I’m not sure when I discovered Wide World Books and Maps in Seattle. I suppose it has been part of my life intermittently for two decades. But some Saturday some years ago, I joined one of the Saturday morning groups to gather information for what would be my round-the-world adventure a few years later. As the Gutsy Women Travelers shared their stories of traveling for months on end, staying with strangers, and working in various developing countries, I knew I had found a special version of home.
I’ve popped in and out of these groups, travel talks and the shop for many years. It isn’t everywhere you find a group that viscerally understands an unbridled curiosity about faraway places and understands the real purpose in going, seeing, listening, learning. Travel is not just adventure and certainly not just an escape. It is hope. It is optimism. It is trust. It is a commitment to be part of that global world out there, to recognize our place in that big, magical community of imperfect souls and to do our best to become a better citizen. To be overwhelmed by gratitude, to practice empathy, and to try to give more than we take as we journey through that big classroom of life.
So at the end of April, the store is closing, as most independent bookshops have already done. The most recent owner, Julie, has kept this place– this community– going for many years as a labor of love. For the last 40 years, it has served as a resource and community and has touched uncountable lives in profound ways. To those who find purpose in making the world a more inclusive, curious, positive place, who create welcoming spaces and support dreams, we cannot thank you enough. To those who are dedicated to building bridges, you are forever a part of who we are.
“Everything I was I carry with me. Everything I will be lies waiting on the road ahead.” –Ma Jian
Wide World Wanders 