We have a great library here in rural Montana but no bookshops within 90 miles. It’s a challenge. I buy a lot from Thriftbooks. Our library has put up Little Free Libraries all over town for visitors to pick up a book for free while they are here. Alas, most of the selection is paperback romances but I try and slip in a good one every once in awhile.
Wow — I love hearing about your part of the world. Btw I def do the same thing with a little free library across the street from my house. I hate to part with books I really love but sometimes I just want to up the selection and give one up. It always gives me a thrill when someone takes it too!
Yes, me too! And then the flip side is when I see no one took it and I mumble about how no one has good taste in books anymore. Lol! Sometimes I send books that I love that I want to part with to friends I think would enjoy them. If they end up reading it we can have an impromptu book club on the phone too.
Oh my goodness, I LOVE The Red Wheelbarrow! In my view The Red Wheelbarrow and Librarie Galignani (the English language room in the back of the otherwise French store) are the best English-language bookstores in Paris. Shakespeare is fun for a glimpse but is such a victim of its own Instagram popularity, it's nearly impossible to shop for books. The only time I really enjoyed browsing Shakespeare was right after lockdown ended--we were living in Paris then but there was still no travel allowed from outside of the EU, so the store was quiet and browsable.
While we were living in Paris, our beloved neighborhood Books Inc closed. There are still a lot of amazing indie bookstores within 20 miles and a BN 5 miles away, but I miss having a terrific indie just five minutes away.
Hi! Yes, I agree about Shakespeare & Co. I went there many years ago and loved it but we were in Paris this summer and there was a line around the block to get in. Lol!! The Red Wheelbarrow has a great fiction section but it also has a separate kids bookshop a few doors down. Love them both! That’s so cool that you had a chance to enjoy Shakespeare after lockdown. And oh my goodness…I want to hear more about living in Paris during those times! Do you have an issue about that? I’d love to read
We don’t have one in my immediate town centre, and I think it’s really sad. We do have a library and a more commercial book shop but it’s not the same. But then we aren’t far from london, so they aren’t too far away.
That’s great that you are close to London for your book fix. We’re actually visiting in April and I keep telling my kids I want to just visit indie bookshops and go to many high teas. Xoxo which bookshop in London is your fave?
Yes lots of indie bookshops although truth be told if I am in central I am often in a Foyles, but they are still great. I used to live near one called Hurlingham Books, near Putney/Fulham which is absolutely packed to the rafters, like something out of a film!
Sadly, I think I *could* live without a bookstore. Would I want to? Not in the least! So much about our worlds changed from COVID, and I have found that my habits from lockdown have seeped into my post-lockdown life. I very rarely visit storefronts anymore; it makes me sad, but it's unfortunately the groove I've gotten into. But what a lovely thought—to visit a bookstore and get lost in the stacks. You just may have inspired my weekend plans, Brooke! :)
We have a great library here in rural Montana but no bookshops within 90 miles. It’s a challenge. I buy a lot from Thriftbooks. Our library has put up Little Free Libraries all over town for visitors to pick up a book for free while they are here. Alas, most of the selection is paperback romances but I try and slip in a good one every once in awhile.
Wow — I love hearing about your part of the world. Btw I def do the same thing with a little free library across the street from my house. I hate to part with books I really love but sometimes I just want to up the selection and give one up. It always gives me a thrill when someone takes it too!
Yes, me too! And then the flip side is when I see no one took it and I mumble about how no one has good taste in books anymore. Lol! Sometimes I send books that I love that I want to part with to friends I think would enjoy them. If they end up reading it we can have an impromptu book club on the phone too.
Oh my goodness, I LOVE The Red Wheelbarrow! In my view The Red Wheelbarrow and Librarie Galignani (the English language room in the back of the otherwise French store) are the best English-language bookstores in Paris. Shakespeare is fun for a glimpse but is such a victim of its own Instagram popularity, it's nearly impossible to shop for books. The only time I really enjoyed browsing Shakespeare was right after lockdown ended--we were living in Paris then but there was still no travel allowed from outside of the EU, so the store was quiet and browsable.
While we were living in Paris, our beloved neighborhood Books Inc closed. There are still a lot of amazing indie bookstores within 20 miles and a BN 5 miles away, but I miss having a terrific indie just five minutes away.
Hi! Yes, I agree about Shakespeare & Co. I went there many years ago and loved it but we were in Paris this summer and there was a line around the block to get in. Lol!! The Red Wheelbarrow has a great fiction section but it also has a separate kids bookshop a few doors down. Love them both! That’s so cool that you had a chance to enjoy Shakespeare after lockdown. And oh my goodness…I want to hear more about living in Paris during those times! Do you have an issue about that? I’d love to read
We don’t have one in my immediate town centre, and I think it’s really sad. We do have a library and a more commercial book shop but it’s not the same. But then we aren’t far from london, so they aren’t too far away.
That’s great that you are close to London for your book fix. We’re actually visiting in April and I keep telling my kids I want to just visit indie bookshops and go to many high teas. Xoxo which bookshop in London is your fave?
Yes lots of indie bookshops although truth be told if I am in central I am often in a Foyles, but they are still great. I used to live near one called Hurlingham Books, near Putney/Fulham which is absolutely packed to the rafters, like something out of a film!
Books,Lines, and Thinkers… a quaint little gem in the town of Rangeley, Maine. Perfect place to visit after a day of skiing or snowmobiling!❄️📚
Oooh. I go to Maine every summer. I’ll def look this one up. Ty for sharing!
How wonderful! So looking forward to reading On Gin Lane! I just love your writing~
Sadly, I think I *could* live without a bookstore. Would I want to? Not in the least! So much about our worlds changed from COVID, and I have found that my habits from lockdown have seeped into my post-lockdown life. I very rarely visit storefronts anymore; it makes me sad, but it's unfortunately the groove I've gotten into. But what a lovely thought—to visit a bookstore and get lost in the stacks. You just may have inspired my weekend plans, Brooke! :)