Faint jazz music plays over the speakers in J. Michaels Books as customers converse with Jeremy Nissel, owner and founder of the store, at the front desk. Books line the walls of this cozy store and occasional conversation breaks the silence between the shelves.
Nissel started J. Michaels Books in 1975 with his wife when they moved from the Bay Area to Eugene.
“This is a real husband and wife project. They started this together,” Seth Murray, a staff member at J. Michaels Books, said. Nissel agreed that he would not have been able to operate the store for this long — 50 years in June — without his wife. Their daughter also helps in the shop sometimes. “It’s a whole family affair, and the store is really intertwined with the city. A lot of people from the community come here,” said Murray.
When Nissel first bought the store in 1975, it was an existing business called Secondhand Book Man. “My wife told me I needed to change the name. People were calling looking for ‘the secondhand book man,’ so I guess she was right,” Nissel said. Soon after, they changed the name to J. Michaels — “J” for Jeremy and “Michaels” after Nissel’s middle name.
“I kind of always wanted to have a bookstore, short of being a famous movie star or basketball player, but those two weren’t an option anyways,” Nissel said. “You could say it was my third best choice.”
J. Michaels Books boasts a wide collection of literature, everything from brand new books to antiques. “I have more used books than new books, although the new books present themselves as ever present,” Nissel said. “Some people ask, ‘where are your used books?’ because most of my used books are like new.”
J Michaels Books is located at 160 E Broadway in Eugene, Ore. The Emerald takes a look at five of the most prevalent bookstores in Eugene. (Emerald/Ian Enger)
Antiquarian books encompass some of the most memorable additions to the store’s collection. With older books, you never know what history lurks behind the pages. Once, a customer brought in an early photography book called “Gardner’s Photographic Sketchbook of the Civil War,” and Nissel discovered that there were only about 200 copies ever printed. In the book, there is a photograph of Abraham Lincoln on the battlefield that is considered to be the last photograph of Lincoln, taken five days before his death.
When asked if he had a favorite book or author, Nissel looked as if he’d just been asked the hardest question in the world. “I like so many books,” Nissel said, smiling.
Murray stepped in to help Nissel out. “You liked Willy’s most recent book, didn’t you?” Murray said, referencing Portland novelist Willy Vlautin. “Willy comes up pretty regularly. A lot of writers come here because they like the atmosphere and charm,” Murray said.
Nissel’s love of books is contagious, and is what makes J. Michaels Books such a special place. “I do feel really fortunate looking back at the last 50 years that the community has given back to me and supported me in doing something that I love,” Nissel said. “I feel really lucky to have taken the plunge.”
On a typical day, you’ll be able to find Nissel behind the counter, ready to help find a book or just make conversation. “The whole thing is just pretty fascinating to me. Otherwise I don’t think I’d be here for 50 years,” Nissel said. He reflects positively on the whole experience, “If you have a dream that you’d like to do, go for it.”
J. Michaels Books is an important part of the Eugene community, and with a welcoming vibe, a curated selection of books and a friendly staff, this store is one of the best spots for book shopping.
