This post is in honor of amazing bookstores. Do you have a favorite amazing bookstore? No, not Amazon (though I love Amazon, too. I sell a lot of books through Amazon, including Kindle editions). But one of those brick and mortar ones where you can spend an entire afternoon sitting in a comfy chair in a corner sampling new authors and poets, or those who are tried and true.
Having moved from Colorado a little over a year ago, I still pine for the bookstore on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder, Colorado, aptly named: Boulder Books. It was the perfect place to spend an afternoon. I preferred the second floor that was full of fiction, poetry and art books and chairs scattered throughout.
There have been others I have loved over the years. Malaprops in downtown Asheville, NC has a great atmosphere. Highland Books, in my own little town of Brevard, is a haven for book lovers with its helpful staff. And hopefully, I will find more in the years to come.
The Huffington Post recently came up with 9 of the most amazing bookstores in the world. You can find the article here.
Another article in the Guardian UK invited readers to enjoy The World’s 10 Best Bookshops. Photos and story are here.
I’ve included a few photographs from the articles for your enjoyment. Meanwhile, do you have a favorite bookstore? What is one of your favorite things about it? I’d love to hear from you.
I am an ex-shrink who writes novels. Check out my books here.
Been to several of these, and they are indeed amazing.
Although not a store, the Huntington Library in San Marino is simply a must-see before you depart this earth.
I’m envious that you’ve been to several of these, John! And thanks for the heads up. I will put the Huntington Library on my bucket list. 🙂
From two of my lovely email subscribers:
“I LOVE bookstores. Of the larger chains, I like Border’s Books because they always encourage you to sit and read for as long as you like; and are quieter than most libraries these days. I know of the Boulder bookstore, and in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Tejon Street, (if my memory serves me correctly) there is a marvellous bookstore and meeting place called Poor Richard’s. The owner bore a striking resemblance to Benjamin Franklin. (hair and all) I am always on the look-out for a new bookstore to “hang out” in, anywhere I happen to be.
Thanks for your marvellous posts. TD”
“Wow! They are so beautiful–I could spend several days in any one of them. Your blogs are really great. Ann”