ROBERTA: We hear so much bad news about independent bookstores closing, I thought we could use a day to celebrate our favorites. I'm lucky to live in Madison, CT, which hosts one of the best bookstores in the country, RJ Julia. But I love each indy I've visited because of their interesting selections, friendly, well-informed booksellers, and wealth of events they bring to a community. Can you think of a better way to spend an afternoon than perusing a room full of books and choosing which you'll bring home? (I'm making it sound like a singles bar--trust me, the bookstore experience wins hands down!)
To celebrate independent bookstores on "Anything can happen Friday", here are links to two blog posts that feature some of those stores. The first article (I should confess) is from my own husband's website, Top Retirements, in which he ponders whether you can choose a retirement community by its bookstore. The second essay is from Jim Huang, owner of the Mystery Company, an independent mystery bookstore in Indiana. He talks about his store's involvement in the community.
And now your turn--tell us about your favorite bookstore. And then go out and buy some books today!
How much space do I have?
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I have to put in a plug for The New England Mobile Book Fair (which is not mobile) in Newton Highlands (MA), which is an independent with a huge selection of all sorts of books. Disclaimer: they employ my daughter, so if you visit, she's the charming young woman at the register nearest the door. They're still family-run and very hands-on.
There are great independents in Brookline, Wellesley, Concord, Falmouth, and my apologies to any one I've missed.
Connecticut and Indiana claiming great indies, let me also suggest one of Portland Oregon's top tourist attractions, Powell's Books, City of Books on Burnside. That's to distinguish it from their other stores in trendy areas.
ReplyDeletePatg
www.patgulley.com
Newburyport has two: The Book Rack and Jabberwocky, both of which host authors on a regular basis and are friendly and well stocked. We're lucky up in the northeastern corner of the state! Andover also has a great store, named, oddly enough, Andover Bookstore.
ReplyDeleteEdith Maxwell
I guess I should have mentioned that Newburyport is in Massachusetts!
ReplyDeleteEdith
In the past six weeks I've visited a number of indies...and I've loved ALL of them for making a newbie feel so welcome...some of my faves...?
ReplyDeleteAunt Agatha's in Ann Arbor, MI
Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, AZ
The Book Stall in Winnetka, IL
Centuries & Sleuths, Forest Park, IL
Mystery Lovers Bookshop, Oakmont, PA
Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL
and of course..
Mysterious Bookshop and Partners & Crime in NYC
YAY for independent bookstores! We love you!!!
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