Article: Gay, Lesbian Bookstore in Laguna Beach, Calif., Shuts Down.

Jul. 31--LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.--Rob Merrell did what he could to make Different Drummer Books a vibrant gathering place for the gay and lesbian community in the four years he owned it.

He asked customers what kind of books they wanted him to stock. He invited gay and lesbian authors to the Coast Highway bookstore for Thursday night talks and signings. He even flirted with the mainstream, adding best-selling fiction, nonfiction and spiritual titles.

All to no avail. Different Drummer Books closes its doors today, a victim, Merrell says, of decreased tourism after the Sept. 11 attacks, a general belt-tightening in a tough economy and a flourishing book ...

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