When I reached Prineville in the late afternoon, there was no bookstores to be seen, though there were books in one of the windows of the block-long “Neat Repeat” store.

By breakfast the next morning, it all had changed: The Hub had open. Two children play in the  blossoming front yard of the little house; a cart of free books welcomes the visitor on the porch. This bookstore projects the cheerfulness of its proprietor, who greets me inside her cafe-free library-bookstore. Not even the “For Sale” sign in front of the place dampens her enthusiasm: “This is a commercial building, so we hope the buyer keeps us!”  “The Hub” could definitely be a contender for the “Cute Cozy Room” with its inviting tiny side rooms, complete with seats and tables.

No surprise in the literature, classics, and children books sections here; a dedicated shelve for the local authors and another one to religion: my quests will have to wait, since there is obviously no Tournier, no book about mangas. Time to grab a cold drink (which becomes a family affair: both kids help!), and hit the road to a desolated place.

The Painted Hills, about an hour away, would make anyone want to read an adventure novel, or some history book about the Frontier.

This is as far in-land as I will travel on this trip started a few days ago in Manzanita.

As I start my slow travel back, I stop in the city of Sisters, named after the summits have appeared on the horizon some time before reaching town. And, surprise, there is a bookstore on the main street, amongst the many western and “quaint” establishments.

However, here, at Lonesome Water Books, there is a clear sign of discouragement…

The ongoing 50% off sale on all books (but not on buttons, the other specialty sold in this unique “B and B!) is not a happy sign. The business founded 25 years ago is for sale. “Antiques and craft do better than books”, explains the bookseller to a mystified reader who just finished perusing the vast collection of readings offered here – everything from romance to rare books, world history to art, and philosophy. However, all is not gloomy in Sisters. The Paulina Springs Bookstore seems to be alive and well, and is the headquarter of a Where-is-Waldo promotional contest organized with other local business. The Antiques and Books store down the street beckons passers-by with a book cart, a saddle, and… a duo of aging country singers. Here, I find a complete section on Lewis and Clark; another one on the “Skinners/Fur Traders”; and yet another one… for Louis L’Amour. That will not get me closer to the Midnight Love Feast, so I leave.