News From Resistencia Bookstore

Just spoke with Rene Valdez at Resistencia Bookstore, home of Casa de Red Salmon Arts, the bookstore Raúl Salinas opened back in the '80s. Rene, who runs the bookstore and was Raúl’s companion in his later years, is understandably tired, overwhelmed, and heartsick. Many details to plan for Raúl’s memorial service. He says the outpouring has been overwhelming — phone calls, e-mails, people stopping by the store — all asking how they can help. All asking, “what about the bookstore?”

The bookstore. I think anyone who spent time there or spoke with Raúl want to see the store go on. It’s hard enough Raúl is not physically there but to see Resistencia Bookstore close would really be — “a shame” doesn’t begin to cover it.

In talking, Rene reminded me, “You know, whenever anyone asked Raúl how they could help the bookstore, he always said [true], ‘Buy a book. Tell you’re friends we’re here. Get them to buy books, too.’”

So, at the risk of sounding like Dub-yuh after 9/11, I want to say this: An altar for Raúl is at the bookstore. In lieu of — or in addition to whatever offering you bring to the altar — buy a book. Give it to a young person, a friend, your neighborhood library. Send it to the troops in Iraq. To a prison literacy program. Leave it on the bus with a note to pass it forward once they’ve finished with it, along with the address of the bookstore (1801-A South First Street).

Most of Raúl’s work is there, and there are sure to be books you wonder what you did without. It’s where I was introduced to Alejandro Murguia, Lorna Dee Cervantes, Dee Dee Halleck and countless other writers I’ve gladly made room for on my already overstuffed bookshelves. Some of my fondest memories of Raúl are of him helping me in the bookstore saying, “Hey, let me show you …” I knew right then that my wallet would be thinner but I would have something I was thrilled to discover.

Don’t be surprised if when you’ve follow this advice, you’ve paid your respects, you find a book you’re happy with, and are just about to leave — when something tells you to go back. Something tells you to take a second look at that book you put back because ….

Ay, raúl.