Thoughts...

At the end of last August, as I turned 49, I decided to visit 50 independent bookstores in my 50^th year. I surpassed my goal with a couple of weeks to spare and can say without question, a whole new world has opened up to me.

Over the course of the year I shopped in the very first bookstore I went to as a kid – Anderson’s in Larchmont, NY, visited the western most bookstore in the United States (Talk Story on the island of Kauai) and the oldest bookstore (Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA). I stopped by Let’s Play Books in Emmaus, PA and Jack and Allie’s in Vernon, CT both just recently opened children’s bookstores (and in my mind, the very definition of hope). Though I did the bulk of the visits on my own it was always a treat to go with others. I’ve been shopping with Suann, my sister Clare and her son (my nephew), Dillon and my niece Megan.

I thought the project would have a beginning and an end but I was wrong. I plan on continuing. I have a list of stores within driving distance I can’t wait to visit and I’ve already mapped out a cross-country trip based on locations of independent bookstores. And, I haven’t scratched the surface in NYC.

Have I read all the books I purchased? Not yet but I have certainly added books to my collection I might not have read had Amazon continued to be my primary source. Do I still use Amazon to buy books? I do – especially if I haven’t planned well enough in advance and suddenly need to gift a book in a couple of days. As I mentioned in my original post – Amazon makes buying books easy but it’s not nearly as fun as wandering through a bookstore, especially one that is lovingly cared for.

When I look back on the year I am struck by a handful of thoughts:

• No matter the age, those who own and/or work in independent bookstores love what they do. Did I meet a few cranky folks? I did, but they were the exception not the rule.
• The Northeast is a beautiful place to drive around - especially with the top down on the Mini Cooper.
• Bookstores are a great place to...eavesdrop.
• The Google Map app is darn near perfect.
• Next to freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, new books might be my favorite smell.

I love working in an elementary school as a library media specialist/teacher librarian but my dream of owning an bookstore is much more vivid than it was a year ago. And really, there’s nothing better than having a dream.

#53 Main Street Books, Orleans MA

Last stop of the day...I picked up Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. 

And hopefully the woman I recommended The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to was pleased.

Main Street Books can be found on the web at:  http://www.mainstreetbooksonline.com/

#52 Booksmith/Musicsmith, Orleans MA

Of all the bookstores I visited on my trip to the Cape, Booksmith had the least amount of curb appeal. It is located in a strip mall - a grocery store on one side, a liquor store on the other. I was in danger of judging a book by it's cover but then I went in and found a book of poetry I haven't found any place else (Coffee at Hilde's: Four Provincetown Poets by Lorraine Kujawa, Hilde Oleson, Pat Lombardi and Margaret Phillips) and was quite happy. (And by request,I also picked up a book of dirty jokes for a friend... yes really.)

Booksmith is on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksmithMusicsmith

#51 Brewster Bookstore, Brewster MA

At the Brewster Bookstore I picked up The Girls of Corona de Mar by Rufi  Thorpe.

Brewster Bookstore can be found on the web at: http://www.brewsterbookstore.com/

#50 Where the Sidewalk Ends, Chatham MA

Somewhere around three o'clock on August 11th I walked into Where the Sidewalk Ends in Chatham and achieved my goal of visiting fifty independent bookstores in my 50th year. No bells went off, no balloons were dropped but it felt good if for no other reason than because I realized there are a whole lot of people out there following their dreams of owning a bookstore. What does that mean for me? There's still plenty of time to pursue my own dream.

I loved Where the Sidewalk Ends. It's beautifully laid and the young women were wonderfully lovely.

I picked up The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan and The Orphans of Race Point by Patry Francis. (Race Point in Provincetown is one of my favorite beaches on the Cape. This book is going to the top of the pile.)

Where the Sidewalk Ends can be found on the web at:  http://www.booksonthecape.com/

#49 Yellow Umbrella Books, Chatham MA

Yellow Umbrella Books has a nice balance between new and used books.

I picked up The Last Best League: One Summer, One Season, One Dream by Jim Collins. It delves into the Cape Cod Summer (baseball) League.

As an aside...Chatham is quite the destination. As I mentioned in an earlier post, this was a beautiful day and the streets of Chatham were packed. When I was a kid the only time we didn't go to the beach was when it was raining (and sometimes we still went). 

Yellow Umbrella Books can be found on the web at: http://yellowumbrellabooks.net/

Pit Stop: Sundae School, Dennisport MA

Homemade ice cream, perfect hot fudge, fresh whipped cream and a real cherry all served in a glass dish with a real spoon. Throw in some memories and it was the perfect lunch.

Sundae School can be found on the web at: http://www.sundaeschool.com/

#48 Armchair Bookstore, Dennis MA

Armchair Bookstore is part of Armchair Gifts and while the selection wasn't overwhelming the owner was lovely and made sure to say thanks for dropping by.

I picked up The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud and We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler.

Armchair Books does not currently have an active web presence.

#47 Titcomb's Bookshop, East Sandwich MA

Titcomb's wasn't on my original list but when I stopped by Jack and Alli'es, Barbara mentioned it so on it went. It was crowded when I arrived and crowded when I left. That's a pretty good endorsement especially since it was perfect beach weather.

I picked up a signed copy of Mary Oliver's The Truro Bear and Other Adventures and Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell.

Titcomb's can be found on the web at: http://www.titcombsbookshop.com/

#46 Books by the Sea, Osterville MA

Books by the Sea is filled with the work of local (Cape Cod) authors. I picked up Slow Eddie by Bruce Jones. 

Books by the Sea can be found on the web at: http://www.booksbythesea.net/ (be sure to read the About Us section - it gives credence to following your dreams).

#45 Eight Cousins Children's Books, Falmouth MA

When I visit a bookstore I don't always tell why I'm there but when I have, Eight Cousins was mentioned to me more than once. Understandably so - it is a wonderful bookstore. As impressed as I was with the collection, I was equally impressed with the young women working the counter. They were incredibly kind and polite.

And while Eight Cousins has a tremendous collection of children's books (I bought Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas by Lynne Cox), I also picked up the first book of what looks like a fun (adult mystery) series Dog On It by Spencer Quinn, a resident of Cape Cod.

Eight Cousins can be found on the web at: http://www.eightcousins.com/

Monday on Cape Cod

I spent this past Monday driving to the Cape and wandering from bookstore to bookstore. I made it to the nine I had previously mapped out, made note of two I didn't have on my list and saved the Provincetown bookstores (which I have been going to for twenty seven years) for a trip with Suann. It was a beautiful day for a ride in the Mini and having read numerous books on the beaches of the Cape while on vacation, it seemed the perfect place to hit (and surpass) #50. 

My write-ups of these stores will be a less "comprehensive" as I was on a mission.

#44 Diane's Books, Greenwich CT

Diane's Books in Greenwich is fabulous, packed and piled high with books, I'm fairly certain I could spend hours on end browsing. For local folks, like my dad, it's the go to store when looking for help when buying for grandkids. The booksellers clearly know their stuff.

I was lucky enough to have a couple of gift cards and purchased The Vacationers by Emma Straub (I spent Saturday reading this really good family drama) and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

Diane's Books can be found on the web at: http://www.dianesbooks.com/

#43 Jack and Allie's: A Children's Bookstore, Vernon CT

My last stop of the day was in Vernon CT where owner Barbara has recently opened Jack and Allies: A Children's Bookstore. It is a beautiful space and while it was quiet when I was there (I had just missed story time) I can see the potential that Barbara feels. We had a great conversation as she talked about the kindness of other independent bookstore owners sharing their knowledge. 

I bought Hug Time by Patrick McDonnell and Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and the Secret Mud That Changed Baseball by David A. Kelly.

Jack and Allies can be found on the web at: http://www.jackandallies.com/

#42 The White Rose, Holyoke MA

The White Rose Bookstore is a quiet gem in Holyoke. I did a bit of research and discovered it is but six months old and like the Nazi resistance group that inspired its name, the owners are focused on social justice and building community as well as selling books. 

I picked up Learning to Drive: And Other Life Stories by Katha Pollit.

The White Rose has a Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/TheWhiteRoseBooks

#41 Booklink Booksellers, Northampton MA

Across the street from Broadside Books is Booklink Booksellers. Located in Thornes Marketplace, Booklink has two levels of books and an enormous collection of greeting cards.  

Sometimes when you walk into a store a book will jump out at you. In this case, a memoir by June Melby did. My Family and Other Hazards tells the story of growing up as one of four sisters who helped their parents run a miniature golf course.

Booklink cann be found on the web at: http://booklinkbooks.com/

#40 Broadside Books, Northampton MA

Like most of the stores I've visited, Broadside Books is another bookstore I wish I had more time to wander through. They have a great selection and the gentleman behind the counter was great, explaining the history behind the picture book I bought, A Home Run for Bunny* by Richard Anderson. I also picked up another memoir, The Bill From My Father by Bernard Cooper

Broadside Books can be found on the web at: http://www.broadsidebooks.com/ 

*The reason I picked up the book was twofold: my mother's nickname was Bunny and I love baseball; the story is based on the true story of the 1934 American Legion baseball team from Springfield MA whose star player, Bunny Taliaferro, was African American; it chronicles the prejudice the team incurred when they traveled to a regional tournament in North Carolina.

#39 Eric Carle Museum Shop, Amherst MA

The Eric Carle Museum Shop is chock full of wonderful books. I was a little bit leery about including this as part of my quest but having visited there is no doubt it is a fine example of an independent bookstore. And the museum? A wonderful place to wander around. I was particularly interested in the Louise Fitzhugh exhibit as it is the 50th anniversary of Harriet the Spy and Fitz, our labradoodle was named in her honor.

I picked up three Eric Carle books, 123 to the Zoo, Little Cloud, and Friends. I'm also excited about this book by Keri Smith, How to be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum.

The Eric Carle Museum can be found on the web at: http://www.carlemuseum.org/

#38 Amherst Books, Amherst MA

The tagline for Amherst Book is Poetry Starts Here Now. And does it ever. What a wonderful selection of poetry books. 

I picked up two poetry books:  Beachy Head by Emily Toder and The Hero With a Thousand Faces Art by Lilliana Periera and poems by a whole bunch of different poets. This book had a run of just 150 copies; the artist asked poets to choose a piece of her art and write a poem about it. It's a fascinating read. I will also admit to buying a graphic novel, Petty Theft by  Pascal Girard and a book for Suann titled, On Ambivalence: The Problems and Pleasures of Having it Both Ways by Kenneth Weisbrode. (One of Suann's pet peeves is the incorrect usage of ambivalence.)

Amherst Books has a website ( http://www.amherstbooks.com/) but the best place to get updates is their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amherst-Books/122703784432099

#37 The Book Mill, Montague MA

I hit Massachusetts bookstores last week. First up was The Book Mill in Montague. I read about The Book Mill on a blog that listed must see bookstores. There is nothing fancy about this place and yet I can't wait to go back. It sells used books, is well organized and can best be described as homey. There was a handful of folks working on their computers and just hanging out. If I had more time I most certainly would have done the same and then stopped at the cafe next door as well as the art gallery. 

I purchased Modern Spiritual Masters: Writings on Contemplation and Compassion, edited by Robert Ellsberg and House of Happy Endings: A Memoir by Leslie Garis

The Book Mill can be found on the web at: http://www.montaguebookmill.com/

#36 Book Hampton, East Hampton NY

Quite unexpectedly, I found myself in East Hampton recently and took a few minutes to stop by Book Hampton. We were there about mid-day on a Friday and the place was buzzing. 

I picked up two books: an autographed copy of Death Hampton by Walter Marks and The Examined Life: How We Lose and Find Ourselves by Stephen Grosz.

Book Hampton has locations in South Hampton and Mattictuck as well. They can be found on the web at: http://bookhampton.com/

#35 Merritt Bookstore, Millbrook NY

Merritt Bookstore is more than a bookstore - it has games, toys, puzzles and an art gallery. 

I have been spending time going through family archives and have been reading letters my dad sent home to his mom during WW II so I was thrilled to find the book, V-Mail: Wartime Letters by Solie Tootle Reinhardt (Mrs. Reinhardt worked for the Red Cross during the war; a resident of Millbrook, she died in 2009 eleven years after the book's publication). 

I also picked up Bark Stories by Lorrie Moore.

Merritt Bookstore can be found on the web at: http://www.merrittbooks.com/

#34 Inquiring Minds Bookstore, New Paltz NY

My 3rd stop of the day, Inquiring Minds, is stuffed to the gills with both new and used books. There's not a lot of room to maneuver but that doesn't inhibit browsing.

I picked up the graphic memoir Calling Dr. Laura by Nicole J. Georges.

An Inquiring Minds Bookstore can also be found in Saugerties, NY. They can be found on the web at: http://www.inquiringbooks.com/

#33 Oblong Books and Music, Rhinebeck NY

Oblong Books and Music was wonderful. I loved wandering around and once again was amazed I can go into multiple bookstores on any given day and find a book I haven't seen before.

On this day I purchased The Cloud of Unknowing, Stories by Mimi Lipson and and an autographed copy of Creativity: The Perfect Crime by Philippe Petit.

Oblong Books has two stores - the one I visited in Rhinebeck and another one in Millerton, NY. They can be found on the web at: http://www.oblongbooks.com/

#32 The Chatham Bookstore, Chatham NY

A few weeks ago I decided to explore bookstores that were between home and Albany. I started in Chatham.

One of the things that struck me about The Chatham Bookstore is that it was busy on a Monday morning. The woman working was lovely and I love their philosophy, "Community through books."

I picked up A Religion of One's Own by Thomas Moore and This is Just to Say...Poems of Apology and Forgiveness, a children's book by Joyce Sidman.

As a side note, the store also sells art supplies.

The Chatham Bookstore can be found on the web at: http://chathambookstore.com/

#31 Bank Square Books, Mystic CT

There are two entrances to Bank Square Books. The one I went in led me to a small, quaint store. Nothing overwhelming. Then I saw a sign that beckoned me further and what I encountered was a store with a huge selection of books that was much fun to wander through. I could have spent an entire day exploring it. 

While in the first section I picked up a couple of bargain books: The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Summer Home by GeorgeHowe Colt and Day Paddling Long Island Sound by Eben Oldmixon. Then I found a new picture book by Doreen Cronin, Boom Snot Twitty and The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton Disclafani (reading this now and very much enjoying the characters).

Bank Square Books can be found on the web at: http://www.banksquarebooks.com/

#30 Books on the Square, Providence RI

Books on the Square is in a quiet section of Providence. It has a great selection. (I feel like this is my go to line but love that I can walk into four different bookstores on the same day and still find something I've never seen before.)

On this day I bought A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams (recommended by Megan); Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant a graphic memoir by Roz Chast (I read this Friday - phenomenal) and Tied for 3rd and Still the Winner by local author AJ Fargnoli.


Books on the Square can be found on the web at: http://www.booksq.com/

#29 Ugly Dog Books, Attleboro MA

When I look back on my year of going to bookstores there will be many that stand out. Right at the top of the list is Ugly Dog Books. Kim the owner could not have been more enthusiastic for what I was doing - giving me a coffee mug as a birthday gift and taking a photo of Megan and me outside the store (and then posting on her Facebook page). Her store is fun to wonder about and it's not just about books as she also has gifts and local art hanging. 

I picked up Something Mis ing by Matthew Dicks (started it today on the beach; very intriguing) and Pictures of You by TJ Alexian.

Ugly Dog Books can be found on the web at: http://www.uglydogbooks.com/

#28 Harbor Books, Old Saybrook CT

Harbor Square books in Old Saybrook was quiet one recent Saturday morning. I arrived just as they were opening up and while the folks on the street were lamenting the clouds, I was busy browsing their eclectic  collection.

Suann's birthday was around the corner so I picked up a couple of presents: Heart Stones by Josie Iselin; Katherine Hepburn Once Said - Great Lines to Live By collected by Susan Crimp; and Lobster Shacks: A Road Trip Guide to New England's Best Lobster Joints by Mike Urban (this last one is for me; there's nothing like reading a book while eating a lobster roll).

Harbor Books can be found on the web at: http://www.harborbooks.com/

#27 The Book Cove, Pawling NY

The Book Cove was my bonus bookstore. Suggested by Vanessa at Bank Street books it was a short drive from Kent and a perfect way to end the day. In addition to books the store is also an antique shop. Between the two I could have spent the entire afternoon meandering. And perhaps I will, one day.

And just as Vanessa suggested the Book Cove so the owner (I think) suggested two more bookstores for me to visit (Oblong Books and Music in Rhinebeck and Millerton and Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook NY). I'll get to those in June.

I picked up another book for Vince, Demolition by Sally Sutton and a copy of Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych ER by Julie Holland (who I discovered lives locally).

The Book Cove can be found on the web at: http://www.pawlingbookcove.com/

#26 House of Books, Kent CT

House of Books in Kent has a little bit of everything. Sure it's mostly books but they also have a collection of cards, toys, music, office and art supplies. 

I picked up The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems and Baseball as a Road to God: Seeing Beyond the Game by John Sexton, Thomas Oliphant and Peter J. Schwartz.

House of Books can be found on the web at: http://www.hobooks.com/

#25 Bank Street Book Nook, New Milford CT

I loved wandering around Bank Street Book Nook in New Milford. What amazes me is that no matter how many bookstores I go into I still manage to find something new. Should I ever have the opportunity to open up my own bookstore I'm going to do what Bank Street does and that's post great quotations about books and reading. 

Vanessa, the owner could not have been more gracious and when I explained what I was doing she told me to make my way to Pawling NY to visit The Book Cove (see #27).

I picked up Call the Midwife by Jenny Worth. I love the PBS series based on these memoirs and I'm looking forward to reading them. I wonder if I'll hear Vanessa Redgrave in my head. I also picked up My 1st Counting Book. (Suann and I are a bit behind on birthday gifts so I was determined to pick up a book in each store for one year old Vince.)

Bank Street doesn't have a web presence yet but I will say - I love New Milford. The downtown looks to have some great shops. I was on a bit of a schedule so only stopped by two (Barkery Boo'tique and Down on Main Street) but am looking forward to going back and exploring a bit more.

#24 The Hickory Stick Bookshop, Washington Depot CT

I spent the last Saturday in April visiting Connecticut bookstores. Allow me to say - I need to get out of lower Fairfield County more often. Connecticut is a beautiful state and while I did conjure up an idea for a book (think thriller) as I relied more and more on my GPS, I was utterly charmed by the views.

First up was The Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washing Depot. Voted best independent bookstore by Connecticut Magazine last year, Hickory Stick is simply lovely. You know you're in a good, welcoming place when you walk in and there are two kids hunkered down in chairs completely involved in their books. 

I picked up The Good House by Ann Leary, an autographed copy of Tinker's Dam a poetry book by David Leff, Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design by Chip Kidd and No David by David Shannon.


The Hickory Stick Bookshop can be found on the web here: http://www.hickorystickbookshop.com/

Pit Stop: Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn, Wilmington NC

Best burrito ever. I suggest the Thai Me Up with grilled tilapia.

#23 Pomegranate Books, Wilmington NC

We are in Wilmington North Carolina visiting friends and took some time out to go to Pomegranate Books. Located in a pink trimmed house, I felt at home as soon as I walked through the door. One of the reasons, actually two of the reasons, were Jules and Laura, who upon hearing of my 50 by 50 story could not have been more gracious. I picked up Silence, a children's book by Lemniscates and The Bible Salesman a novel by local author Clyde Klinkenborg. Suann chose Verlyn Klinkenberg's Several Short Sentences About Writing and Small is Possible: Life in a Local Economy by Lyle Estill.

Pomegranate Books can be found on the web at: http://pombooks.net/

#22 Linda's Story Time, Monroe CT

Today I visited Linda's Story Time, a children's bookstore. Linda's has a great selection with much to look at. And Linda herself could not have been kinder and more enthusiastic. If you've read prior posts I talk a lot about navigation: I want to be able to find my way on my own. This was easy at Linda's as shelves were clearly labeled. She has a beautiful, welcoming set-up. In addition to children's books, she carries young adult titles, has a small adult section and an incredible selection of puppets. Today, I purchased Jon J Muth's Hi, Koo: A Year of Seasons, Champion, the final book in the Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu and at Linda's suggestion Joshilyn Jackson's Someone Else's Love Story. 

Linda's Story Time can be found on the web here: http://www.lindasstorytime.com/

Hungry? Though I didn't stop, I can heartily recommend Chip's Family Restaurant which is down the road. I've eaten at both their Fairfield and Orange locations and they truly do have the best pancakes I have ever tasted.

Pit Stop: Sweet Memories, Emmaus PA

Cake at Sweet Memories was a lovely way to end a fun day. One slice had cookie dough filling while the other had peanut butter crumble. Both were delicious. After we ate we spent a bit of time wandering as they also have gifts. I picked up some cards while Clare made a note to go back to buy birthday presents.

Sweet Memories has a blog: http://sweetmemories180.blogspot.com/

#21 Now and Then Books, Emmaus PA

              

Our last (bookstore) stop of the day was at Now and Then Books, right up the road from Let's Play Books!. This was another incredibly well organized shop. It's located in a house and the rooms just flow from one to another and you're never too far from a place to sit (see Dil above). I had a great conversation with the owner not only about the book I purchased (Miles of Mules, 2003 - a photo collection of a public art project created and organized by The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, The James A. Michener Art Museum, The Banana Factory and the Cultural Council of Luzerne County) but also about the local community in general and more specifically, where to find some cake (see next post).

Now and then Books can be found on the web at: www.nowandthenbooks.com

#20 Let's Play Books! Emmaus PA

Let's Play Books! is just a month old. Well laid out and carefully organized, it is a delightful children's bookstore.  I picked up Matt Phelan's Bluffon and a great t-shirt but even better - had a wonderful conversation with owner Kirsten. Upon hearing about my 50 by 50 quest she immediately told me I had to go to RJ Julia in Madison CT where she previously worked. It was nice to be able to tell her I had already checked that one off the list (#5) and would be up there today to participate in their attempt to break the world record for most people wearing a Cat in the Hat hat on Dr. Seuss' birthday (they did it). 

Let's Play Books can be found on the web at http://www.letsplaybooks.com/

#19 The Old Library Bookshop, Bethlehem PA

The Old Library Bookshop is a very homey used and rare bookstore that also has some antiques and prints. The owners were delightful and kind - offering us a cup of something warm as we perused the shelves and talking to Dil about his reading preferences. The store was well organized and easy to navigate. I walked away with a book of poems by Marge Piercy, The Twelve-Spoked Wheel Flashing.

The Old Library Bookshop can be found on the web at www.oldlib.com

#18 Moravian Book Shop, Bethlehem PA

My sister Clare and her son Dillon, took me on a tour of Lehigh Valley bookstores yesterday. It was a great way to spend a Saturday. Despite being two hours away, I can see myself going back and visiting all of these stores again as the proprietors could not have been more kind.

First up was the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem. Run by the Moravian Church and in operation since 1745, its claim to fame is being the oldest bookstore in the world. It is so much more than a bookstore though as they seem to have gifts for all occasions. And it's comfortable - couches are scattered about and there is food, both sweets and heartier fare. I purchased a book by the local historical society -  One-Room Schools In Greene and Dreher Townships. I will also confess to buying some homemade truffles. Delicious.

You can find Moravian Book Shop on the web at: http://shop.moravianbookshop.com/

#17 Blue House Booksellers, Kapaa HI

Blue House Booksellers is an open and airy space that has new and used books as well as a great selection of what they call Hawaiiana. The owner had a quirky sense of humor and could not have been more pleasant. The books are well organized and it's easy to find your way. I picked up two books from the Hawaiiana section: Kauai Stories: Life on the Garden Island Told by Kauai's People and a memoir titled, Some Swamis Are Fat by Ava Greene, a local yoga teacher.

Blue House Booksellers can be found on the web at: www.bluehousebooksellers.com

We had fish tacos before going to Blue House and while I can't recommend the place we went to today I can recommend Tropical Taco in Hanalei and Federico's in Princeville which both had excellent fish tacos.

#16 Talk Story The Bookstore, Hanapepe HI

Suann and I are in Hawaii - Kauai, more specifically, enjoying a break from the crazy weather of the northeast. Yesterday we decided to visit Talk Story, the western most bookstore in the United States. Ed and Cynthia own this new/second hand/out of print bookstore and couldn't be more friendly and engaging. Clearly they love what they do - greeting each customer as they enter, congratulating them on stepping foot in the western most bookstore in the US and sharing the awards that have flowed since they opened ten years ago. The store is incredibly well organized and easy to navigate. While Suann picked up a couple of mysteries I bought two books set in Kauai and written by Hawaiian authors. And because you get a 5th book free we also picked up Vince Flynn's first book in the Mitch Rapp series (I seem to be reading the series backwards but it doesn't seem to matter - it's a great escape book). I would be remiss if I didn't mention we were also gifted with two freshly picked star fruit that we brought back to the hotel with us and had for dessert last night. Delicious. Thank you, Cynthia and Ed.

Talk Story can be found on the web at: http://www.talkstorybookstore.com/

*After Talk Story we went to Poipu Beach and ate at Brennecke's Beach Front Restaurant. The fish and chips were delicious.

#15 192 Books, New York NY

192 Books is located at 192 10th Avenue. As busy as Posman books was, 192 was that quiet, almost sterile. It would have been easy to be overwhelmed by some of the titles (Suann picked up an art criticism book and said, "I'm not sure I'm smart enough to read this,") but we persevered, eventually purchasing  Sonali Deraniyagala's memoir, Wave, which is on a number of "Best of...lists" and tells the tragic story of how the author lost her parents, husband and sons to the 2004 tsunami while on vacation in Sri Lanka. (I have been advised to read this in small chunks to try and manage the sadness.)

192 Books can be found on the web at: http://www.192books.com/

Across the street from 192 Books is a great little tapas restaurant called Tia Pol; Suann had a pork sandwich while I had French toast off their brunch menu; both were superb and the waitstaff was incredibly friendly. They can be found on the web at: http://tiapol.com/)

#14 Posman Books @ Chelsea Market, New York

One of Suann's gifts to me was a trip into the city, a walk on The High Line (http://www.thehighline.org/) and a visit to a bookstore of two. The High Line was great - we went in early the Saturday after Christmas and while there were other walkers it wasn't nearly as crowded as it was when we left a few hours later. After walking we visited Chelsea Market (http://www.chelseamarket.com/), an indoor food hall that also has a few shops, including Posman Books (one of three locations for this family owned bookstore). 

Posman was packed - with books and people. The signage wasn't great but my best guess is they "tabled" the good stuff (as opposed to putting it on the shelves and it was here that I found Diane Muldrow's, Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Golden Book. Muldrow has paired illustrations from numerous titles in the Golden Books series and paired them with advice as simple as, "Go fly a kite," (from Chicken Little) to "Don't forget to stop and smell the strawberries," (from The Pokey Little Puppy).

And because Suann was with me, we also bought Aernoud Bourdrez's, Think Like a Lawyer Don't Act Like One

Posman Books can be found on the web at: http://www.posmanbooks.com/

As for the food...well, I would suggest you stop at The Doughnuterry (http://www.doughnuttery.com/). Of course - there are about 35 other places to eat, including Sarabeth's Bakery, Amy's Bread and a lobster joint so there's plenty to choose from.