In a world of hustle and bustle, finding solitude in a good book may be just what you need to turn down the noise of a chaotic day. Reading offers an endless opportunity to learn without ever taking a class, travel without adding any miles, and solve mysteries without flashing a badge, all from the comfort of your favorite nook.
The World Health Organization reports that over the past few decades, daily emotional stress has worsened worldwide. Research has shown that stress is a major contributor to both mental and physical health issues including Cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and cancers. The WHO also reported that the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated these health issues and evidence supports a global increase in rates of anxiety and depression during and after the crisis. However, further studies show that reading as little as 10-15 minutes can reduce stress levels up to 68 percent, boost your mood, help you sleep better and improve brain function, including memory and focus.
Right in the middle of the pandemic, a new chapter began for Pelican Bookstore at Sunset Beach as the original owner, Anne Harris, decided to step aside after almost three decades, and on April 1, 2021, Dawn and Jim Miller became the new owners of the Pelican Bookstore. As the new owner, Dawn brought with her 28 years of credentials starting out as a Special Education Teacher, transitioning to a Reading Specialist and retiring as the Union Elementary School Librarian. In the beginning, the first bookstore was located across the street in the plaza behind Hardee’s. Pelican Bookstore relocated to 1780 Chandler’s Lane in the Village at Sunset Beach, after the new Food Lion was built. Dawn inherited not only loyal employees, Suzanne of 26 years, Candace of seven, and Kathleen and Diane who work seasonally, each having their own list of favorite reads and wealth of recommendations, but also inherited the Author Event Series held at Silver Coast Winery at Ocean Isle.
After the book tours took a halt due to Covid restrictions, Dawn was excited when NY Times bestselling author, Kristy Woodson Harvey, began touring again in November and the book club was officially back up and running with her highly anticipated event. The Author Event Series tentatively takes place once, occasionally twice a month at Silver Coast Winery on Barbeque Road. Tickets include a copy of the book, meet and greet with the author and light refreshments. Pelican Bookstore has had the opportunity to host numerous bestselling authors such as Mary Alice Monroe, Sandra Brown, Megan Miranda, Karen White, Viola Shipman, Victoria Benton Frank, Mary Kay Andrews and Fiona Davis to name a few. Upcoming meet the author events include Marybeth Whalen on April 14, promoting her book, “Handle with Care,” and Kristy Woodson Harvey will visit again on May 16 promoting her book, “Summer State of Mind.”
Since the pandemic, Pelican Bookstore has seen a renewed interest in tangible books versus digital or audio and has witnessed reading become “cool” again for many young readers. The bookstore carries current must-reads from Reese’s Book Club (Reese Witherspoon), and the Read with Jenna Book Club (Jenna Bush Hager) TODAY’S top picks. Pelican Bookstore, open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm year round, not only sells the newest trending books for every age but also has a huge selection of used books. With categories ranging from history, fantasy, mystery, romance, southern fiction, local interest, classics, young adult and children, there are many choices for everyone in the family. If you are an avid reader, be sure to stop in and ask about their paperback trade in program. A wide range of cards, gifts and merchandise lines the newly remodeled store, and if you are a Kindred Spirit collector, then you are in luck. The bookstore also carries a large variety of Heritage and White Mountain Puzzles as well as children’s puzzles by Crocodile Creek.
Many times, we often play this game called “hurry up and wait.” Maybe you are waiting for an oil change and should have brought along a book to pass the time, or maybe you are sitting at the doctor’s office and should have brought along a book to read as you wait for your appointment. You’ll never regret having too many books but you’ll certainly regret being stuck without one. Books have no need for a charger, no Wi-Fi or password required, and you won’t need to call Apple because there is no screen to crack if it falls out of your beach bag. Pelican Bookstore is where the locals and visitors find happiness and de-stress one page of a good book at a time.
For more information on the Author Event Series please visit https://pelicanbookstore.com , follow them on social media or call Silver Coast Winery at 910-287-2800. Tickets can also be purchased at www.silvercoastwinery.com/events.
