Just wondering what everyone's favorite bookstores are here. Now, I know it's "popular" to like the smaller, mom and pop bookstores, but I'd like to know which of the major chains -- Borders, Barnes and Noble, Bookstop, Waldenbooks, etc -- everyone here prefers.
Me, I'm a fan of Barnes and Noble. For me it simply boils down to atmosphere: I tend to find that BN has a consistently more friendly atmosphere than any of the others. Of course, this isn't always the case (for example, there's a HUGE BN in Boca Raton which, frankly, I hate going to -- it's too damn big!) but all in all it is, particularly with the one-floor stores.
Of course, I'm more likely to buy coffee there than books -- I tend to buy books either used, or en-bulk from Amazon -- but I still love going there.
As for the smaller ones, there's this great little shop called Book Wise in Boca Raton (near the big BN, by the way). They specialize in used and collectors editions. I almost bought a copy of Larry Niven's "Lucifer's Hammer" there, an autographed, leather-bound copy. I didn't because I wasn't in a position to spend $100 on a book, but damn, was it ever tempting. I also like going there to play with Fermi, the book loving, attention whoring cat.
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ErinR
Written Oct. 30, 2007 / Report /
I'm also a fan of B&N, though we don't have them here in CR. I love the in-house coffee shops, couches, etc... the perfect atmosphere!
Here, my favorite bookstore is actually a small used bookshop that has a great little café inside and about 8000 books, nearly perfectly arranged. It's one of my favorite places!
Scrivs
Written Nov. 5, 2007 / Report /
Borders because I like the ambiance better than B&N.
LorriM
Written Nov. 10, 2007 / Report /
I like Borders best, and then B&N. I like to spend time in both, browsing, and sipping a vanilla latte.
There is a book store called Davis Kidd that I like, and frequent it often. I buy a lot of my history and Judaism books there.
I buy someof my books on amazon, but mainly at the bookstores. I prefer looking at book jackets and looking through the books, and am a hands on person. I buy them normally for at least 30% off, and have instant gratification.
shadowsun7
Written Nov. 29, 2007 / Report /
Borders! And MPH, come to think of it. I agree completely with LorriM that nothing beats the sense of touch as you run your fingers over the spines, bending down and tiptoeing up to read book jackets/
And sitting barefoot on the carpet, with a pile of books you want to purchase, reading ...
Oh, bliss.
Gnorb
Written Nov. 29, 2007 / Report /
When I die, if this is what awaits me, then I will truly be in heaven.
dreaming_awake
Written Dec. 30, 2007 / Report /
Barnes & Noble, there aren't many choices in my country...
animejulie
Written Dec. 30, 2007 / Report /
There aren't any bookstores near me, the closest is Borders, and it's about a half-hour drive. I like the B&N that's a 45 minute drive, but with gas prices what they are, I rarely go to either anymore. I buy almost all of my books online now.
auburn
Written Jan. 6, 2008 / Report /
B&N here but realize that this town doesn't offer competition! The atmosphere is cozy enough and the chairs are comfy. The coffee offered is secondary but the combination of coffee smells and gazillions of books is a perfect half day adventure.