Last Thursday evening, I went out for a walk. After my post lunch nap, I looked at a map of the area around the hotel and found that I was only a few blocks from the Flatiron Building. I had never seen the building, famous in early photos of New York. Sweetie Bear wished to continue his nap, so off I went on a nice walk.
The Flatiron building is currently wrapped in scaffolding, undergoing renovations after more than 120 years in the City.
About a block away, by The Rizzolo Bookstore caught my eye. I went in for a wander. It is not the biggest bookstore, but it is elegant and refined. It has an artsy, fartsy vibe that I love. The offerings in local books, art books, history, photography, and philosophy are carefully curated to offer the best. The last room has the delightful orange chairs for authors to talk about their work.
I purchased a volume of translations of Seneca, titled "How to Die" (I am doing research for a book project on legal and ethical issues in end of life.) I couldn't hold back by feelings, I told the young clerk that "I wished the store was across the street from where I live."
I miss real bookstores. There are a few of them around. I try to buy something and encourage them to stay around. My local here in Alexandria, just doubled in size.
I used to spend many an afernoon in Rizzoli!
ReplyDeleteI can feel the joy!
DeleteI cannot turn away from a bookstore! I always have to go in and I almost always buy something ... I could get lost in them for house.
ReplyDeleteI miss them.
I just had a flashback to "Park Avenue Books" in Winter Park Florida, I stopped in at least once a week when I was in college, until they were displaced by a frozen drinks bar.
DeleteWhat a warm and inviting bookstore! And really, "artsy fartsy"? Try using the classier term "artisan fartisan."
ReplyDeleteWell said.
DeleteThe outside world just goes away for a little bit while walking through a bookstore.
ReplyDeleteA great small town business
DeleteWe need more bookstores like this one. There is one locally owned one that I like but it isn't near me. Still, I drive across town to go there from time to time.
ReplyDeleteWorth going out of our way for.
DeleteI used to live at bookstores and libraries. My heart broke when Walden's Books closed their doors. That one was my favorite. I could camp out in the biography sections.
ReplyDeleteWalden Books in Titusville Florida was my first. The mall it was in has been torn down.
DeleteWe have a strong independent bookshop that dates its beginning to 1875 here in Naperville, IL. Andersen's Bookshop is popular and has lots of author visits to promote books.
ReplyDeleteA real treasure for the community.
DeleteSome favorites:
ReplyDeletePowell's - just for the joy of discovery, Tower (RIP), Avid Reader, Doyle's?
Will Jay
Many more to explore.
DeleteI LOVE The Rizzolo!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOMG! I used to love Rizzoli! I still have a CD that I bought at the Chicago branch.
ReplyDeleteI do what I can to keep bookstores going.