Strand Bookstore

You can’t go anywhere in NY without seeing someone with one of their canvas STRAND bags.

Just go already!

...and decided to make a day of it. So, having heard of this place through 43places I put it on my itinerary. As with most bookstores the visit had a bittersweet flavor. So many books I knew I couldn’t have and didn’t have time to read. Just as well that there is nothing really comparable close to me. I would get in trouble. I picked up a couple classics for solace and went on my way.

I saw the Stiglitz talk in October while my parents were visiting with my mum. I also bought some second hand books to use for a paper I was writing, and a copy of overheard in new york, whose website I visit frequently. I’m thinking about buying one of their bags, but I’m mulling it over.

I love The Strand so very much that I have to avoid it. The mere sight of it makes my wallet lighter.

I explored every nook and cranny in the Strand when I first visited its “18 miles of books”. What I discovered is that it is full of, well, mediocre books. Perhaps I’m spoiled on books I hear about through friends, or which receive heavy promotion and good categorization at Barnes & Noble, but my experience at the Strand is that you’ll spend hours and hours there: looking for a decent book.

That said, if you’re a book lover who:
a) knows exactly what book you want
b) has read all of the popular books already
c) enjoy more obscure texts
then you’ll probably love it.