Idlewild Books – A Traveler’s Paradise
Happy First Year Anniversary to Idlewild Books! This bookstore has received a lot of press for its unusual stocking method, full event schedule and beautiful location (check out the airport seating, old style). Instead of guidebooks, travel gear and Rick Steves’ luggage (nothing against his luggage, I own three pieces), all types of books are grouped by area. Going to Argentina? You’ll find guidebooks along with literature and non-fiction in the same place.
Ever since I started traveling as a college student, I have read literature and non-ficiton about the area or from the area both before I leave and during the trip. Idlewild Books makes the choice of what to read easy. If you want something more than a Michner novel for where you’re going (or on the off chance that he didn’t write about where you’re going), Idlewild Books scours small publishers of translated works, takes customer recommendations for books, and uses their own experience to hand-pick the best books for wherever you’re traveling.
Destination Kits
For those of us who don’t live in NYC, Idlewild Books offers a service called “Destination Kits.” Tell them where you’re going, what you like to read and you’re budget and they’ll suggest a variety of books. A girlfriend and I tested the Destination Kit service this week and it’s terrific. Dianne sent in an e-mail yesterday morning about her trip to Japan and Glen from Idlewild called back before lunch. Glen recommended two books for her daughter that were on the Japanese young adult bestseller list and a series for her younger son. For her, a guide that is part map, part paperback reading. I e-mailed about my trip to Italy and David called back with recommendations for my kids, my husband (a collection of crime stories in Rome) and me. I initially said I wasn’t interested in guidebooks, but when he learned of my love for art, he described a guide that I had to have before I attempted the Uffizi Gallery. David recommended about 12 books, and we ended up with at least seven. I’ve been researching good books to read for Italy for a few weeks, even sent out a twitter message asking for recommendations, and David still came up with several new book suggestions.
Best of all, both Dianne and I received a 10% discount, no tax (because we’re in CA) and Dianne’s ordered is shipped for free (Dianne can wait for two weeks, I need mine sooner so I paid). Wonderful help, hand-picked books and a discount, it doesnt’ get any better!
Next time I’m planning a vacation, I’m calling Idlewild Books first. In fact, I’m curious what they have for Los Angeles, I may just call back to find out more about my own city.
12 W. 19th St (near 5th Ave)
New York City, NY 10011
T: 212.414.8888
Tags: New York, New York bookstore, new york city, New York City bookstore, travel bookstore
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