We’ve been fans of bookstores, large and small for most of our reading lives. Heck, we lamented the loss of Borders in Downtown Crossing here in Boston, just a stones throw from our cluster of Financial District offices. But while chain stores took a few of our dollars, it is the Indie bookseller that stole our hearts and scoured out more than a few greenbacks from out wallets.
Polling our team, friends and cohorts we came to the conclusion that hands down, king of indie booksellers in our lives is Harvard Book Store. Ensconced in Harvard Square this book selling joint is the epitome of bibliophilic heaven to us. From their Frequent Buyer program and well curated stacks; amazing Author Readings to outstanding used or discounted books, Harvard Book Store is our tops. A reading from Robert Pinsky on his book The Life of David rates as one of our all time favorite Harvard Book Store events.
That being said, we wanted to shower some loving on other dear booksellers here in Massachusetts like…Jabberywocky Bookshop in Newburyport and Cambridge’s Porter Square Books are just two more of our favs. And up in Portland, Maine we adore Longfellow Books, as well.
It matters not where you are from in this wide world, dear readers. We want to know, what is your favorite bookstore? Is there a special connection beyond being a regular customer? Meet a true love there? Hear a favorite author talk? Find a long lost book in the backlist stacks that reignited fond memories.
What is your favorite bookstore?
Different bookstores have different strengths and weaknesses. However, these are my top 3:
1. Tres Gatos – Both their books & beer are the highest quality around, and vary wildly across the spectrums of greatness. Their special-orders are quick and fairly priced, and after the purchase of a great book and a cold beer, there’s usually enough left over to pick up a new album or CD or an order of patatas bravas.
2. The Brattle – 3 floors of books, whether treasures or trash, priced to sell, and respected. There are things here that can be found nowhere else in Boston – not just behind glass display cases, but even in their $5 and $3 bulk sale carts – because 3 floors are not enough, they have books spilling out onto the street.
3. The Boston Public Library’s booksale – only available once a month, and never providing me with more than a few titles and DVDs at a time, but it’s always heartwarming to see the Friends of the BPL make great books available to prolong and promote the best works of America’s biggest public library.
Runner-up – Brookline’s Booksmith.
1. Atlantis Books, Santorini, Greece: I happened upon this bookstore when I was least expecting it and it was lovely.
2. Three Lives and Co., New York, New York: Practically perfect in every way. It smells like books and the floor creaks. (:
3. The Strand: Because I could probably spend at least an entire day there.
Just made a video about this actually! Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuvwDxITjhE