Neighborhood Bookstores

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.)

The Truth about Book Tours from Ingrid and Hank

HANK: Boarding passes! Wake up calls! And wonderful memories. Ingrid's on the road for DUPLICITY--so let's talk book tour--with all its secrets, pitfalls and crossed fingers. And, if you're lucky, occasionally room service. Secrets below! 

  

INGRID: A book tour is an amazing, albeit exhausting experience.  But book tours—especially for series—can also be weird, like you’re in a time warp.  Depending upon your publication schedule, the book you’re promoting may well be a distant memory.  My publishers like to get my books from me a year before my pub date, so by the time I hit the road, I’m well into writing the next installment.  I have to remind myself what’s been revealed in previous books, what’s in the new one, and what secrets are in my computer waiting to be sprung on the readers a year later. 

HANK: Exactly. By the time the book comes out, I’m well into the next—even, because of the schedule, still working on it! You really have to yank your brain from the story you’re writing—to the one that you’re so delighted finally exists, with a gorgeous cover, and wonderful reviews, and whew! It’s finally time to talk about it.  If only you could remember it.

INGRID:  There has been at least one occasion during which I’ve had to ask the readers to remind me of a name or a timeline issue, which is kind of embarrassing, but it’s hard to keep track of dozens of characters.  So be kind if the author suffers from a momentary brain freeze; most likely she’s trying to avoid any spoilers!

HANK:  SO funny—people say—why did such-and-such a person do whatever? And I think—ah, I have NO idea! But one or two stops into the tour, I’m back in the flow. And it’s wonderful.

But book tour has its techniques. Pitfalls. And secrets. Right? For instance:

Aisle or window?  Why?

INGRID: Aisle, because I know I’ll need the restroom, and being stuck in the window will make me need it even more.

HANK: Oh, yeah. Climbing over two sleeping people is so impossible. Even though I love to look out the window and see the geography change, aisle has its compelling plusses.

Airport secret?

INGRID:  That the candy you buy in airports has no calories.

HANK: Oooh, true! I love having oatmeal with raisins. Such a treat. And on a big layover, you can buy a day pass to an airport lounge. (Amazing. Free cheese.)  Also  I love to get there so early! I Fitbit around the concourse and get steps. Instant exercise, and no stress.

Worst or best airport experience. 

INGRID: I love seeing my book in the airport bookstore.  That never gets old.

HANK: SO great! But I have to say the worst: The time I was sitting at the wrong gate. Why?  So tired. Because so may flights are so early in the morning, lots of the time I am sleep deprived. Luckily at one point groggy me thought, wow, aren’t they boarding? And yeah, they were. But not where I was. I made it. Barely. 

Room service?

INGRID: Yes!  Eating on the road is challenging because you’re generally traveling or at an event.  Sometimes I’ll order room service after an event when I can put my feet up and relax.  I’ve also learned that even though it’s over-priced, a solid room service breakfast sets me up for a good day.  Nobody wants a hangry author!

HANK: Oh, my gosh yes.  Those tiny moments, by yourself, with a hamburger and salad and wine and the chocolate chip cookies I hoarded from Jet Blue, and watching Project Runway or Chopped. I’m not kidding—it is heaven.

Hotel secret?

INGRID: I don’t have any hotel secrets!  Hank?  You guys?

HANK:  Got it from Rhys—take a photo of the room number so you don’t forget where you are. I usually use mnemonic devices like  if I’m in room 117—well, that’s easy Jonathan’s birthday. Or 203? That would be February 3. Why is that easier? AH. It just is. PLUS: take the skim milk from the free breakfast and use it in your tea.

Worst or best hotel experience?

INGRID: I was getting ready to leave a very nice hotel in Texas, looking around and gathering my belongings, when I spotted a ginormous cockroach on the floor.  I think it was dead, but I packed with the speed of Usain Bolt.  I did not care if things were left behind!

HANK: Bug for me, too! I arrived at a hotel in some Midwest place, and there was a printed notice on the desk with a photo of a HUGE—I mean HUGE—bug. And it said—Dear Guests, I’s corn bug season. If you see one of these in your room, no problem, they are not dangerous. I thought—If I see one of those babies in my room, you will hear my shriek all the way to the lobby.

You won't believe what happened at one bookstore....

INGRID: …they hadn’t set up for the event.  There was a mad dash when I arrived, which is always a great way to start a public appearance!

HANK:  Very reassuring. Yeesh. Oh, mine was a two person event. They did not have my books., only hers. I had CALLED, to make sure. And was assured they’d have them. When I reminded them of the call, they said oh, we  thought you were talking about HER books.

(Um, why would I be doing that?)

But! Later they asked me back for a huge event. So, all worth it.

Reading from your book--or not?

INGRID: I’m torn on this one, and obviously, I defer to the bookstore.  I lean towards not reading and having more time to interact with readers.

HANK: Ah. I rarely do, unless specifically asked. I have seen it fail with others, I mean—miserably. But when it’s good, it’s terrific.

Best part of touring?

INGRID: Definitely meeting readers and bookstore people.

HANK: Oh, gosh, I agree. And I can confess to you, I count my blessings every second. How lucky we are to get to do this!

Where we'll see you next? Together in Framingham!

HANK: Ingrid’s coming to Boston! And I’ll be interviewing her at Barnes and Noble in Framingham at 7pm—oh, please come see us!  I read DUPLICITY last week, and it is quite special, and truly riveting. And lots to talk about!

INGRID: So Reds—do you go to bookstore and library events? What do you think about authors reading? Any advice for touring authors? And authors, tell us your secrets!

Barnes & Noble: Books, Bars, and ... Booze?

SUSAN ELIA MACNEAL: Barnes and Noble recently announced that it was not only going to revamp the look and menu at its cafes, but will also serve wine and beer. The changes will be offered in limited locations, at least to start: The first store will open in Eastchester, NY in October and will reportedly have a bocce court and a fire pit. Three more BN’s with bars are set to open at the Edina Galleria in Edina, MN; the Palladio in Folsom, CA; and at One Loudon in Loudon, VA. 

Of course, bookstores and bars, as well as writers and bars, have been a mainstay for years. Here’s my own personal favorite, Spotty Dog Books and Ale in Hudson, NY.




A quick Google search reveals more library bars/bookshop bars all over the country: White Horse Trading Company in Seattle, WA; Book Bar in Denver, CO; Books and Brews in Indianapolis; Elements: Books Coffee Beer in Biddeford, ME. (Julia, have you ever been?)

Will this bold move by BN help it compete with Amazon? Will it affect its stock price? Will at attract more customers and take in more revenue? Bottom line — will it help the chain bookstore survive and not go the way of the late Borders? Personal bottom line: will a glass or two at the café persuade you to buy more books than you normally would?

We can only wait and see, and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine before we shop.


Reds, do you like the idea of bookstores with bars? What do you think of this move by BN? Would you be more likely to go to a bookstore with a bar? Go more often? Buy more books? 

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Wine and books sounds like heaven to me. But then--does it? I only drink wine at night. Do I go to bookstores at night ? Well, yes, if there's a signing or an appearance. If so, yes to wine. Big time. Would I meet a pal at a bookstore if there was wine? Yes, but I'd do that anyway, and it's usually more of a time for coffee.  But I am all about this experiment! Anything that can get people into bookstores. All good. 


RHYS BOWEN: Wine is often served at signings I do at independent bookstores. It's a nice touch and makes things more festive. Like Hank, I am ambivalent about Barnes and Noble serving wine. I can't see anything against it but it wouldn't lure me into a bookstore if I hadn't set out to buy a book. I'd certainly appreciate a glass if I came to do a signing. I'm all in favor of anything that makes the bookstore feel like a central gathering place. It may well lower inhibitions and make people buy more books. However, as someone who was brought up to treat books with care, I am already horrified when I see people in Barnes and Noble drinking coffee and eating cake while looking at books they haven't yet purchased. Wouldn't wine make things even more sloppy? And they might start serving nachos with the wine...

HALLIE EPHRON: There's already more nonbooks than books in my local B&N. Between the coffee bar, the toys, the stationery, pens, and calendars etc... I won't be surprised if they start hosting our local farmer's market in the cookbook section. But I want them to survive, so whatever it takes.  


JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I haven't even heard of Coffee, Beer and Books, which is surprising, since I live not far from Biddeford.

I'll have to check it out. To me, the problem with the "beer or wine served in a bookstore" concept is that reading books is a solitary activity, while drinking is sociable. Not that I won't have a glass of wine while reading a book at home, but if I go out for a drink, I'm meeting up with friends. And if I'm with friends, I want to be talking, not have my nose stuck in a book. On the converse, if I'm going to the bookstore, I don't want to get too chatty; I want to browse and find a good read. Also? I don't want my friend who only reads Russian novels or Dan DeLillo giving me the eye when I pick up KILT DEAD or ARSENIC AND AUSTEN.

I am, however, wholeheartedly in favor of alcohol at book signings! The best book launch I ever had was when my local Longfellow Books set up inside a great Irish Pub and I did my talk in the upstairs section. My publisher provided two drink tickets for every attendee. We sold SO MANY books to the happily inebriated crowd...

LUCY BURDETTE: I always bring wine and cake to a book launch event. Maybe it draws a few more people than might have thought about coming? But I'm dubious about how wine will help Barnes and Noble. It certainly wouldn't help me at the grocery store--I have a hard enough time remembering my list! 



SUSAN ELIA MACNEAL: OK, personal story here — Noel and I ended up at a Barnes & Noble on the Upper East Side after our first date — a date that was, honestly, not going so well — and a glass of wine might have helped! And so, personally, I think it might make B&N more of a date destination, as well as helping book lovers connect. At any rate, I wish B&N luck!


Lovely readers, what do you think of Barnes & Noble's new plan for bars at their bookstores? Have you ever been to a bookstore/bar? If so, what do you think? Please tell us in the comments!

What's in (the book) Store?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:  Just got back from Book Expo America, and it was quite--what? Daunting? Spectacular? Overwhelming? Hilarious? I can say that my shoulders ache--no exaggeration--from lugging around tote bags of give-away books that are somehow irresistible. I was determined to be selective, though.

Look at just some  of the ARCs from authors I snagged! Talk about summer reading.

Whoa.

 (The Reds are chatting today--scroll past the photos to get there!) 

And I did NOT pick up the book by this person. Recognize her?

Does she need a caption?

I can't resist saying it was the launch of the ARC of THE WRONG GIRL--thank you to my agent for taking this nice photo--

Happy Author...even though it was NINETY DEGREES

and this one of the line of people waiting to get one. Amazing.

I love every one of these people...

But there was also an on-going discussion about the future of books.  I was invited to host a table

 at the American Booksellers Association luncheon (!) 

with Geraldine Brooks and Jon Scieszka and Richard Russo

Richard Russo says--his daughter is an independent bookseller!

 and more..) and it was a room full of owners and employees of independent bookstores.

 And I have to say--there were smiles on their faces! Someone told me there are more new bookstores opening now than in the past-however long. I talked to one happy camper who works at a store outside Washington DC--and she said people are buying books like mad.

A couple of years ago, it was all about the demise of bookstores, and how books were going to rule the world. What do you make of this?

What's your sense of independent bookstores? How're they doing?

LUCY BURDETTE: I'm lucky to have one of the best indy bookstores in the country right in my town, RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, CT. They thrive, but I know it's a battle because they are fighting the draw of lower prices at Amazon and other online bookstores. They count on customer loyalty and events and amazing service and location.

There is only one bookstore left in Key West, and that's Key West Island Books. They sell a mixture of new and used, with an emphasis on local authors. I'm thrilled to have the Key West mysteries carried there--it's a small shop but they will order anything a customer wants.

While Hallie and I were touring the Raleigh area with Jennifer McMahon, Molly Weston set up an event at McIntyre's Books in Fearrington Village--another fabulous little store. They seemed to be quite busy and our event was well attended.

All that to say Hank, I sure hope there will continue to be a groundswell of support for bookstores. There is no place else I'd rather spend time and money!

RHYS BOWEN: I'm also lucky enough to have two of the best thriving indies in the places where I live: Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA and Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, AZ. Both of these stores have weathered any storms because they have owners who are business savvy as well as loving books. Both have huge mailing lists, events every night, draw the biggest name authors... in fact when I sign at Book Passage it always seems to be after Hilary Clinton and before Tom Brokaw, which is daunting to say the least.

HANK: I know--and they always say, oh, you should have been here last night, Hilary Mantel had thousands of people. Sigh. Anyway, we persevere! And it's so reassuring that people till come to bookstore events. BEA was phenomenally reassuring, too, long incredibly long lines to get books! Nelson DeMille's went up one side, down the other, and around the block! Were any of you there?

He was signing the six six chapters of his new book! Which is an old book, re-written... 

RHYS: I really hope that the general optimism is true and that small indies will come to fill the vacuum left by Borders and by Barnes and Noble cutting back. However good electronic forms of publishing become there is nothing like holding a real book in your hands. Take a peek a children at a library--books are magic things to them.

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Hank, I'm thrilled to hear that indie bookstore owners are feeling so positive! I love the indie stores where I get to sign on book tours, especially Murder by the Book in Houston, Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, and Book Passage in Corte Madera. But I think Rhys is right--it take more than just loving books. The successful stores have owners with real business savvy. They know their customers, and most do a really good mail order business.

HANK: Rhys and Hallie and Rosemary are off on exotic vacations! So we will have to demand photos when they get back. SO--how's your local bookstore doing? And what do you think about that?

And yes, one savvy insider told me he thought the absolute key was bookstore owners who know their stuff--what do you think that means?

And hey..why not--an ARC of THE WRONG GIRL to one lucky commenter!