The weather is warming up, restoring grass and students alike. Although it may seem like reading the season is over, the fireplaces are turned off and the sweaters are folded away until next winter, I disagree. While it may not be as dramatic as reading outside in the fall, taking a book outside is a wonderful way to say hello to spring.
If you are someone who doesn’t want to go inside, even for your own book shopping experience, then I recommend Brattle Book Shop. The shopping center is a short walk from Park Street station and Boston Common. It’s hard to miss – its name engraved in a large, eye-catching No. 2 hanging above the door.
To the right of the entrance is their outdoor section, which houses discounted used books from $3 to $5. It’s an amazing combination, and people are still reading in all seasons. I’ve never been able to find something I wanted to take home, but there’s always an interesting article or two. While I recommend visiting Brattle while it’s open, if you happen to stop by after they close, you can always admire the large paintings of bookshelves and famous book spines on either side of their outdoor gallery.
If you’re someone who likes to read their books indoors, this could be your store. When you walk in, you are immediately impressed by the large number of books in the area. To the left is a collection of old papers, and to the right is a table piled high with books. I’ve never been sure why some books end up on the table – if they’re meant to be. overflowcatch or some other reason – but that doesn’t stop anyone from reading.
In the background are a series of shelves housing fiction, poetry, fantasy and other non-fiction, including art and local history. The fiction section always has popular articles and lesser-known publications. These shelves require careful attention to find your next read, but that’s part of the fun of a used bookstore.
If fiction or literary criticism doesn’t do it for you, then a trip to the second floor is in order. Up there is the bulk of Brattle’s collection of legends. They have the usual collections of world and US history, as well as sections devoted to psychology, religion, black studies, business, horticulture and much more. There are also special stages, such as magic and circus. I’ve always loved Brattle’s collection of ‘Books About Books,’ but I know that may not be an appreciation I share with many others.
The third floor is easily forgotten, at least for me, as it took me many times to realize that the building went up that high. But once you get up there, it gets interesting. The upper stairs are installed next to the circus books and will take you to the unusual book section. Although I don’t know much, if anything, about rare books, it’s still a unique experience to wander through. by location. There are great stories, old books and great reprints of popular stories. Maybe I’m biased, but I think this deck is worth visiting for anyone. And if books aren’t your cup of tea, there’s also a collection of vintage ephemera to give away.
Brattle Book Shop is – if not the – bookstore in Boston. Located in the heart of Boston, it stands as one of the oldest malls in the country. For those reasons, it’s definitely worth stopping at your next book. It easily fits in with a day spent in the city, perhaps between shopping on Newbury Street and lunch in Chinatown. That said, if you’re looking for a specific book or hoping to find new deals, this might not be the store for you.
My visit didn’t end with shopping, as I didn’t have enough time to explore Brattle this time. But if this glorious weather persists, I’ll be back there, picking myself read to the Boston Public Garden.
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