Literary Landmarks: Better Know a Bookstore
Literary Landmarks is a series that invites YPGers to visit places of literary significance in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, or San Francisco.
Even veteran New Yorkers can miss out on some of the best bookish spots the Big Apple has to offer. Whether you’re an intrepid YPG-er looking to find your next great read or someone simply trying to support indie bookstores, here are five unique bookshops—stellar (and sometimes overlooked) representatives of the literary word from all over New York City—to check out:
Located in TriBeCa, the Mysterious Bookshop is the place to dig up the most titillating tales of suspense and thrills. From new releases climbing the New York Times list to classic murder mysteries, its wares run the gamut, and the store even runs its own small publishing house, the aptly named Mysterious Press. Whenever an exciting author is in town, expect them to pop up, too, for an event or signing at this stellar store.
Used bookstore P.S. is a haven for bargain hunters and bibliophiles alike. Whether you’re hunting for a self-published memoir by a local unknown or a teen staple, you’ll be able find it at P.S. Currently trying to keep its DUMBO storefront open, the shop’s team is dedicated to keeping its legacy alive.
Teen and children’s titles have found their home at the magical space that is Books of Wonder. You can find the latest and greatest in YA flocking to this Chelsea haven for in-store events, but it’s the incredible selection of books, supported by the shop’s devoted staff, that really grabs the customer’s attention. Books of Wonder is dedicated to cultivating current and future generations of readers… and it shows!
Singlehandedly holding down the bookselling fort in Astoria, one of the most popular neighborhoods in NYC’s newly christened “coolest” borough http://www.businessinsider.com/queens-is-coolest-borough-in-nyc-2015-8, the eponymous Astoria Bookshop is everything you need in a bookstore. Offering up staff picks by Queens authors and local literary journals alongside bestsellers, the store, which opened in 2013, promises to be a NYC mainstay for years to come.
Staten Island’s Every Thing Goes, a bookstore-cum-café, serves up delicious organic goodies alongside used tomes. Flip through old-school art books while munching on a fresh pastry, or simply soak in the shop’s free-spirited vibe and admire the local art festooning the walls. This store is part of a trio of retail venues of the same name—the other two branches, also on Staten Island, feature vintage clothing and furniture, respectively.
Of course, this is by no means a complete list! Tell us about your favorite local bookstores via Twitter @YoungtoPub.
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This article was contributed by YPG Planning Committee member Carly Silver.
