Two posts ago I reported that my search for readings about the Philippines had hit a blank wall at KRAMERBOOK, one of the two outstanding independent bookstores in Washington, D.C. I can now report that the other, equally exceptional bookstore, Politics and Prose, came up equally blank. Remember, we are talking nonfiction and non-military works. I had a very helpful member of the staff searching for me at length on a busy Sunday afternoon, May 19. She found nothing in-store on the computer and then tried her beyond-store search engines. Nothing. We chatted a bit during the searchings.
Staff: "You know that we are somewhat limited in what we can stock in the store." Looking up for a moment from the screen, she acknowledged, "That's a rationalization, isn't it?"
Me: "Yep, and I'm not buying it. You know that there is a considerable Filipino community in the D.C. Metro Area." I was taking liberties with, stretching perhaps, my daughter-in-law's comment. She had told me she had some friends outside the district who had Filipino nannies.
Staff: "I know that."
Me: "I do understand that you probably have not had requests for books about the Philippines."
Staff: "Right," she said quickly and with some relief.
Me: "So what I will do is to suggest on my blog that folks in the area contact the store to make such requests."
Staff: "OK," she replied pleasantly.
So, you can contact Politics and Prose bookstore by: calling 202-364-1919 or by emailing books@politics-prose.com. The quest goes on.
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