“I recently read a prereleased copy of For Honor and Glory, a history on George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. It was one of the most interesting history books I have ever read,” he says.  “Barnes and Noble receives free pre-published copies of many books, and we are invited to send the publishers our comments.”

Another attractive benefit Compton enjoys is the ability to check out bestsellers for two weeks, free of charge.

Relaxing with a good book
As a result of his new career, Compton finds himself reading constantly. When asked to name some of his favorites, the list goes on and on.

“I really like the works of O’Brien, the author of Master and Commander, a work many people know because it was made into a movie,” Compton says. “I went to the Naval Academy so these books really fit my taste. I also read all four of Dan Brown’s books, saving the DaVinci Code for last since I heard so much about it. I liked them all. I also like Tom Clancy and read the books he authors himself, as well as W.E.B. Griffin’s series on the Army and Marine Corps.”Stimulating environments
Working within an intellectually stimulating environment is a hallmark of Compton’s professional life. It is also the kind of atmosphere he says thrives at Riderwood.

“I really, really like Riderwood and enjoy our apartment home,” says Compton. “This is the most intellectually stimulating environment I have ever been in, and I come from Silicon Valley. But there the intellect is deep but not wide. Now I live with people who possess knowledge of so many different topics. Almost no one has my electronics background. Instead, I have friends who worked with NASA, the State Department, were members of Phi Beta Kappa, and who have traveled the world.

“Working at the bookstore provides me even more exposure and is a wonderful complement to my life at Riderwood. My only complaint is that I don’t work enough!”