Sure, we all know that Corvallis is an extremely well-educated town, and if we forget, there’s usually at least a few pretentious, overly educated people around to remind us.

And remind us.

But really, we were hardly prepared for the complete reinforcement of this notion that would greet us when we set out for Browser’s Bookstore and The Book Bin to see what people were reading at that moment.

From Thomas Pynchon to Leon Trotsky, the national trend of reading bad murder mysteries that might as well be rejected scripts from “CSI” seems to falter when it reaches the Harrison Boulevard Bridge.

Which only leaves us hoping that the Willamette River isn’t polluted with all the Harlequin romance novels and John Grisham write-by-number books local residents are too afraid to cop to owning.

What are you reading, and how is it?

“Umberto Ecco’s new book, ‘The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana.’ It’s good. It’s definitely different than his earlier work.”

Melanie Rolka, book binder, Browser’s Bookstore

“The jaded answer is, I’m in college, so I don’t read. But currently, for my English class, I’m reading ‘What We Talk About When We Talk About Love’ by Raymond Carver. I imagine that if I had time to read it properly and reflect upon it, I might enjoy it.”

Mike Knight, "bookstore lackey," Browser’s Bookstore

“‘History of the Russian Revolution’ by Leon Trotsky. Breathtaking. It’s amazing. Makes me think that my life is not very full.”

Shane Sipp, teacher, Lebanon

“Thomas Pynchon’s ‘Gravity’s Rainbow.’ It’s dense and funny.”

Rich Hochadel, assistant manager, The Book Bin

“I’m reading something called ‘My Dead Girlfriend.’ I have no idea what it is, but I saw a tag saying it was recommended by Joss Whedon.”

Kai Tave, student, OSU

Book ’em, Danno!

For those of you who “don’t need no education,” and just want something to laugh at, we include the following actual titles of actual books we found at The Book Bin. Enjoy.

* “Ballad of the Whiskey Robber” by Julian Rubinstein

* “Lose Weight Through Great Sex With Celebrities (The Elvis Way” by Colin McEnroe

* “If You Meet Buddha on the Road, Kill Him” by Sheldon B. Kopp

* “Crap Vacations: 50 Tales of Hell on Earth” by Dan Kieran

— Compiled by Jake TenPas