Death of A Bookstore

Unfortunately, it was located near the Strand in Galveston.

"All those shops and restaurants on Strand, Mechanic and Postoffice were hit bad, and Midsummer Books got 8 ft of muddy water which soaked and ruined everything, books, furniture, computer equipment, etc.," owner Tim Thompson says by e-mail.

"Luckily I have flood insurance so I will most likely get compensated for the loss. However, this is one of those times in life where tough decisions have to be made and for a variety of reasons I have decided not to ressurect Midsummer Books," he says.

While the decision makes a great deal of sense -- it's hard to imagine an independent bookseller having a big market in Galveston for a while -- it's also a shame.

Midsummer Books really reflected the community, in both its inventory and its attitude.

Sorry to see it go.

-- Richard Connelly