Meet Yari. She is the Manager of SecondStory. Over the past several weeks, Yari has been carefully curating a selection of books for our bookstore, which is opening in just two weeks!

We recently asked Yari a few questions to get to know her better. Check out her responses below.

• What are your all-time favorite books?

What is your favorite book is a somewhat disliked question amongst the avid readers I know. Books have a vibe just like movies and music do. So I always answer this question in the way many would answer it when speaking about music. When I am happy I love reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. When I am sad I read Frankenstein by Mary Shelly. When I need to get away I read Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas. When I want to feel comforted I read Book Lovers by Emily Henry.

• Do you have a favorite author?

There are a few authors whose body of work I enjoy in its entirety: Jane Austen, Sarah J Maas, JRR Tolkien and HG Wells

• What do you think sets a thrift bookstore apart from a regular bookstore?

Well.....prices right?

But beyond that I think there is something magical about keeping books circulating, sharing a story with a stranger and having a place where you can do this with the added benefit of sustainability.

• How do you curate the selection of books at SecondStory?

As I sort through various donated books, I have tried to choose newer titles in addition to loved classics, give special attention to beloved authors but also hold space open for our customers to find a new story. 

Second Story blends the organization and precision of a bookstore selling brand new books with the coziness and familiarity of a thrift shop. In the end I try to curate a bit for everyone. The cookbook lovers, the self-help crowd, the romantics, the parent looking for kid’s books and the lifelong Cussler fan. I have attempted to create a playlist where everyone can find both an oldie and a new hit. 

Check out the full curated selection at our Grand Opening on Thursday, June 13 at 10:00 AM. Whether you’re seeking a beloved childhood favorite or hunting for a rare gem to add to your collection, SecondStory is the book haven you’ve been looking for in South Carolina; preserving literature for future generations of readers.