Bookstores are Adventures
by Nancy Sackheim
Writers read and we buy books. We likely buy most of our books online. It's convenient, time-saving, usually cost-effective, and a fairly sterile experience. We want a specific book. We locate a source. We buy the book. The online book supply is virtually endless, but, as Mark Athiakis declares in his Washington Post article, "There's no replacement for the thrill of browsing in a bookstore."
Take an hour, take a day, take a weekend and head out to explore your local bookstores. If you don’t already have a favorite or favorites, you soon will. There may be such a thing as a bad bookstore, but I have yet to encounter one. Below are a handful of notables if you find yourself in eastern New England.
At the top of a staircase at 111 Mathewson Street in Providence, RI is Cellar Stories , an absolute treasure trove of over 70,000 volumes covering categories from Anthropology to World History. The breadth of subjects represented is head spinning.
Isaiah Thomas Books and Prints in Cotuit carries all manner of unique and out-of-print books, along with thousands of contemporary books and bestsellers. This pink gingerbread house is literally stacked to the ceiling with all manner of literary delights. The owner (who lives on the property) is not only extremely knowleadgeable, but has a sense of humor and a flair for display. Yellow crime scene tape adorns the mystery and crime section. Subject-appropriate decor can be found in most sections.
You have to love a bookstore with a staff committed to finding a requested book even if the customer can’t remember the title or author. A staff member recently did that very thing over the phone and came up with the title of a very obscure little book of humor that was out of stock, but ordered and mailed in less than two days. Fifty years ago Sue Little opened Jabberwocky Books in Newburyport. She’s still in love with people and books and Jabberwocky continues to be dedicated to the fine art of browsing.
A little farther north, located in Portsmouth, NH’s historic Customs House building, you’ll find Book & Bar, with an eclectic selection of interesting books, full service bar and healthy snack menu,. Customers are encouraged to take their time, preferably with a beverage of choice in hand, looking for their next literary treasure. Book prices are very reasonable, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a price tag above 12.95. Lots of spots to sit and read, both inside and out on one of the best patios in Portsmouth. They also feature live music and readings and discussions on selected evenings.
Each of these bookstores is reason enough to plan an excursion, be it day trip or weekend getaway. Be sure to keep space in your car trunk or bring along an extra suitcase. It’s impossible to come away from any one of these bookstores empty-handed.
