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Hannah's Reviews > The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore
The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore
by
by
Feels like a book all book lovers should read.
I enjoyed the walk through history, especially the chapters that talked about stores I used to frequent in Boston and NYC. I have great memories of The Strand, The Labyrinth, the sidewalk vendors, the traveling bookstores, Waterstones, and so many more, including the megastores like B Dalton, Borders, and Barnes & Noble. Also really loved all the photos throughout the book.
The Aryan Bookstore was one I hadn't heard of before. Thought it was bold to be named such. Was also surprised that Borders had been owned by K-Mart. Did not see that one coming!
I've complained a few times in my reviews about how much I dislike Ann Patchett's books. Her work with the Parnassus and independent bookstores in general have given me a new appreciation for her. Perhaps I'll give her another try.
Feels like a bookstore is the kind of business I'd open if I had lotto level money. Too risky and too much competition from Amazon. But I can daydream about a community spot. The kind of store I'd go to in Hell's Kitchen (New York City neighborhood where I used to live), with a cafe inside serving the best soups, hot chocolates, and cookies, maybe some live music on weekend afternoons, book readings by up-and-coming authors on the same day as Stephen King, an attic where support groups for various causes dear to my heart can gather, maybe nooks where people can nap (like they have in Japan), and definitely some beautiful spaces where book clubs can meet, authors can write, and special life events (like baby showers) can be held. Then I'd love for my store to make it into some future edition of this book.
I enjoyed the walk through history, especially the chapters that talked about stores I used to frequent in Boston and NYC. I have great memories of The Strand, The Labyrinth, the sidewalk vendors, the traveling bookstores, Waterstones, and so many more, including the megastores like B Dalton, Borders, and Barnes & Noble. Also really loved all the photos throughout the book.
The Aryan Bookstore was one I hadn't heard of before. Thought it was bold to be named such. Was also surprised that Borders had been owned by K-Mart. Did not see that one coming!
I've complained a few times in my reviews about how much I dislike Ann Patchett's books. Her work with the Parnassus and independent bookstores in general have given me a new appreciation for her. Perhaps I'll give her another try.
Feels like a bookstore is the kind of business I'd open if I had lotto level money. Too risky and too much competition from Amazon. But I can daydream about a community spot. The kind of store I'd go to in Hell's Kitchen (New York City neighborhood where I used to live), with a cafe inside serving the best soups, hot chocolates, and cookies, maybe some live music on weekend afternoons, book readings by up-and-coming authors on the same day as Stephen King, an attic where support groups for various causes dear to my heart can gather, maybe nooks where people can nap (like they have in Japan), and definitely some beautiful spaces where book clubs can meet, authors can write, and special life events (like baby showers) can be held. Then I'd love for my store to make it into some future edition of this book.
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