As you drive the Sterling Highway from Anchorage, River City Books is on the left hand side of the road at the second light, an intersection known by locals as the "Y." Make a left hand turn, park and enter the tomato red building. The bookstore is on the left as you go in. If you can't find what you want at River City Books, you probably don't need it. The selection varies from Alaskana (good if you're looking for Alaskan and local authors) to popular fiction and also carries a nice selection of nonfiction. I bought my copy of The Language of Baklava (by Diana Abu-Jaber) here a couple of years ago, and really meant to send it to my cousin in Minneapolis (sorry, Deb), but I kept it and have treasured it ever since. This independent bookstore is a must see if you want to get some local flavor, but I'll let you in on another secret, it's also a hot spot for celebrities visiting our community. We get occasional sightings that are all the buzz in town as well as writers from other communities in Alaska. One winter, I was lucky enough to hear John Straley, a mystery writer living in Sitka, give a reading in the bookstore. River City Books has an excellent selection of books for younger readers all the way through young adult fiction. Tad loves this store and his favorite gift of choice at birthday parties was always a gift certificate from River City Books. When possible, the bookstore has carried selections from the Battle of the Books, a big competition among elementary school children in Alaska.

If you're at the bookstore around lunch time, check Charlottes @ River City Books. I prefer the quiche and salad combination. Or head into the Gourmet Deli for a great selection of cheeses and take out meals--I particularly like the three salad sampler. Either way, the food is a nice change from fast food or convenience food.

River City Books 43977 Sterling Highway, Soldotna, AK 99669

Phone: (907)260-7722

Minnow's tip #1: Getting in and out of the parking lot can be tricky, especially in the high season, so use your noggin. If I want to get in and out of there in a hurry, I go right when the store opens, not when all my friends are there.

Minnow's tip #2: The clerks working at River City Books are usually exceptionally knowledgeable, not only about books, but about Soldotna and its history.

Minnow's tip #3: In the past, there has been a book buck program for frequent buyers--hang onto your book bucks, or better yet, see if they'll let you donate them to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

Hinweis von den Minnow: In Soldotna soll man „River City Books" immer besuchen. Diese kleine Buchhandlung ist unabhängiger und hat eine nette Auslese der Bücher über Alaska. Die Frauen, die hier arbeiten, sind am meistens wohlbekannt und beliebt in Soldotna, aber sie sprechen kein Deutsch. Im gleichen Gebäude bei der „Charlottes at River City Books" ist mein Lieblingsessen die Quiche mit grünem Salat und „ranch-chipotle dressing" oder sie können den Feinkostladen „Gourmet Deli" besuchen, bekannt für Brot und Auslese der Käse.