Have you ever walked into your local Barnes and Noble or bookstore, greeted by the scent of fresh paper, take a deep breath and sigh in satisfaction audible enough for a lady browsing to give you a strange look? No? Just me..? Cool.
But seriously, strolling into a bookstore to browse (and probably take a few books home) is one of my favorite little adventures. Reading reviews is one thing, but a bookstore is one of best ways for me to discover a new read. From the featured books at the store’s front, showcasing the latest and most exciting releases, to the staff’s pick section for a guaranteed good pick, to browsing your dedicated genre section, there’s always a standout book just waiting for you to take a leap of faith. Bookstores are my wife and I’s favorite mini date. We make an effort to stay together, but it doesn’t take long before she’s engrossed in cookbooks, while I find myself in the writers’ reference section.
While Barnes and Noble is my go-to in my area, local bookstores exude a unique charm that makes browsing their shelves a delight. Especially second-hand bookstores, where books find a second chance at finding a home, and rare tomes can be discovered. Recently, we visited Barrow Bookstore in Concord, a small shop that initially appeared to have a modest selection. That is until we were stumbled by the glass displays showcasing First Edition Literary classics. I had never realized how much I craved a first edition of anything until I saw the price tag and wished I had stupid money to spend. There’s an allure in acquiring a book second-hand, with its creased spines, penciled in prices on the inner cover, and the wear and tear of a well-loved book (And this is coming from someone who will look over every copy of a book to find the one in the best condition).
I’m often a quick browser when I shop in general, but I am trying to take a more mindful approach as I take in all the books. Every writer who’s gotten this far to get a book on the shelf has poured hours of passion into those pages. When I browse, I try to pick up any book that speaks to me and read the whole synopsis to see if the cord strikes true. And I know they say “never judge a book by its cover,” but if I see a book with painted edges, I’m more than likely taking it home (I’m a sucker for a sprayed edge, what can I say?).
But what about you? What’s your favorite way to to find a new read? Let me know on my socials, and maybe we can swap reads!