DEBORAH CROMBIE: There's been much in the news lately–hooray for some good tidings–about the resurgence of physical bookstores. Barnes & Noble is expanding–we have a gorgeous new store in a suburb nearer us than the old one, a definite cause for celebration.
But an even bigger cause for celebration is that we now have our very own neighborhood bookstore! It's called, appropriately enough, NEIGHBOR BOOKS, and is on our historic town square here in downtown McKinney, less than a mile from our house.
This is a huge deal for us, as until now our closest bookstore has been our Half Price Books–not that I'm dissing Half Price! They are great, and have hosted lovely events for me in the past. But there is nothing that compares to having a good general bookstore nearby. Neighbor Books stocks everything from classics to the latest best sellers. They also discount books for a small monthly or yearly membership fee. This is a classic mom-and-pop (Joey and Ginny!) business and we want to do all we can to support them. I'm not sure what the space originally housed, but we know it dates back to 1888 and it's great to see our old buildings housed so creatively.
I ordered (because they'd sold out) a copy (probably insanely considering the weight of the hardcover!) of THE LONELINESS OF SONIA AND SUNNY by Kiran Desai, and while it's lovely that the store will special order anything for you, the best thing about the shop is browsing. On my first visit I found a gorgeous rerelease of E. Nesbit's THE RAILWAY CHILDREN, which I had never read.
I took it home and spent the rest of the day reading it from cover to cover. What a treat! This book was foundational for 20th century English children's literature and I don't know how I managed to have such a gap in my reading. (Nesbit herself is a character for another post–I'll just say that those Edwardians really got up to some stuff!)
Dear REDs, are you lucky enough to have a neighborhood bookstore?
RHYS BOWEN: I’m the luckiest person in the world because my neighborhood bookstore in California is Book Passage. I’ve known owner Elaine for over 40 years and always launch my books there. I’m also on the faculty ( with Hallie) of their annual mystery conference. They are a true neighborhood magnet with classes and events every night. And they host all the big names. I have found myself speaking between Hilary Clinton and Amy Tan!
Also my neighborhood store in Arizona is the Poisoned Pen. Owner Barbara Peters is a dear friend and regular lunches with her are a highlight of my time in Arizona. Every mystery writer in the world comes to The Pen! I love stopping by to meet friends.
HALLIE EPHRON: Though they’re on the other coast, I’m a huge fan of the Poisoned Pen and Book Passage. The owners are brilliant at what they do. Survivors and thrivers and nurturers! And, as we say here in Boston, “wicked smaht.”
And there’s a new independent bookstore that just opened near me - The Next Chapter Books in Quincy, MA. They are filling a long empty void. Come to Quincy for the Asian food and the history; stay for the books!
LUCY BURDETTE: I too am very lucky with bookstores! In Key West, we have two with quite different personalities. Key West Island Books is small and quirky with lots of local books and used books too. Suzanne has hand sold hundreds and hundreds of the Key West mysteries. We also have Books and Books, a nonprofit founded by Judy Blume and her hub. It’s much more modern and literary and very fun to browse. In Connecticut, we have one of the best bookstores in the country, RJ Julia Booksellers. I’ve had almost all of my launches there. It’s gorgeous and they have so many wonderful author events. It’s a dream for a book addict like myself!
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I’m going to start with a quote from The Penobscot Bay Pilot: “According to a 2023 story by MaineBiz, there are roughly 37 independent bookstores in Maine. With a population of 1.3 million people, that works out to be one bookstore per 35,000 people as opposed to the national average of one bookstore per 54,299 people.” Yay, Maine!
I have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to local bookstores. My closest one, about a 13 minute drive away, is The Bookworm, which is in a two-hundred year old house STUFFED with new and used tomes. In Portland, I love PRINT: A Bookstore (that’s how they spell it) for co-owner Josh Christie’s appreciation of mysteries. (It’s also the best place around to get progressive and queer literature for my daughter and daughter-in-law.)
If I’m on my way up to visit said daughter (and my grandson!!) I can stop at Gulf of Maine in Brunswick, and If I’m staying in Bar Harbor (which everyone should do at least once in their life) there’s Sherman’s, a Maine small chain which is up to ten stores throughout the state.
You know, the state motto is “The Way Life Should Be,” and honestly, I think the profusion of local bookstores is a big part of that!
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Well, of course, Barbara Peters is the bookstore queen and fairy godmother to all.
Around here, we have some amazing bookstores! Ten minutes away, Newtonville Books, whose brilliant owner Mary Cotton was the mastermind behind my movie theater launch of ALL THIS. (Her first store hosted my very first bookstore event! Imagine that! 20 years ago.)
And An Unlikely Story, where I have interviewed many a bestselling star–Ware! Jewell! Sager! Abrams!--is absolutely magical. Jeff Kinney (yes,the Wimpy Kid) is the owner, and he is a flat out genius. (I’ll be there next week interviewing Adele Parks!)
A bit farther from home but still “neighborhood”--BookLove in Plymouth, and as Hallie mentioned Next Chapter Books, and if you are on the Cape, you must visit the wonderful Titcomb’s.
JENN McKINLAY: I just just checked the distance on Google Maps. I am exactly 3 miles from the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale. Hub and I love being so close. We shop there at least once a month, go see authors we love who are passing through, and have become close friends with the owners and staff, who are the best in the biz. Very lucky!
DEBS: Readers, do you have a neighborhood bookstore? Tell us all about it!
I should add if you don't have a regular neighborhood store, many of the stores mentioned offer online sales. Two of my favorites are The Poisoned Pen and Murder by the Book (in Houston.)
Sadly, we have no neighborhood book store . . . a thirty mile or so schlep gets me to Books a Million; it's just about as far to Barnes and Noble. Cheers for bookstores with online sales . . . .
ReplyDeleteAren't we lucky to have these indy bookstores? Debs, it's awesome about your new local one.
ReplyDeleteWe have Jabberwocky Books in Newburyport, where many of the Reds have had events. Sue Little has been running it for over fifty years and I've had many launch parties there. We also have a big new B&N up the road in Seabrook, where I was asked to cut the ribbon on opening day.
I'm pleased that I've either shopped or held events at nearly all the bookstores you all mentioned. including Book Passage, Poisoned Pen, R Julia, most of the Maine stores, and Titcombs (I must get to Key West one of these days). Eight Cousins in Falmouth is also a great bookstore. They don't have an event space, but they sell my books when I speak at the library.
One store I really miss is Kate's Mystery Books (Murder Under Cover) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, run by my good friend, the late Kate Mattes. Kate was a strong supporter of the mystery community, held many events and hosted a gazillion readings. She went the extra mile to make both authors and customers feel comfortable. Since my wife would happily talk with anyone, Kate often used her when things got slow during multi-author events ("Look, Kitty, Joan Hess is sitting all alone. Go and talk to her."). Stephen King would occasionally stop by just to browse and Kate would make sure that he was not bothered by fans (he once set one of his stories in Kate's store -- something she was not happy about). Robert Parker built many of the bookshelves for her. Great memories, great books, great service. After we moved to Virginia, we would come back two or three times a years to visit Kate and her wonderful store.
ReplyDeleteThe Florida Panhandle, alas, is a wasteland for independent bookstores. Pensacola hosts two of the major retailers but their algorithms preclude most books that are not best-sellers, and their shelves are stocked with more cutesy games and stuffed animals and greeting cards and the like than with actual books. The closest thing to a bookstore in my town of Gulf Breeze is the pathetic, poorly stocked shelf in the local Walmart.
The one guiding light in the area is a non-profit used book store in Pensacola, Open Books. The store does an outstanding job providing reading materials for prisoners throughout the state. They sell a large and varied collection of books in every category you can think of, all at reasonable prices; hold large tent sales twice a year; and host a major school library/children's book sale at least once a year. There is an independent book store in downtown Pensacola, but since they refuse to sell anything that smacks of LBGTQ+ (because it would offend their customer base; the Florida Panhandle is MAGA territory, after all), I refuse to have anything to do with it. I also understand that there is a bookstore that specializes in African-American books somewhere in Pensacola, but I have not been able to find it. *sigh**
I also have fond memories of Kate's! My first ever signing event as an author (one of many in a Best New England Crime Stories anthology) was in Kate's.
DeleteOh, Jerry, thank you for reminding us of Kate's! She was a godmother to every New England mystery writer, and the events at her store were legendary. I always envied her enormous collection of black cat figurines and memorabilia that looked down on the bookcases from their high shelves. What a special person she was, and what a special book store.
DeleteSorry about the sad state of your bookstores, Jerry. But hooray for the non profit!
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ReplyDeleteI am so lucky now that I've moved back to the Columbus, Ohio area. I believe we're up to about 13 independent bookstores in the area. The one I consider my local one is Gramercy Books in Bexley. Linda Kass, the owner, is also an author. They host a number of events featuring all kinds of authors, mystery, poetry, political, romance, etc. The next one up for me is Connie Schultz interviewing TV journalist Norah O'Donnell. Columbus is known for The Book Loft, a standalone bookstore with 32 rooms of new and used books. I've been to one other in the area, with plans to visit others in the area.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I consider The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, AZ to be a local bookstore. When I lived in Arizona, I regularly attended events there. In fact, their motto is "Your bookstore wherever you are." Now, I'm the blogger for the store. Everyone is right. Barbara Peters is a national treasure.
I also live in Columbus, and I love Cover to Cover, a small children's bookstore in the suburb of Upper Arlington. I go there whenever I want to get books for the children in my life. When I walk in and tell the very helpful staff the ages and interests of the kids, they point me to such a large variety I have to restrain myself from buying them all.
DeleteGlad to know The Book Loft is still there, Lesa! I was reminded of it when I visited Shakespeare & Co. in Paris, just books from floor to ceiling.
DeleteBarbara is a national treasure! I loved getting to visit with you when you were in Phoenix, Lesa.
DeleteThe Book Bus Depot, Sharonville, Ohio, in the Cincinnati suburbs. A non-profit indie bookstore that donates its profits to children's literacy programs.
ReplyDeleteHere in the other Portland, I mostly go to Powell's--which is a drive, either to the west side City of Books (famous flagship store) or the branch on SE Hawthorne, which is close to where I grew up. I confess that I haven't been to the small enterprise that's just a few blocks from my house and opened last fall. Here's what a neighbor said about it in our neighborhood FB group: "Stopped by Field Day at 6836 NE Sandy Blvd today. It’s a cozy space with a well curated selection of books and beverages including beers, ciders and na drinks. They also have a game library and you are welcomed to uncork and stay a while. Great addition to the neighborhood." I will have to go check it out!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course there's Broadway Books. They are great!
DeleteAnd I forgot to respond about The Railway Children! I loved that book as a young person and when they made the TV adaptation in the '70s, they used the Keighley and Worth Valley Railroad in Yorkshire. I was lucky enough to ride on it when we visited Haworth in 1972.
DeleteI haven't seen any of the adaptations! I will look for them now. And Powell's is fabulous but you must check out your neighborhood store!
DeleteHooray for Independent Bookstore! I have yet to visit Book Passage in person but worked with Luisa Smith while I was at Norton and am happy to be friends in real life and on FB. As I was a sales rep to independent bookstores for 37 years in New England I know many, many of them in person. We are SO lucky to have so many wonderful ones.cI have non in my town of Billerica, MA but consider The Silver Unicorn Bookstore in Acton, MA, Whitelam Books in Reading, MA, and The Concord Bookshop in Concord , MA my three local ones. All very different in character, with wonderful owners and buyers and staff! Julia, Josh Christie at Print is a great guy. (He’s also a terrific pie baker!) 🥂 to all our local bookstores!
ReplyDeleteSuzette, I didn't know Josh was a wizard baker as well as his other talents! I should also add PRINT has a great staff who really know their stuff. It makes it SO much more easy for me to do my Christmas book buying.
DeleteWhat a great list, Suzette!
DeleteJulia, I love the staff at Print! I also love, in Portland, Letterpress Books and Back Cove Books!
DeleteDebs, New England is blessed with great bookstores, and more keep opening! When the next Kincaid/Hames book is ready , please DO come to New England!
There is a large B&N in the town center, but I remember when we had several small bookshops, including one a mile from here. I am pleasantly surprised when I find anything at B&N other than big name authors and flashy titles. It makes me wonder if their buyers actually read books or just lists.
ReplyDeleteOn the other side of town, there is a fairly new independent bookshop that I haven't visited yet, but plan to soon. I just attended an event that they had with cookbook author Beejhy Barhany at our JCC. Excellent!
I live about an hour drive from RJ Julia. If any of the authors here plan to speak there, tell us here on the blog. Connecticut is really a small state. If you are speaking in a library or at an event anywhere in Connecticut, Massachusetts or Rhode Island, it could be a great day trip for me!! (Edith!)
Browseabout Books in Rehoboth, Delaware is a fabulous independent bookstore. I coordinated a visit to my daughter to coincide with a visit from one of our Reds and was disappointed when the event was canceled. But if you are ever planning to speak there, I probably can arrange to be there.
Judy, the new CEO of B&N is big on individual stores having input, I think.
DeleteNone of the independent bookstores that I know about exist close enough to me that I can consider them neighborhood. Or even neighborhood adjacent.
ReplyDeleteThe Barnes and Noble store in my town is the closest bookstore to me. And while they somehow thought I wasn't good enough to work there this past holiday season, if I want to pick up something in person, they are the closest. The next closest is another B&N store in North Dartmouth.
After that comes the independent shops. Titcomb's Bookshop in East Sandwich, MA is probably the one that I've been to the most. Whether for books or for author events like Edith, Hank, Peter Colt, Joanna Schaffhausen and 2-time Oscar nominee director/screenwriter John Sayles.
I've also been to Eight Cousins in Falmouth, MA a couple of times. There's An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA which is owned by Jeff Kinney (the author of those Diary of a Wimpy Kid books). When I go there it is for author events like Hank, Brad Meltzer and Terry Hayes.
I attended a Hank event at the Plymouth Public Library that was put on by Book Love (also in Plymouth). I haven't been to the store yet but I hope to get there soon. If I can swing it, I might even get there for the February 12th event with John Sayles. He has a new book out and it would be great to meet him again.
The sad thing is as much as I would like to visit these places, they are too far away to do it on a regular basis. And with the B&N only nine minutes away from me (depending on traffic lights), it's just easier on the rare occasion these days that I can buy a book rather than pick it up at the free and hopefully just as independent neighborhood book "store" otherwise known as the public library.
Jay, B&N would be lucky to have you!
DeleteJay, B&N would have been lucky to have you. You know more about books than any staff that I have ever encountered in a B&N. Marjorie
DeleteHow wonderful to have such a bookstore Debs!
ReplyDeleteI've listened to many talks from the Poisoned Pen and the owner is simply a wonder!
I've spent many hours wandering through Powell's City of Books in Portland, OR which is something like 4 stories, takes up the entire block and even provides shopping carts.
Warwick’s is my much loved local bookstore, located in La Jolla, CA and is the oldest continuously family-owned and operated bookstore in the U.S., founded in 1896. It is currently run by the fourth generation, sisters Nancy and Cathy Warwick. It is a beautiful, modern, place to hang out. They've hosted a foreign leader (Mgt Thatcher) and president (Jimmy Carter) and hundreds of other famous authors.
No neighborhood stores, the closest is a half hour drive away in the next state. It was a bookstore when I was young, then it was a few other businesses, then a few years ago it became a bookstore again- Sweet Reads in Austin, MN. Great owner, new and used books, gifts, candy, etc. Author talks, poetry readings, and other events and fundraisers. Even a model train circling the ceiling. Something for everyone.
ReplyDeleteAlicia, I had to laugh when you listed among Sweet Reads’ offerings “poetry readings”. I was an elementary school librarian and if we ever wanted to meet our colleagues for Happy Hour, we’d send an email (on the District email) with the subject line Poetry Reading! — Pat S
DeleteSneaky, Pat!
DeleteLove that, Pat! Reminds me of my days as a government employee arranging “stakeholder listening sessions” aka lunches with colleagues working in other departments.
DeleteSo many wonderful bookstores!! I have been to many of them and would like to visit more.
ReplyDeleteI have to run out for an appointment this morning but will be back to chat more.
I do not get into Chicago anymore and my nearest B&N is nearer the mall, we do not go to bookstores anymore. Our indie bkstore is Read Between the Lynes in Woodstock Il. They recognize my husband's voice on phone. Do all my holiday shopping there for many nieces and nephews , they wrap and mail directly. They are an hour away. Woodstock is home of the Groundhog and also has a resident groundhog Wilie who said Spring is on the way. We shop by phone and online and have met or talk to many of staff
ReplyDelete. Library branch several blocks away. Marjorie
For years, Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont, PA was right around the corner from me. Now they are 45 minutes away. Sob. They do sell online, so I can still buy from them. In fact, I have to run in today (assuming I have time after my doctor's appointment). A new bookstore, Revolution Books, opened in Bedford, PA. That's a 45 minute drive east (as opposed to west for MLB). I did go in on my birthday last year. It's lovely.
ReplyDeleteThere is one bookstore right in Ligonier, but it is mostly used books. Along with other stuff.
Oh, I love Mystery Lovers!
DeleteMe, too. Also, my apologies. It's Rebellion Books in Bedford, PA. As in "whiskey rebellion." :)
DeleteI am so lucky, I can walk to two bookstores: Bay Books and Second Hand Prose (run by the Friends of the Library). And it's just a short drive to Mysterious Galaxy and Warwick's, both of which I also love.
ReplyDeleteCathy is that Bay Books in Coronado? I've been there and it's great. I grew up in Coronado and am trying to remember the book store we had when I was growing up in the 50's and 60's (it was around 10th and C St.). I used to save up all my money and buy the newest Nancy Drew book there.
DeleteYes, I'm in Coronado! I'm sorry I'm not familiar with the previous bookstore you mentioned. I'm still a newcomer, having lived here only 40 years. :-)
DeleteBefore I discovered my local “foreign” bookstores (Tower Records in Shibuya and the Kinokuniya next to Shinjuku Takashimaya), my ultra-heavy suitcase groaned its way to Tokyo stuffed with more books than clothes. If I ran out of socks, I could buy men’s sizes. But run out of books to read before that long flight back to San Francisco? Disaster!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting, Jonelle!
DeleteOur local bookstores are Pegasus Books, Mrs. Dalloway's Books and Great Place for Books. I love going to Book Passage bookstores (SF and North Bay). There always are wonderful selections of children's books.
ReplyDeleteLove exploring bookstores. If any of the commenters here live in Europe, then do you have a neighborhood bookstore within walking distance from your residence?
In the rather small town of Newburyport, MA, there is a WONderful independent book store called Jabberwocky (how cool is that name) that's located in a refurbished tannery mill building. As they put it, they are "Dedicated to the fine art of browsing." If they don't have what you're looking for, they will order pretty much just about anything - if it can be found. They also have a Green Room that has used books. We're so lucky to have this great book store in town.
ReplyDeleteI think I might have been there on a whirlwind book tour!
DeleteBrookline Booksmith in Brookline MA. Has been there for many years holding author book readings, signings and interviews. They have now taken over an adjacent store front on the ground level which offers more space and easier access for people to attend their programs.
ReplyDeleteI know Hank has been there many times and a few years back I attended a program in which several of the Reds either participated or came to see the ones who were appearing and I had an opportunity to meet them.
Brookline Booksmith in Brookline MA. Has been there for many years holding author book readings, signings and interviews. They have now taken over an adjacent store front on the ground level which offers more space and easier access for people to attend their programs.
ReplyDeleteI know Hank has been there many times and a few years back I attended a program in which several of the Reds either participated or came to see the ones who were appearing and I had an opportunity to meet them.
Here in the Cincinnati area we are fortunate to have no fewer than 18 independent used and new bookstores. There's a used bookstore half mile from our house, but I have yet to visit since it just opened in the fall. Other than that, my "neighborhood" stores are a used bookstore next to my favorite produce store, The Bookery, and Joseph-Beth Bookseller. The Bookery has only been open a couple of years, and is a fairly small shop, but they have a very good selection in lots of categories, and a brilliant children's section. All the credits for my Libro.fm audio selections go to The Bookery, while Joseph-Beth gets the credits for the ebooks I buy through Bookshop.org.
ReplyDeleteJoseph Beth is fabulous, Karen. And I met you for the first time there!
DeleteYes, Yes, we have the northernmost bookstore in New England right in my back yard. Bogan Books in Fort Kent. Stop in if you're ever in the neighborhood. If you're not in the neighborhood - online ordering is available. Win/Win.
ReplyDeleteTwo people who must live in the San Diego area have mentioned Warwick’s and Mysterious Galaxy. They are both marvelous independent bookstores. Unfortunately, for me (in Northern San Diego) they aren’t nearby so I wouldn’t consider them my neighborhood bookstores. We do have two Barnes & Nobles close by so I have shopped there. The used bookstore near me was closed to build housing. I do have library cards from multiple cities so I suppose they are my neighborhood bookstores (for e-books). — Pat S
ReplyDeleteWell Pat S maybe no indy bookstores where you are but Northern San Diego is pretty darn nice!!
DeleteOff the top of my head, I know of four bookstores in my town. I know, how lucky am I? There is a used paperback bookstore on Sonoma highway. Barnes and Noble is located in the old Rosenburg department store Art Deco building, downtown. I think it is one of the smallest stores in the chain. Treehorn Books is down the street from B&N. It specializes in used and rare books. You can window shop and get a nice lunch while walking between the two stores. Copperfields Book is located in the Village area. I usually stop in about once a month. Copperfields is a small chain in the north Bay area. Any book events I have attended in the past have been sponsored by Copperfields.
ReplyDeleteI love Copperfield's!
DeleteMy local bookstore in Harrisburg PA is The Midtown Scholar which is an award-winning store housed in a renovated theater. Its’ galleried second level reminds me of Debs’ picture of her new local store.
ReplyDeleteYes, this bookstore in our state capital is a treasure!
DeleteFor those people who don’t have nearby bookstores, don’t forget the many libraries all over the country who have on-going book sales which include withdrawn books from their collection and donated books that are frequently brand new or may be review copies. The children's section is always very popular.’ You never know what you might find. The money from the sales usually go back to the library and often provides the ability to purchase things that may not be affordable otherwise.
ReplyDeleteMy library has an on-going book-sale plus a once a year larger one which runs for several days.
They also offer special items during the holidays.
Many times they have to stop the donations for a period of time because there is so much brought in that they run out of space to store them.
While I've always considered Mystery Lovers Bookshop at my neighborhood bookstore, they're actually an hour away from me. Happily, several little bookstores have opened closer to home and I'm making my way around, introducing myself to them. Mystery Lovers will always be my second home, though.
ReplyDeleteI so miss having a local bookstore, even if it was Books-a-Million and not a more intimate setting. But, I would take the kids to Books-a-Million and enjoy it so much. Kevin especially liked to go with me, and we went to a couple of midnight Harry Potter events for the newest one coming out. Now, the nearest bookstore is Barnes and Noble in Evansville, 45 minutes away. I do like this particular B&N, and I used to take granddaughter Isabella there and have a go-wild buying spree for her. Now that she's in high school, a sophomore, she doesn't have time to do that anymore. I would love to take a bookstore trip, going around the country to all the great independent bookstores readers and writers talk about.
ReplyDeleteMy coastal town of Lincoln City, Oregon is too small to attract a large chain bookstore, but we do have two indie bookstores owned by the same family. One, Robert's Bookshop, is Oregon quirkiness at its finest: 200,000+ volumes of used books on 1.6 miles of shelving(!), crammed with books on every surface, including piles on the floor. It is a maze, with stairs and ramps in odd places as more rooms were added over time. There is even the cockpit of a Boeing 727 attached to the side of the building (yes, quirky) that the staff use as an office (no customer access unfortunately). The place is a browser's delight. The other shop, Bob's Beach Books, is a smaller space, lacks the quirkiness of Robert's, and has both new and used books. -- Maggie M.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great setting for a cozy mystery!
DeleteMy best friend just bought a retirement home in Lincoln City. Thank you for this scoop - I look forward to visiting.
DeleteOur daughter and her family own a cabin in a reserve not far from Lincoln City. If I remember correctly there is a famous skate park in Lincoln City. I've been there and it's a cute town.
DeleteI'm a twenty-minute walk from Stauffacher, an excellent bookstore in downtown Bern: four stories of hardbacks and paperbacks, fiction and non-fiction. 90% are in German, of course, but it has an English section as big as many independent bookstores. Sadly, Stauffacher itself is no longer independent but was bought by a Swiss chain, Orell-Füssli, which has two other shops in downtown Bern and even more in Zürich and other Swiss-German cities.Nevertheless, Stauffacher retains its old name and many members of the old staff, and I'm a great fan. I was very proud that when Stauffacher's English bookstore hosted a launch for my fourth book, Splintered Justice, 120 people came, and they treated everyone to wine and excellent snacks from a nearby bakery!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great turnout!
DeleteAre there children’s books in the German language at the bookstore?
DeleteGerri Lewis
ReplyDeleteI'm about to embark on my Indie Book Tour starting with Bear and Pond Books in Stowe, VT. Then on to Books on Third (brand new and so rich with readers, writers and a great staff. That one is in Naples, FL. And of course, I love Books on the Common, our indie store in Ridgefield, CT. Darwin and Ellen have hosted me numerous times and are one of the Main Street anchors that I couldn't be happy without. All that said, I;m also very happy to see B&N expanding, especially to places in need like Southbury, CT whose library flooded and they. had no place to buy or borrow for two years until B&N came to the rescue. They are lovely hosts to authors.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tour!! I hear all the time about baseball field tours and an indy book store tour would be so cool. Actually I'd love to tour indy stores in England and I've heard so much about Shakespeare and Company in Paris.
DeleteI am still mourning the passage of Acres of Books (Ray Bradbury wrote an essay about it). It was my happy place for many years.
ReplyDeleteThe Last Bookstore in DTLA is great - I guess it is good that it didn’t open when I only worked a few blocks away or I would have spent every lunch there. They got 42 boxes of books from us when we moved and did The Purge.
I go to Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena - great speculative fiction and lots of BIPOC authors. They were a real community center during the fires last year.
I love to see so much love for indie bookstores!
ReplyDeleteBeacon Hill Books & Cafe, IAM books in Boston 's North End are within walking distance , Harvard Bookstore a few stops away on the T. I do miss the Barnes & Noble at Copley Square. I love to browse. E -readers are the thing now. But I still buy hardcovers, just habit I guess.
ReplyDeletePassages in Marin is wonderful. Their children's selections are amazing for all ages. It was nice to see the Two Bobs bookstores at the Oregon Coast mentioned, they are wonderful. I live in Portland, OR so Powells is always available and is a great resource. I prefer smaller independent bookstores here and in Europe. Murder By The Book was partly owned by a dear neighbor. It is greatly missed but I do live in a city with many bookstores. I love books.
ReplyDeleteThe Washington SX area has been blessed by Politics and Prose for years with fabulous staff, talks and even classes amongst their book selections. It is THE place for authors to speak. I’m excited by a new indie in Bethesda- Wonderland, as well. And the area has the best used book stores- second story books and the miles of everything at Wonder books!
ReplyDelete