As a young child, Richard Howorth was often gifted books for Christmas from families and friends. However, his most memorable book was a giant golden volume that contained Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey.” Intended as a children’s copy, it was full of wondrous illustrations, and Howorth recalls being swept away by the stories within. His elder brother, David, also played a big role in Howorth’s admiration for literature. His brother would often buy books, which Howorth would pick up and read.
In his family home in Oxford, Mississippi, there was a tiny room that housed a record player and some bookshelves. He spent much of his time there, flicking through books and gaining knowledge. Despite having his own little library at home, he yearned for an actual bookstore. Oxford was too small to support one, but that didn’t stop the Howorth brothers from wishing for one. He would often hear his older brother saying, “Somebody ought to open a bookstore here.” This thought would stay at the back of his mind for years to come. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to make it a reality….