376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, P.O. Box 316, Bridgehampton, NY 11932

631-537-8250

Get to Know: BookHampton’s Jesse Bartel

We’re delighted to join BookHampton in presenting the virtual launch* of Zibby Owens’ Moms Don’t Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology on February 16. With the event quickly approaching, we thought it the perfect time to ask Jesse Bartel, BookHampton’s manager, about the pandemic’s impact on reading habits, bookstore cats, and what he wishes he had more time to do.

Do you think the pandemic has changed people’s reading habits? If so, how?

Yes, absolutely. People are reading more, in general. Escapism and comfort-food stories have been our driving sellers over the last year. There are people who I know who have had a hard time reading, too. I, for one, was rather troubled for our country last year and found it hard to escape my worrisome thoughts no matter what I was reading. I’m back in my groove now! Another factor is that people are trying to get away from screens and have turned back to physical books.

“Screen time” is a big topic amongst parents. Does this apply to e-readers as well?

Very much so. E-Readers and E-Book sales have been declining (there was a slight bump in 2019) but more so now. From what I hear from our customers, is that they don’t want to look at their ipad or kindle after Zoom-meetings all day.

With the “Moms Don’t Have Time To…” anthology hitting shelves soon, what’s something you wish you had more time for?

I wish I had more time to read, honestly. I love my job but I also work a lot so sometimes I fantasize about being in a lighthouse and passing the days reading. I also wish I could write more.

Why do so many bookstores have a cat?

Cats are such special creatures to keep in the store. Good way to keep mice away and they add a level of character – whether it’s snoozing in the window or surprising customers for pets. I miss the days when we had cats here – they were always good company.

If you find yourself stuck on a desert island, what are three books you hope you brought with you?

Oh, man – tough question. I guess – The Count of Monte Cristo, A collection of poetry by Mary Oliver, and The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell.

*Funds raised during this online event will benefit the Susan Felice Owens Program for COVID-19 Research at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

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