” or “Sweet Valley High” series every month.

When word came about Waldenbooks’ recent demise, I had another pit in my stomach. The longtime Wyoming Valley Mall store will close this weekend, but as of Monday night, hardly anything remained but white empty shelves that practically glared in the fluorescent lighting. It was always such a treat to go to this store, too — back before there was a Cross Valley Expressway; it was almost like an excursion when I got to go to Walden. 

Like millions of people, I’ve bought my fair share of extremely well-priced books via the Interweb, but there’s something about a bookstore that feels like home to me, and feels so much better than waiting eagerly for the mail. I love wandering without a certain book in mind among the shelves of tomes aligned like sentinels to see if I can find my next “favorite novel.”

I love Barnes & Noble just as much as I loved Walden and Tudor — which is a good thing since it’s now the only remaining bookstore in Wilkes-Barre’s near vicinity. A bookstore-less mall is sad, but the times, as it has been said, are a-changing.

But my love of curling up with a good book will never stray, regardless of where it’s purchased from. At least us “bookophiles” still have those two inviting B&N homes left here in the Valley.

But before I walk back into those Starbucks-scented havens, I’d like to say thank you for encouraging a lifetime of reading, Waldenbooks. You will be missed and remembered fondly by the little girl I used to be.

About the Author

Nikki M. Mascali began her career at the Weekender as an intern in 2005 - and holds the honor of being the oldest intern the paper ever had. She received her degree in journalism from Luzerne County Community College in 2007 and joined the Weekender staff full-time in 2006 as staff writer/designer before becoming associate editor in 2010. In March 2011, she was named editor.

Nikki has interviewed everyone from Gene Simmons to Richard Simmons, and her articles have run the gamut from local and national theater to music and in-depth reports on the radio industry and negativity in NEPA.

Nikki enjoys writing, quoting movies, traveling and being a diehard foodie - which is why she pens our weekly food and drink column, "Dish."

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