Books in Panama

If you are thinking of settling down in Panama or just staying for a couple of months, you will need a good bookstore. I recommend Exedra, located [ ] . They have books in Spanish and English. From children books to business books, you should find something you will like.

Personally, I've always liked business books. I am still not rich but I have learned good tips that will help me get rich one day. You can also find many books to learn Spanish if you are interested, as well as maps and travel books. They also sell newspapers. There is a corner when you can sit down and read. Be careful, though -- after 15 minutes you have to buy the book. Which makes sense: you are in a bookstore, aren’t you?

I like to buy my books and sit at the little cafe they have next to the store and drink a very good cup of Kotowa coffee from Boquete and nibble on a chocolate brownie. The staff is very nice and always there to help you find the book you are looking for. The books in Panama are pretty expensive, since the majority of people here are not into reading.

Exedra also has a web site, but I am a little skeptical about it. The web site is only in Spanish, and the range of books available online is not very large. But mostly, I have no faith in the Panamanian post office, which exists in theory but doesn’t work at all.

They also have an online newsletter. But I prefer to go there in person and look at the books, read a few pages if I am interested and hang out for a while at the cafe.

Last time I bought a couple of books I have really enjoyed. When Character Was King, by Peggy Noonan ($15) is the story of the President Ronald Reagan. I’ve always wanted to know more about this quiet, handsome and charismatic actor who one day became president of the United States. I also picked up Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel ($10.99). When I saw the title I told myself, “this book is for me.” I 've been too nice and people step on my toes because of my attitude. I deserve better!

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