“Stepheny Never Saw A Book Store She Didn’t Like”- RGH
It would be hard for me to name my favorite independent bookstore. Probably the last one I visited. A favorite bookstore story happened in the Scotland Yard Book Store in Winnetka, IL. (Unfortunately, they have closed their doors) I went in one day to buy several paperbacks to give to a couple of friends who were flying to Australia and New Zealand. I asked for help in selecting mysteries that were set in these two countries. Three other people, who were perusing the bookshelves in this small charming store, overheard my request and soon got into the act adding their suggestions to the ones the proprietor of the shop was making. Smiling from ear to ear, I left the bookstore with three wrapped books for my friends to share on a long flight. People who read and love bookstores are the best!
My favorite quote about bookstores comes from my oldest granddaughter. Moving with her family to a small town in Wyoming, she asked her mother, “Where is the bookstore?” When told there was none she said, “What kind of a town is this anyway?” PS: Turned out it was a great experience for her.
My all time favorite movie about a bookstore in London
84 Charing Cross Road features Academy Award winners Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins. Helen Hanff (Bancroft), a feisty New York writer, mails a letter to a small London bookshop requesting some rare English classics. Frank Doel (Hopkins), the reserved English bookseller, answers her request, beginning a touching and humorous correspondence that spans two continents and two decades. WONDERFUL!
Love Powell’s in Portland! Could have stayed there for days. In Raleigh it has to be Quail Ridge Books for their selection, extremely knowledgeable staff, and that they host readings by authors.
Thanks for reminding us to visit our local independent book sellers. hugs, Pam
I’m with you, Stephanie. Nothing makes me happier than a bookstore. And I’ve been visiting indies all over the place, to ask them to take my book to sell. Eight Cousins in Falmouth, MA, is a great one and Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill is another. Indie bookstore owners are a special breed of people, some of the biggest characters I’ve ever met.
I love your blog. I would love to live somewhere with little cottages and unique bookstores. I actually ran across one near my hometown, I was astounded to find it since mostly what we have are big box stores. There were books in there that you just don’t find anymore. It really took me back to my childhood. Thanks for this post.
I can spend HOURS in a bookstore just trying to check out everything!
I perked up when I saw the words “Winnetka, IL” because I used to live in Northfield, which shares a ZIP code. Do you remember where that bookstore was?
The bookstore was on Green Bay Road just north of the parking lot of the Winnetka Bank on Elm Street & Green Bay. A hole in the wall sized store, but dealing in mysteries they it was a great atmosphere and selection of books. Of course, Northfield was a part of my daily driving route. We get to go back with family still in the area. A great place to have lived! Hope you will return for other favorite things!
My friends and I used to hang out in Hubbard Woods, up near Tower and Green Bay. Small world, huh? See you soon.