My NY*: The Local Book Store

Have you watched You’ve Got Mail and also loved the little local bookstore? Is it a dream to open a stationary store, bookstore, or bakery?

I will admit that I’m an Amazon.com customer. I will note books, add them to my cart, and wait until I qualify for the free shipping. But there is something about browsing a bookstore for ideas, for the opportunity to discover something new.

Despite my efficient and practical book procuring side, I am in love with 192 Books in Chelsea (10th Ave @ 21st St). It is a small general-interest bookstore that opened in 1993. I walked by 192 Books for nearly 1 1/2 years before ever stepping inside (it is on the way to my gym). One afternoon, we made a trip specifically to the bookstore…and it was delightful!

What I love most is that they have a well-chosen selection of non-fiction and fiction. I love to discover books before they become bestsellers (which is why I still haven’t read The Kite Runner). I love books where I learn something. I love stores that give me ideas for my reading pile.

They have a good selection of Steve Coll (a favorite for current events). But I was also reminded of Chasing the Flame: One Man’s Fight to Save the World by Samantha Power. I noticed that many of the books features on The Colbert Report are here as well.

And there are author events! In June I attended an event with Alice Hoffman featuring her new book, The Story Sisters. It was a small, intimate event with fans, avid readers and neighborhood folks.

For the local tourist, the shop is just around the corner from the 20th St entrance of the High Line. A great little place to wander to post urban garden/park!

** “My NY” is my new series on events, places and items of interest as I explore NY during my post-employment. Triathlons, baking and technology was a little limiting and doesn’t allow me to capture some of my favorite things!

4 thoughts on “My NY*: The Local Book Store”

I LOVED this post! I too buy on Amazon (I have lists and lists on my wish list still) but there's something special about "the little shop around the corner."Great pics, too.

This shop is just so quiet and adorable! The pics are actually from my iphone camera, it does a pretty good job!

Your post is exactly why I love London so much. . .all of the cute little shops with special interests and helpful employees. I also happened upon a great bookstore in Southampton with an employee who actually helped us pick out a book (a first for me in a bookstore that someone actually pointed me towards a book I liked) . . .Loved the post!!