Type Books

883 Queen Street West

Toronto, ON Canada

T:  416.366.8973

Bookstore are doing great this holiday season.   Stores across the nation are consistently reporting an uptick in sales starting in the fall.  It’s hard to give an ebook as a gift.  Over Thanksgiving weekend, possibly with some help from Small Business Saturday, sales were brisk.  I was in my local bookstore, Diesel, yesterday and it was packed.  I asked how business was going and the owner said good, they’re sure to stay open another year.  That is a holiday present for our entire area.

And here’s what Manjoo can’t do on Amazon.  He can’t ask a live person for a tailored recommendation.  My son likes Malcolm Gladwell, Bill Bryson, and Chuck Klosterman, what new author would he enjoy?  Mia led me all over the store pointing out good choices.  (Sorry, can’t tell you the answers, they’re wrapped under the Christmas tree.)  Sure, Amazon would give recommendations based on my purchases, but I don’t have any problems knowing what I want, ever.  And when we were done with my son, I moved onto my daughter with her own set of favorites.  In 20 minutes I had a stack of books, all wrapped.  As a bonus, I enjoyed talking to the staff and the other customers about books and the holidays.

I highly recommend that you do the same.  Drop by your local bookstore in the next two days and challenge the bookseller to find the perfect book for the person you have yet to buy a gift.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

I'm a fan of a bookstore that has a Europa display

57th Street, the actual street, is perfect for the meandering bookworm.  We started with lunch at the graffiti clad Medici Restaurant.  Famous for its burgers and scribbled upon walls and furnishings, we filled the time waiting for our food by adding our own “tags” to the table top.  More importantly, within blocks there are three excellent bookstores:  57th Street Books, O’Gara & Wilson, Ltd., and Powell’s (no, not the Portland one).  We started at 57th Street Books and had a hard time ever wanting to leave.

57th Street Books is one of three bookstores that comprise a co-op, the other two being Seminary Co-op and the Newberry Library Bookstore.  We were in the neighborhood to look at the University of Chicago.  When I learned that 57th Street Books gives a 10% discount for co-op members, I immediately started adding up how much money we would save if Kyle bought his textbooks through it–another plus for Chicago.  Regardless of the discount, this is an engrossing store.  It goes on and on, just when I thought I was heading to the back, I realized I was just entering a new room.  It’s a full service store with depth in a wide variety of genres.  The atmosphere is warm and inviting with lots of exposed brick and worn wooden shelving.  The staff is chatty and welcoming.  We talked about books, the university, what it’s like to live in Hyde Park, in some ways they were just as informative as the school tour.

I love bookstores that introduce me to new books and given how many bookstores I visit in a year, it’s not aways easy to do.  57th Street stocks shelves next to the cash register for books recommended by excellent sources:  NPR, the NYT, the Economist, the NYRB, the New Yorker.  Need to know what literary people are reading but don’t have time to read all the reviews, just stop by the store and you’re set.  Throughout the store I found sheets tacked up with clever titles listing recommended books.  My favorite was “Suffering from P.H.P.S?”  (For that uninitiated, that would be the Post Harry Potter Syndrome.)  The cure included reading The Magicians by Lev Grossman, Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin (Keith recently started reading the Game of Thrones series, I think we will see him again sometime later in the decade), and a few other options that all seemed to have the word Chronicle in the title.  I love a bookstore that takes care of its customers withdrawal symptoms.

In the science section, one of those areas I usually breeze through, The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World From the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean caught my eye.  I don’t know much about science so I usually try to read one book on the subject a year; this is going to be my 2012 choice.  Plus, I’ll try to get Kelsey to read it before she takes chemistry next year, I’m sure it’s full of tidbits she can sprinkle throughout her work.

57th Street Store is worth stopping by and hanging out, who knows what you’ll find.

57th Street Books

1301 E. 57th Street

Chicago, IL

T:  773.684.1300

St. Andrews Ceramics

As with the rest of the grounds, the bookstore is a soothing location with beautiful music, a quiet atmosphere, and inviting surroundings.  Abbey Books & Gifts shelves a wide variety of books on spirituality.  I expected to see only Catholic themed texts, but the store provides resources for several different faith traditions, specifically including Judaism and Buddhism.  This is a fairly intellectual store, the options aren’t for the lightweight reader.  The store is well-organized, shelves are clearly marked by saint, author, or type of spirituality.  The emphasis is on Catholic theology.  There are shelves of texts about each of the well-known saints and the writings of said saints.  (Actually, I’m making a bit of an assumption.  I don’t know many saints, but there were shelves for all that I did know and if I know them, they are, by definition, well known.)  Plus, deep collections of books by Catholic theologians, i.e. Nouwen (my favorite), Merton, and Bonhoeffer.  Various types of Catholic theology have entire sections:  Cistercian, Benedictine, Eastern, and modern.

The topics I’ve seen in other general Christian stores were offered here also.  Books on prayer, scripture studies, Bibles, and church history.  There was a special section for children and young adult readers.  Fiction is available, but it weighs toward the intellectual side.  Think Flannery O’Connor and Penguin classics.  The fantasy world is well represented with several shelves of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein.

While the store devotes most of its space to books, what it is most famous for is the ceramics made at the Abbey.  The original monks created ceramic ornaments and decorative wall plaques using a specific angel figure and it is a tradition that continues.  It’s not uncommon to see them represented on Southern California Christmas trees.  After visiting the store, I realized there is an ornament for just about every occasion, profession, hobby, or sports activity.

For a chance to delve in serious spirituality, drop by the store in this beautiful high desert location or give the monks a call, they’d be happy to help you.

Abbey Books & Gifts

31001 N Valyermo Road

Valyermo, CA 93563

T:  661.944.2178

The first time I tried to visit the store, I arrived just after closing time.  The store keeps business hours and shuts down with the surrounding offices.  However, the second time I dropped by I dashed in just before 6PM and found that if there are customers meandering through the store, the staff won’t shoo them out right at 6PM, but give them time to find their favorite book.  I heard one bookseller say “take your time, I don’t have anywhere to rush off to.”  Now that is a level of customer service that is incredibly welcoming.

The store had me when I found displays of books from my three favorite publishers:  Europa, NYRB, and Archipelago Books.  Literary fiction is heavily emphasized and well represented, I could’ve purchased an armload of books.  What I found especially intriguing was a wide selection of African-American fiction prominently displayed (rather than given its own section in a wall bookcase).  This is a genre I’m not as familiar with and one I haven’t seen placed front and center.  I flipped through several new titles.

Alexander Book Co. is three stories of books offering a full selection of most genres.  Given that the Academy of Arts is in the neighborhood, there is a terrific selection of design books.  In fact, Alexander Book Co. stocks texts for the school, something I noticed in stores by east coast schools but for the first time on the west coast.  I wish more universities and independent bookstores would work together, it’s a lovely partnership where it exists.

If you’re in the SOMA area, drop by.  I found the store a peaceful interlude from the hustle and bustle outside, but remember to go during business hours.

Alexander Book Co.

50 Second St.

(Between Market & Mission)

San Francisco, CA 94105

T:  415.495.2992

The Award Wall

When I walked into this cozy community bookstore, I over heard a bookseller tell a child reading a book “it’s so nice to hear you laugh!”  The people working at Books on the Square love talking about books with everyone.  We chatted about the latest IndieBound Next List, one of my favorite monthly recommendation notifications.  This is a traditional independent bookstore involved in its community, the place many people dream about having in their lives.  There are several book clubs for the Providence resident and a list of author visits that could fill anyone’s calendar with literary events.  But for the 3,000 mile distance, I’d be there to hear Anthony Amore talk about his book Stealing Rembrandts next week.

I found one of my favorite displays at Books on the Square, a whole wall dedicated to award winners.  It’s not unusual for a bookstore to highlight the latest Pulitzer or National Book Award winner, but Books on the Square showed the current winners and those from several years in the past for the Pulitzer, the National Book Award and the PEN/Faulkner.  Just looking for trends in the winners was fascinating.  What award chose most new authors?  Females?  Which book fizzled despite the award?  Which ones were kind of boring?  Which ones made my sigh remembering how much I loved reading them?  I would add the Booker Award to the wall, it isn’t an American award, but certainly one that considers quality literature.

As for the child who was laughing?  His mother corralled him saying they’d been in the store “forever” and warning him “no walking while reading,” something I’ve said to my kids numerous times.  I left feeling I’d spent some time in a bookstore that works to be a member of the family in Providence.

Books on the Square

471 Angell St.

Providence, RI 02906

T:  401.331.9097

Sitka, Alaska, is only accessible by boat or air but is the fourth largest city in Alaska. Unlike other similar cities such as Ketchikan and Juneau in Alaska’s inland waterway, Sitka does not have a deep water pier, which keeps many of the major cruise ships away. Most of the shops are owned and frequented by the locals, so they are open all year round, rather than just during the height of tourist season.

The Russian Orthodox church, dating back to when the Russians came to Alaska for the fur trade, is the focal point of the downtown area. Just down the street about one half block from the church is Old Harbor Books.

The bookstore is in a lovely wooden building that makes you immediately feel at home. I can easily imagine how cozy it is during the colder months, but even in the summer when this part of the state is misty and chilly, it is a welcome haven. If you are interested in learning about Alaska and Northwestern Canada, this is a terrific place to stop. Almost one wall of the store contains books about the history of Alaska and Canada, the animals, the flora and fauna, places to hike and information about local fishing.

Old Harbor Books is owned and run by eight local residents, six who have been owners since the bookstore opened in1976. The management has always taken a strong environmental position, including one of the owners chaining himself to the store in 1991 to protest local logging. You can find out much about the community including political and environmental issues by looking at the postings on the walls, shelves and center island.

There is an old functioning printing press in the center of the store, next to all of the New York Times bestsellers. My personal favorite when visiting bookstores is the employee recommendations and Old Harbor Books has lots of them. Clearly these folks are truly book lovers and heavy readers.

My daughters spent our entire visit in a corner nook with a really nice selection of both children’s books and YA books. While a small area, it had all their favorites, plus a few we weren’t familiar with yet.

And, if you just want to sit down, relax and peruse a book while enjoying coffee or tea, the Back Door Café opens up in the back of the store.

Old Harbor Books

201 Lincoln Street

Sitka, AK 99835

(907) 747-8808

I love the canoe bookshelf in the front room

Cottage Book Shop reflects its community inside and out.  As independent bookstore lovers would expect, there are numerous books about the area.  Leelanau County is on the northern shore of Lake Michigan with a vibrant arts community and burgeoning vineyards.  The front section of the Cottage Book Shop is dedicated to these activities along with the history of the area, recreational activity books, and books by local authors.  Their bestseller is Historic Cottages of Glen Lake by Barbara Siepker which is appropriate since the store itself is an old log cabin with a quaint feel and Barbara Siepker is the owner of the store.  She certainly lives into her love of lake cottages.  In addition to books, there is lovely local artwork, maps, and drawings.

While the front room is largely dedicated to local interest books, the remainder of the store is divided into the rooms of the former cottage.  I like stores that are in re-purposed buildings that retain the feel of their original use.  Here, the logs used to build the cabin are exposed and the kitchen still feels like one, albeit with some books.  The book selection is obviously well thought out.  A multitude of genres are offered, each with a few choice selections.  The fiction section was larger and contained books frequently recommended by other independent bookstores, so a reader can’t go wrong.  While I didn’t look at the children’s section myself, I did see two girls with several books trying to convince their mother to buy them, I’ll accept that as an endorsement of the kids books.

With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and lots of interesting books to peruse, Cottage Book Shop a terrific store to leisurely meander through.

Cottage Book Shop

5989 Lake St.

Glen Arbor, MI

T:  231.334.4223

A separate issue for each animal, vultures anyone?

Dia:Beacon’s bookstore is well stocked and fairly high brow.  There is an impressive collection of journals, monographs, criticism, and unique publications.  I was intrigued by the colorful shelf of journals in which each issue specialized in a specific type of animal.  Who knew there was enough interest in the crow to dedicate an entire journal to it.

The selections were challenging.  This isn’t the bookstore for the contemporary art novice, but what a treasure trove for people who are ready to go beyond The Shock of the New.  While the store is compact, the choices available for felt overwhelming at times.  I stared at the criticism shelves alternating between delighted and exhausted.  There is a children’s section that offers a variety of fun and educational options.  Even better, cases with actual art and art books are sprinkled through out the store.  I wish more museum bookstores offered more original current art and less reproductions.  While Dia:Beacon is a little remote for visit just for the bookstore, it is certainly worth carving out some time to peruse books about the art represented in the collection.  Moreover, the Dia Foundation hosts an online store that is a good place to start any foray into contemporary art books.

Some I already owned, some I've bought, and some are on my wish list

The experience at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is significantly different.  This is at a museum store, the space is divided fairly evenly between books and museum reproductions/jewelry/toys.  While there are significantly less offerings at the Hirshhorn than at Dia:Beacon, these books are geared toward the lay person.  In fact, there were so many books that I wanted that I couldn’t choose, so instead of buying any I just took a picture of the shelves to make a wish list for later.  On the one hand, the store overall is a lovely museum store, but the book section is fairly sparse and normally not worth stopping by unless you’re already at the museum.  On the other, I was surprised at how interested I was in the books that were on display.  Unlike Dia:Beacon, this isn’t a store to explore contemporary art in depth; the Hirshhorn store sells books that take a reader from a basic understanding of contemporary art to a deeper level.  If you’re walking down the Mall, meander over and drop by the art and maybe a book that will expand your understanding of contemporary art.

Dia:Beacon

3 Beekman St.

Beacon, NY 12508

T:  845.440.0100

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Independence Ave at 7th Street SW

Washington, DC

T:  202.357.1429

My son, Kyle Allen-Niesen, particularly enjoyed this bookstore during our summer vacation and agreed to write a review.  Thank you, Kyle!

Rainbow Bookstore Cooperative in Madison, Wisconsin, is a lovely example of a community bonding together over literature.  Its placement, just off the main commercial street in Madison, is such that it still can attract the careful tourist or college student; yet mainly appeal to the local community and its own members.  The bookstore has two rooms, one entry where most of the new selections are displayed, and a second room with couches and gently used books sparely populating the shelves at substantial discounts.  It is extremely liberal, although the fact that it is a Co-Op might have given that away, (members pay 30 dollars to get a 10 percent discount on all their books as well as a vote in the direction and choices of the store).  The windows are festooned with “Recall-Walker” images and slogans, a common theme in the many bookstores of Madison.  Clearly, the literary types are with the unions (me too!).

The shop primarily deals in new books with a majority dedicated to and critical literature and various rights movement materials.  Never before have I seen entire sections dedicated to Empire, or Anarchy, and they had had more books on the Women’s Rights movement than stores with far more books.  I had just recently learned the debate topic for I will be debating for the next two months concerned animal rights, and straight away the staff were able to point me to Peter Singer’s book Animal Liberation, one of the core works in support of a fundamental equality for animals.  The staff seemed knowledgeable, and fairly friendly, with extremely evident loyalty to their operation.  We learned that most of the people behind the counter are volunteers from the members, and that the paid staff are the minority in the rotation running the store.  All in all, with the incredible array of bookstores in Madison, it can sometimes be difficult to know which to visit.  Of those, however, Rainbow is one to stop at.  Its overt political leanings and interesting selection make for a unique perusing experience.

Rainbow Bookstore Cooperative

426 W. Gilman Street

Madison, WI

T:  608.257.6050