The area north of downtown Portland is referred to as the Pearl District. It was the former warehouse district, railroad classification yards and the like. Some of the streets are the original cobblestones and most of the buildings exteriors have retained their authentic past. However, now the area is known for its upscale art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and loft apartments. It's called the Pearl District because, while the exterior may be rough like an oyster shell, the interiors are where you find the real gems. For someone who loves books and reading, nothing is more true than Powell's City of Books.

Powell's City of Books claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore and, although there are also other locations, this particular store occupies a city block in the Pearl District. The rooms are painted different colors and these colors direct you to the book classifications. To help you find your way around, they have maps of the bookstore, and even an app for your phone. Ah, the selection. My book wish list was removed from my memory, or maybe it would be more appropriate to say it was temporarily expanded, as I wandered the aisles reading titles of books and names of authors. Oh, so many books I have yet to read.