Could this Sequel be Better than the Original?

Though they live in Bonney Lake, Susan and Mike Lissy had been coming into Enumclaw for years. One of their favorite hangouts, after all, is the .

And so it seemed fitting that after Susan retired last year following a 30-year career with Qwest, she should find her new niche as a small business owner on the next block from this favorite watering hole. 

With five grown children and one career complete, "It was time to do something new," she said.

That new thing was running a used book store.

The Lissy's journey toward opening The Sequel began online. "I saw a Craigslist ad," she said.

Specifically, Susan saw an ad selling a used book store in Enumclaw. It was for Brain Candy Books at 1634 Railroad Street; Sydney Coppin, its owner, was selling.

And books fit the couple's interests perfectly. "I love to read," she said. "And owning your own store is nice -- you don't mind being there all day long."

It took the Lissys all of about three months to get The Sequel up and open from the time they purchased the store and its inventory. Mike Lissy had built new bookcases that filled in much of what had previously been open space, said wife Susan.

The couple is also waiting for better weather to make improvements to the building's window fixtures.

"People have been really excited that we're back open," said Susan. "This is a very literate community. People like to read."

The Sequel carries an assortment of used books, with strong collections in the sci-fi, history, mysteries and westerns genres, she said. The store will also trade books with customers in exchange for store credit.

Wilbur Adkisson, of Buckley, said he's been coming to this location on Railroad Street, which was known as Railroad Street Books prior to becoming Brain Candy, for years. He enjoys browsing the westerns section and has already brought in used books to The Sequel trade for store credit. "I like the people who run it," he said. "They're really friendly people and easy to deal with. "

The Sequel's proximity to the city library and the busy city center has helped the Lissys' net some foot traffic as well. Susan said library patrons have been able to find books that had been out at the library, such as those by popular author Stieg Larsson, known best for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, one of a series in a trilogy.

The Sequel, set up with several comfortable and well-lit tables and chairs in which to sit and read, is planning to set up both an espresso bar and free wi fi (as of this writing, the Lissys were still waiting on a county license to operate the espresso machine); that they're also planning to be open seven days a week will likely help draw locals who are simply looking for a warm, dry place to enjoy a book -- especially when the library is closed.

Being across the street from doesn't hurt either. Jody Bedell, a paraeducator at an elementary school in Maple Valley who likes to look for books for her students, had scheduled a hair appointment when she found herself early and wandered into The Sequel one Tuesday morning. "It's neat," she said. "I like it. It's got character."

But the Lissys aren't putting all of their eggs in one basket -- they're also branching out online. Mike is working to get some of the rare and vintage books in their collection on to Amazon.com for now, while working to create The Sequel's own website that will continue to showcase some of the more valuable books in the store's collection.

That website is still under construction but those interested can keep up with The Sequel's progress on their Facebook page. 

If all is successful, they may also look into expanding stores in Bonney Lake and even Puyallup. But one thing at a time. 

"We're open and we're excited to be here," said Susan.