FRANK PAYNE For The Love of Books by: Dawn Barbarino

"A book aficionado, voracious reader, and a lover of all things books" is the definition of a bookworm to Frank. "Gosh yes, I consider myself a bookworm" he said. He vaguely remembers being introduced to books be the proud owner of a book collection more with than 500 books. as a small child, however it was in grade school when he developed the "magic of reading". Trips to the school library brought him excitement and wonder. Little did he know in the years to come he would be the proud owner of a 500+ book collection.

The fact that "all of this is coming out of someone's head" are one of the many reasons he appreciates books. Fantasy books are one of his favorite genres, after all "isn't that why we read, to escape?" he recalls the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were the first books he read in this in this genre, approximately 50 years ago, and he still owns them to this day. One might think that 500+ books would be enough for any one person. Though for Frank, this couldn't be further from the truth. He still explores for new books, not so much out and about, but now on-line. "I like to read books that are recommended by other authors" Even though he explores on-line, he will do his best to purchase his books from local, independent bookstores, as he states, "it is very important to me, to support local businesses."

His favorite book, although not fantasy, is The Dharma Bums, by Jack Kerouc. "I can't even remember how many times I've re-read this book." As with many of his beloved books, he owns more than one copy. One for reading, the other in pristine condition for safe keeping. Another top favorite book of his, Wintergreen: Rambles in a Ravaged Land, by Robert Michael Pyle, is reality based, far from fantasy. "I lived through the perspective of this book, watching as the unrestricted logging took place in Southwest Washington." At the time, Frank worked at a local bookstore, one part his job was to set up book signings with the authors while on their book tour. So, as well as being a favorite book of his, he had the pleasure of meeting the author.

I wondered if Frank ever considered writing something of his own, and if so, what would be his pen name. A very distinguished "F.Scott" was the answer.

It was never the intention of Frank to make a career in the book world, he only wanted to work in a bookstore because he loved reading so much, but now after 35 years "turns out that it was."

Isn't that perfect for a Bookworm.?