By virtue of my good fortune to have had the opportunity to review books for the news letter of The Country Bookshop, I learned what a truly remarkable person she was. There are so many of her qualities which I admired, and I would like to mention a few.
Joan was honest and objective to a fault about her books, quick to point out to a reader that a certain volume in her opinion would not be to his liking, and always willing to exchange a book which the reader did not like. Everyone who entered was treated to her friendship and candor.
For me, going to The Country Bookshop was a treat and a joy superior to dining in a fancy restaurant or to almost any other pleasurable event. The small things she did for people added up to the profile of a giant in our community, and upon her passing, there is a gaping hole in our society which is not apt to be filled.
I was always amazed when I was searching for an obscure work (sans Internet) to find it there in stock, and Joan knew exactly where it was. She made me feel like I was reverting to a more simple time and place and was special, and not a dollar sign on the cash register.
The Pilot has it right that Southern Pines should have a permanent memorial to Joan Scott. What about the old library building next to the post office being officially christened The Joan Scott Building? Sound logical?
William B. Crews Jr.
Southern Pines
