Politics and Prose, the Washington D.C. bookstore that has been a haven of book-buying and author meet-and-greets for 25 years, was bought by former Washington Post editors Lissa Muscatine and Bradley Graham April 1.

Despite popular belief that the bookstore would not be bought when it went up for sale last June, Muscatine and Graham are now “eager to get started,” according to an April 1 Washington Post article.

“I was so happy when I read about the purchase of P and P,” freshman English teacher Matthew Reilly said. “Independent bookstores everywhere are in trouble, and I had been worried that P&P would just close its door like so many of my favorite independent business have recently.”

The new owners have no intention of letting the business die, however. They are readying themselves to go against eBooks head-on by creating a strong independent bookstore.

“We don’t know exactly what changes we’re planning to make yet, but we’re talking to all the employees and trying to get their ideas about what could be improved upon,” Muscatine said.

Although many believe that P and P is mainly for older crowds, it is actually teenage-friendly, thanks to teenage book groups where kids gather to discuss and read books they’re interested in, and employees who can find books that are interesting to any high-schooler.

One of Graham and Muscatine’s major focuses is going to be on making it more obvious to younger generations that the bookstore is appropriate for every age.

“We’re really determined and committed to making the store an interesting place for younger people,” Musctaine said. “Whether it’s through different kinds of events, groups and speakers to just reach out and make sure that high-school kids know that there’s a lot there for them.”
Freshman Hope Kean is one of many young people who frequent the Connecticut Avenue bookstore.

“I love the ambiance of Politics and Prose,” Kean said. “It has a really cozy yet chill feel. Their book selection is extensive and all the people who work there are friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable.”

Reilly is also a huge P and P supporter.

“Imagine all of the good things you like about a Barnes & Noble,” Reilly said.

“Now imagine an independent bookstore with all of those qualities that has been an important part of the local community for years and years without any of the negatives.  That’s P and P.”