The World's Smallest

honor system bookstore. the bonus newsletter of the month.

I’ve got a serious crush on honor systems in Maine (exhibit A and exhibit B.)

I’m enamored by the invisible handshake of hesitancy-free trust between consumer and producer, the signal to one’s neighbor that when left to their own devices, they don’t need supervision to do the right thing.

And throughout my travels in Maine, I’ve been thrilled to stumble upon the following offerings sold on the honor system (which I’m bound to feature in the newsletter at some point): scones, flowers, handmade dolls, cheesecake, honey, eggs, cheese, bagels, mini hand pies and so much more.

And, I’m now happy to add to the list: books! From the world’s smallest bookstore (or so they claim? I’d be shocked to find one smaller.)

Nestled in the woods in Sedgewick, Maine you’ll find Pushcart Press. Founded by Bill Henderson, who built the 9x12 shack himself, the tiny bookstore features a curated selection of used books plus Pushcart Press titles. Pushcart Press, Bill Henderson’s publishing house that was established in 1972, empowers overlooked writers to publish their own work.

And this publishing house - which is devoted to writers, small presses and non-commercial publishing - has made their home alongside blueberry fields on the Blue Hill Peninsula. Driving down a seemingly endless bumpy dirt road alongside a dense forest, I was certain I got the address wrong until the petite store eventually appeared.

My husband and I scoured the shelves, pulling off antiquated cookbooks, classics like The Catcher in the Rye and romance novels for closer looks. I found a weathered copy of Hamlet - a perfect addition to my extensive collection of plays.

In classic Maine honor system fashion, I tucked some cash in an old tin can and left a note.

To find this micro bookstore, head to: 380 Christy Hill Road, Sedgwick, Maine. Even though you might not believe your GPS has it correct as you drive through the idyllic landscape - there is, indeed, a little gem of an honor system shop waiting for you in the woods.

Speaking of books: my publisher, Islandport Press, is running a limited summer promo for my book, Just Up The Road! Use code SUMMER20 to take 20% off now through July 21st: