Welcome back, readers!
Recently I re-read a few journal entries from the summer of 2003 and found this one from August 6th:
“Went to Barnes & Noble. Really happy. Good day. Yeay.”
While buying and even reading books has changed significantly since 2003 and in particular during recent months, many of us still enjoy the tactile and visual experience of discovering books in a shop. So this week instead of sharing some favorite books, I would like to introduce you to a few of my favorite book stores.
Three Book Stores in Three Cities
Daunt Books Marylebone in London
My Description: The main location is in a former antiquarian bookshop with beautiful long galleries across three levels filled with sunlight from large skylights.
My Take: Hands down my favorite bookstore. While the space itself is stunning, there is also magic in how the books are arranged: geographically! Fiction, non-fiction, and travel guides are mixed together but grouped by country. In my many hours of perusing the shelves, this has already led me to some fun unique discoveries.
Bonus tip: Check out the canvas tote bags with prints of the store’s design for a souvenir!
Housing Works Bookstore & Café in New York
My Description: Located in trendy Soho, this bookstore sells donated books, is mostly staffed by volunteers, and all profits go to Housing Works services, which include health, housing, job readiness, and further services for “individuals that other organizations deem ‘too difficult’ to serve”.
My Take: The space itself presents an attractive oasis with wooden shelves and a swirling staircase to the upper gallery; and buying used books is a way for me to overcome the hurdle to purchase a book I am not sure I will like.
Bonus tip: Apparently the space can be rented for events! I look forward to a (post-COVID) birthday party or similar here—Hello New York friends!
Never Stop Reading in Zurich
My Description: Tucked away on a quiet street in the old town of Zurich not far from the Kunsthaus art museum, the collection is focused on architecture, photography, art and design, as well as a section dedicated to English language books.
My Take: The store is surprisingly spacious inside and also unique in its airy, yet retro design. Mostly visited by locals and connoisseurs, it is also quieter than the English language section at the major Zurich book stores.
Bonus tip: The tiled floors and walls are a left-over from the butcher shop that previously occupied this space.
For anyone in the U.S. looking to safely “buy local” during this time, check out https://bookshop.org/ , where you can select your local store (find a bookstore at the top right) and all profits from your purchases will be directed there. Thank you, Julie, for sharing this recommendation.
And now a question for you, what is your favorite bookstore? Please share your favorite(s) with me at ursinab@gmail.com and I will feature them in an upcoming newsletter.
Currently reading: Deborah Feldman’s Unorthodox. A short extract on the author's first time in Manhattan, specifically in Union Square: "The noise, the sights, the smells are so overwhelming that for a moment I don't know where to turn. Then I glimpse a Barnes & Noble sign and head toward it desperately, knowing somehow that once I am inside and among the books, I will be safe."
Thank you for reading. Wishing you a lovely weekend filled with laughter and joy, in real life and in the stories you may read. Next week, I will be back to share three favorite historical fiction books.