I love books. I do. In spite of my first book being released as an e-book only (for now), and owning a Kindle, I love them. A big part of why I love books is the mere fact that I love bookstores. Especially small, independent, or used bookstores. I like the way they smell with all that bookbinders glue, and I like touching covers that have been lovingly fondled by page addicts. I like the people–those introverted, brilliant, well-read people–who hang out, own or covet bookstores. Here are a few of my favorites from my travels.

Too Many Books, Roanoke, VA ~ Linda, the owner, helps narrow down her 85,000+ used book collection. Her suggestions are magnificent.
Mermaid Books, Williamsburg, VA ~ Fabulous downstairs shop with shelves tacked with bookish cartoons (I featured one last week), and a great American History section.
Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA ~ Quaint, with a great Virginia author section, and it makes me want to write.
Tattered Cover, Denver CO ~ Their magazine department is the bomb (I know that’s an old word, but I don’t know the recent one. Phat? Bad? Rad? Hot?) Regardless, they make me want to own a bookstore.
The Strand, Manhattan, NY ~ 18 miles of books, best book bags, and a basement of reader copies to scoop up.
Abbey Bookshop, Paris ~ Who knew Canada had so many authors with books in Paris. Free coffee with maple syrup adds to their story.
Shakespeare and Company, Paris ~ The reading room and history there make your purchase memorable.

Next week I’ll also be visiting an amazing wall-to-wall book extravaganza known to everyone in Oregon: Powell’s Books in Portland here I come!

Which, and where, is your favorite bookshop?

The "reading room" in Shakespeare and Company in Paris. Books stacked upon books, around a piano in a room that smells of history.

3 Comments on Favorite Bookstores

  1. I love Paris. I lived there for 14 years and can’t wait to read and review your book. Did you spend 40 days in Paris? Perhaps you’d like to write a “My Gutsy Story” on my blog which I’m promoting for authors and I would feature it. Your book trailer is great too. Interesting how it feels like a preview to a movie. Look forward to connecting. Sonia.

    • Sonia – I’d love to! I’ll connect via email and with my PR girls and we’ll sort it all out. Wonderful! It was almost a full 40 days (a few days were prepping and travel) and it still just wasn’t enough!

  2. Magnificent website. Lots of useful information here. Iˇ¦m sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks to your sweat!

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