Yesterday my dear Mr. Choy had to pick up some books he’d ordered from Ben McNally Books, so I went with him because I’d never been inside the store. It’s gorgeous. In this financial climate, brave Ben has opened a stunning new bookstore in the heart of the financial district, at Bay and Richmond. It’s palatial – spacious and elegant with lots of wood and the books displayed covers out – a great feast of books, with leather club chairs for relaxation and staff who know a great deal about what they sell. 

While we were there, a Dutch businessman came in – he flies regularly into Toronto and always comes here, where Ben McNally picks Canadian novels for him to read. “I luff Toronto,” he said. “A vunderful city.” Among others, Ben picked “The Jade Peony,” which Wayson signed for him and told him it has just been translated into Dutch.

I told the businessman that I’d spent the other evening watching some of his countrymen who were doing a show outside at Nathan Phillips Square. But he looked as if he just wanted to go back to his hotel and start reading. I don’t blame him – it wasn’t warm yesterday, like now.

If you need a book, or just want to wander around and revel in the best books in the world, go to Ben McNally’s great old-fashioned bookstore downtown.  Satisfaction guaranteed.