I love Mary Poppins. It’s true. I attribute my fandom to my childhood growing up on Guernsey, a coastal island rock, delivering less than a spoonful of sugar—and more a dose of dreary. Winter months dragged as rain fell from a bleak sky. I longed for Mary Poppins to take my hand and transport me into a delicious world of colorful animation. No matter where I am in life, or the season, a flip of a page can serve as a portal to another realm where possibilities of adventure await. Step In Time with me and independent bookstore owner, Tanya Sedneva, and discover the magic behind Beyond Text.
Sedneva’s day begins at seven-thirty, fuelled by a barista-grade cup of coffee prepared by her husband, while she readies her son for school. Home from the school run, a second cup of coffee bolsters her for a day at the bookstore. Rain beats the shop windows. A slew of umbrellas fly past, not unlike the nannies interviewing for the Banks family (though, today’s foldable contraptions offer a colorful mirage as shoppers rush along. Now you see them, now you don’t.
The first chore is housekeeping; lights on, heating on, A-frame out, check the mail. A regular to-do list. But Sedneva’s leans toward the unexpected. “This morning, I received an envelope.” Given the weight and feel of the package, she didn’t have to be a bibliophile to guess what was inside. “One year ago, a customer bought a graphic novel to learn about the genre, then published her own. She sent me a Thank You card, with a copy of her book, 27. It is fantastic, especially for those who love art and illustration. It’s my cup of tea, for sure. I read the book and became so emotional that I posted it on Instagram, and sent an email to the author, Cheryl Welch, to congratulate her. So, half my day has been built around the book!”
“There is a reason why particular books are on my shelves. It’s a curated collection.”
It’s not unusual for hours to disappear when Sedneva searches for unusual merchandise or items not found in typical catalogues. “It’s so upsetting when you find a gem but it’s out of the market. Buying for kids can be hard, but I get inspiration from social media and blogs. I discovered a pop-up version of Stranger Things that I am excited about.”
A customer enters, calling out a greeting, clearly excited to rendezvous with Sedneva. Before tending to business, I’m handed a book to browse. They’re like windows to my soul. Do No Harm: A Painful History of Medicine, by Nick Arnold, speaks to my former career as a nurse. Sedneva then adds The Encyclopedia of Ugly Fashion, by Karolina Zebrowska. The writing style is observant and sharp. There’s a sad realization that comes with so many great recommendations: I will die before I can possibly finish my ‘to-read’ list. Screw the bucket list, let me read more books!
Before the customer leaves, she becomes enchanted by a crystal ball that had escaped my attention. I want to wrestle it from her, asking its smoky orb if my novels will ever transport themselves from my screen to bookshelves (and not those at my affirming family’s abode).
Beyond Text’s artful whimsy speaks to the creativity of authors and illustrators. Affixed to a cozy reading nook—complete with cast-iron fireplace—are books with butterflied pages, draped in holiday ribbons and bows. Other times they host sprigs of flowers. For Sedneva, the ability to be creative within her workspace is critical. “The store has to be welcoming and cosy: A place to stop and browse, or just enjoy the seasonal decorations. I love it, but it’s a lot of hard work.”
Sedneva is gaining notoriety for her highly immersive window displays. One macabre display featured crows perching on piles of Edgar Allan Poe and Dracula. An antique black typewriter sat primed to send another typed page levitating skywards. This year, Sedneva is planning a selfie station with fun phrasing: “You look better with a book in your hand.” Sound advice for a dating profile.
I can’t help but ask if Sedneva has a favorite season, and if books—like cheese and wine—are best paired together. “For sure, yes! Halloween! I love all the dark, spooky, interesting things with a little mystery. It’s light and fun…Between the holidays I still love to collect a selection of books for myself. In summer, I’ll read books about books or bookstores, and select others for a literary journey around the globe.”
What has surprised you about owning a bookstore? “Being welcomed by the Los Gatos community. Knowing my efforts in creating community are appreciated—it means a lot. I didn’t expect it! The opportunity to give back has been a good thing. Occasionally, one of my customers asks if we can host an event. We hosted “Paws & Pages,” a collaboration with California Bully Rescue Center. Volunteers brought several dogs and they hung out front. We took donations for the shelter, and provided coloring pages for kids. A passerby stopped to pet a British bull dog and couldn’t leave without him! The event didn’t increase sales, but helping Lucky find his new home made me feel so good!”
Rumor has it you run a mean book club? Tell me more… “Okay. What I really love is the mix of people we get. Men and women from different countries who bring different points of view, a depth of perspectives. When you discuss books with people from different backgrounds, it’s totally different.
“One of the books we read was Rufi Thorpe’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles, It was very easy to read—well written and entertaining. The cover is wrong because it gives you a romance vibe, which it’s not. It’s a book about social problems in our society. A young mother, without help to raise her child, decides to start an OnlyFans account. It was very thought provoking, why do we judge people for certain types of work and not others? Where is the difference—the borderline? It left a surprising impression on me.
“We have a stack of chairs to pull up, so anyone is welcome. Books can be purchased in store, ordered here, or brought with you. February’s pick is Wellness, by Nathan Hill. We meet in person at Beyond Text, on March 12, at 6:30.”
