To take a break from recommending books, this soapobox article is about brilliant bookstores around the world: bookstores sometimes even more interesting than the books they sell. Per usual, I will only report on the bookstores I have personally been to, as opposed to ones I have only heard about.
Paul's Books in Madison, Wisconsin
Wedged between Walgreen's and another nameless store on the main street of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Paul's Books is a breathe of fresh independently-owned air. This is a true used bookstore: music chosen by the sole employee of the day fills the shop; new customers flip through the vintage and just plain old postcards box; if you turn a bookshelf corner too fast you're likely to stumble on another patron perched on a footstool, reading a book. It is tranquility itself. To not be confused with Paul's Club, a bar at the other end of State Street, though a great presence itself.
Booked For Murder in Madison, Wisconsin
A bookstore for mystery- and murder-reading lovers! Not much more is needed to describe Booked For Murder beyond that it is an independent bookstore specializing in new, used, rare, and collectible mystery books. Also hosts many mystery author readings & signings.
link
Derby Square Bookstore in Salem, Massachusetts
I was in awe of this bookstore when I set foot in it. Though only a medium-ish sized room, it holds hundreds upon hundreds of books only because books were stacked onto each other, forming willy-nilly pillars of literature. Bookshelves did organize the occasional section (childrens, cooking, etc) but otherwise it was a free-for-fall for discovery. So although it was not surgically separated like a Borders or Watersons, Derby Square Bookstore encourages prolonged visits and makes every search seem like a treasure hunt. Located in the heart of witchy Salem square.
Renaissance Books in General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
To the great relief of all persons dropping off or picking up airport passangers at General Mitchell Airport, Renaissance Bookstore is located before airport security so all visitors can frequent it. It is believed to be the first used bookstore in an airport in the world and holds about 60,000 volumes, with sections from general fiction to rare finds.
What the Book in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea
Though there are English sections in every major bookstore in Seoul, expat-owned What the Book is one of the few English-only bookstores with choices beyond the Harry Potters and Tuesdays with Morrie. Located in Itaewon, the section of Seoul where foreigners head to see other foreigners. What the Book also distinguishes itself to its English audience with free shipping throughout Korea and "buy back" policy.
link
-----
Soapbox article by Cressida Hanson
Photos by Zane Williams (Paul's Books) and Joe Mason (Derby Square Bookstore)
Paul's Books; photo by Zane Williams
Wedged between Walgreen's and another nameless store on the main street of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Paul's Books is a breathe of fresh independently-owned air. This is a true used bookstore: music chosen by the sole employee of the day fills the shop; new customers flip through the vintage and just plain old postcards box; if you turn a bookshelf corner too fast you're likely to stumble on another patron perched on a footstool, reading a book. It is tranquility itself. To not be confused with Paul's Club, a bar at the other end of State Street, though a great presence itself.
Booked For Murder in Madison, Wisconsin
A bookstore for mystery- and murder-reading lovers! Not much more is needed to describe Booked For Murder beyond that it is an independent bookstore specializing in new, used, rare, and collectible mystery books. Also hosts many mystery author readings & signings.
link
Derby Square Bookstore; photo by Joe Mason
I was in awe of this bookstore when I set foot in it. Though only a medium-ish sized room, it holds hundreds upon hundreds of books only because books were stacked onto each other, forming willy-nilly pillars of literature. Bookshelves did organize the occasional section (childrens, cooking, etc) but otherwise it was a free-for-fall for discovery. So although it was not surgically separated like a Borders or Watersons, Derby Square Bookstore encourages prolonged visits and makes every search seem like a treasure hunt. Located in the heart of witchy Salem square.
Renaissance Books in General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
To the great relief of all persons dropping off or picking up airport passangers at General Mitchell Airport, Renaissance Bookstore is located before airport security so all visitors can frequent it. It is believed to be the first used bookstore in an airport in the world and holds about 60,000 volumes, with sections from general fiction to rare finds.
A necessary map to get to What the Book?
Though there are English sections in every major bookstore in Seoul, expat-owned What the Book is one of the few English-only bookstores with choices beyond the Harry Potters and Tuesdays with Morrie. Located in Itaewon, the section of Seoul where foreigners head to see other foreigners. What the Book also distinguishes itself to its English audience with free shipping throughout Korea and "buy back" policy.
link
-----
Soapbox article by Cressida Hanson
Photos by Zane Williams (Paul's Books) and Joe Mason (Derby Square Bookstore)
