A Lovingly Weathered Gem in the Woods of Maine

Renowned Author Sarah B. Royal visited a hidden treasure in Maine this week. Tucked atop the whimsical Christy Hill in Sedgwick, Maine, Pushcart Press’s tiny 9-by-12-foot bookstore may just be the world’s smallest literary haven. Overlooking Acadia and surrounded by tranquil woods and blueberry fields, this rustic retreat feels like a portal to another time—a place where words linger in the air and history gently presses in from every wooden beam.

Founded and curated by Bill Henderson of Pushcart Press, the store carries a highly selective collection of independent literature and classic used books. The space is cozy, intimate, and undeniably steeped in the patina of countless tales. Its vintage charm is palpable—from the creaky floors to the well-worn shelves, this is clearly a place built with love and literary devotion.

That said, time has left its mark. The atmosphere carries a distinct “scent of history,” and a few of the books show signs of their long journey—some with water damage or aged bindings. The book I purchased even came with an unexpected companion: a long-gone spider tucked between the pages. It’s a detail that might unsettle some, but in a way, it speaks to the untamed, almost forgotten charm of the place.

This is not a slick, polished storefront—it’s a lovingly weathered outpost for true bibliophiles who treasure the quirk and character of such places. Readers seeking pristine editions may be disappointed, but those drawn to spaces with soul and story will likely find themselves enchanted. Pushcart’s bookstore is more than a shop—it’s a quiet witness to decades of literary passion, wrapped in wood and whispering with the voices of small presses and overlooked treasures.