Boston Books

As has been hinted at elsewhere on this blog, I have a bit of a liking for books but and wishing to spread out further from the usual Barnes & Noble stores, i had to delve into this cities more eclectic book dominions. You may notice a distinct lack of photos, this was down to the serious business of distraction and buying but I am sure the interiors are a click away on your favourite search engine, should you be so inclined to virtually meander around.

I made sure I scoured the streets for some suitably interesting bastions of literature and first up was Brattle Bookshop, the one that everybody told to seek out.  I wasn’t disappointed, with a top floor full of rare books that occupied me for around four hours over various days – it felt good to just be holding a bit of history – and that’s not forgetting the other two floors and outside browsing area which made everything that bit more blissful.

The fun didn’t stop there though, Commonwealth Books which we stumbled upon whilst nosing down an alley has plenty of old books and feels a little more academic in nature which suited me just fine.  As well as rare books, there was a nod to local authors and a massive ginger cat who at first glance looked stuffed but was really just lazy.

The treat of book shops is how they affected me emotionally, that intense shiver of anticipation, the question of where to start first and then the reckless abandon with which one shows little disregard for time or company, owing to the importance of scouring each title.  Commonwealth in particular has me salivating over so many obscure title.   .t felt a lot more comfortable than the more clinical Brattle did and being tucked away made it feel more like a secret, overall a great atmosphere unless allergic to cats…or gingers.  Often did I curse the weight regulations of the airlines which is now just tradition quickly followed by reluctant acceptance.

Trident Booksellers and café was an excellent find by Tom and was situated hardly anytime from the hostel which was all bittersweet as it was only explored on the last day.  The food was fantastic, I had some scrambled egg and seasoned potato concoction which was massive and with coffee top ups aplenty set me up for shopping which was a pleasure.  The shop was intimate and there was a sale on too, bewilderingly the staff seemed happy I had found the sale section which puzzled me as it was right in front of all the other books.

Comicopia was a decent comic shop near Fenway Park, not as much choice as we are used to at the famous (and local) Page 45 but it used the space it had well to support local authors and illustrators as well as giving a good overview of various genres.  Set somewhat out of the way it was a pleasant place to browse and just down the road we had a celery beer from Illinois which was refreshing and extremely light.

As the ultimate tease I will refrain from showing you what I eventually purchased for the time being but it is, as ever an eclectic mix and by then I should be ready to review one of the books, pushing the tease even more.   I will stop before I tempt myself to do the playful, flirty with a book pose for a photograph – just to further the theme –  which nobody should be subjected to.

Save

Save

Save

Save