Do It Local: Bookstores
By Sam Nelson
Cover Photo: More Than Words Bookshop
All photos courtesy of Sam Nelson
Active citizenship calls people to engage with and become involved in their communities at all levels, and the national movement to “shop local” is a great way to do this. Independent bookstores are part of the campaign to shop locally, as they can support the local community in ways that chain stores or online providers cannot.
“There are lots of reasons to shop indie,” said Nick Petrulakis, Assistant Manager of Brookline Booksmith. “At an indie, you can get a much more personal experience with booksellers who are passionate about what they’re reading and are excited to get it into your hand. You can actually have a conversation with someone where you can express the sort of things you like to read, rather than rely on an algorithm.”
In addition to the unmatched service that indies can provide, the percentage of the money spent at an indie that stays in the community is much higher than money spent at a chain or online.
Boston is rich with world-class independent bookstores. Here are a list of just four of them to be sure to visit:
- Seven Stars––Cambridge
Good for: crystal hunting and unique texts on Eastern religions and philosophy
A quick half-hour trip across the Charles on the 47 bus will transport you to this small, eclectic bookstore. Nestled between a variety of international restaurants restaurants, small cafes, and colorful murals emblematic of Cambridge’s diverse Central Square, Seven Stars is a haven of esoteric finds for the book lover who’s looking for something off the beaten path. A display case full of crystals and precious stones lines the right side of the shop––the man who sits behind the counter is a stone aficionado. Behind the cashier sit various tarot card decks and other objects of the occult. Local art hangs above the bookshelves, crammed with nonfiction titles about Eastern religion, philosophy, and devotionals. Seven Stars pulls off its bohemian atmosphere in a way that feels refreshingly unfabricated and authentic.
Other fun, local shops nearby:
- 1369 Coffee House is just down the block from Seven Stars. Stop in for a latte and a tasty pastry.
- Rodney’s Bookstore, just across the street from Seven Stars, is another bookshop worth your time. Rodney’s specializes in used books in almost every genre imaginable (re: occultism, spectroscopy and spectrum analysis, penology, etc.), out of print books, and vintage posters.
- Brookline Booksmith––Brookline
Good for: wide selection of new releases, fun gifts, and author events
Well-loved by BU students thanks to its close proximity to campus, Brookline Booksmith is a local favorite of Coolidge Corner. Thanks to the impressive floor plan, the store has plenty of space for fiction and nonfiction in a range of genres. But that’s not all––if you’re looking for more affordable titles, check out the bargain paperback and hardback books on a center table. Plus, its basement is a “used book cellar,” filled entirely with used books sold at a discounted price. Throughout the year, Brookline Booksmith hosts author events and book signings for enriching community engagement. Even if books aren’t really your thing, Brookline Booksmith has you covered! A wing of the store houses quirky keychains, socks, jewelry, dishes, bags, and plenty of other trinkets. Check it out if you want great new book recommendations or need to pick up a gift for a friend.
Other fun, local shops nearby:
- Coolidge Corner Theatre and its iconic neon sign are just across the street from Brookline Booksmith. The independently operated theatre shows arthouse and independent movies shot on film, and its gorgeous art deco interior has kept moviegoers coming since 1933.
- Gen Sou En is Brookline’s very own Japanese tea house. The shop’s minimalist design pays homage to Japanese tea houses with bamboo accents, neutral colors, and an area where patrons go shoeless. With a full menu of Japanese cuisine, specialty drinks, and ample seating, this is the perfect place to study with a hot cup of tea.
- Papercuts J.P.––Jamaica Plain
Good for: intimate space, new releases, children’s books, and beautiful stationery
Put this pint-sized bookstore on the top of your must-see bookstore list. Papercuts has a few stores around Boston, but its J.P. location is especially inviting. Papercuts’ magnetic charm stems from its small size. The limited floor space ensures that its book selection is painstakingly and thoughtfully curated. Handwritten notes from staff members underneath their favorite picks make the shopping experience personalized and informative. Apart from new releases, Papercuts specializes in children’s books. Through a small and unassuming doorway in the back corner of the store lies an entrance to an entire second room dedicated to children’s and mid-grade literature and gifts. But it’s the small details that give it the most character; the month-themed (and free!) pocket-sized poems at the front counter, the corner of gorgeous stationery and trendy gifts, and the witty t-shirts that double as wall decorations have cemented Papercuts as one of the best bookstores in Boston.
Other fun, local shops nearby:
- When Pigs Fly Breads sells freshly baked loaves of artisan bread. Just up the road from Papercuts on Centre Street, When Pigs Fly has a wide selection of classic and artisan breads from pumpernickel to baby spinach, onion, and garlic ciabatta.
- FoMu isn’t your average ice cream shop. Rather than a milk-based product, FoMu serves up scoops of what they call “premium alternative ice cream.” Made with a plant-base, FoMu’s ice cream is a great treat for vegans––and a fun introduction to veganism for anyone interested in plant-based alternatives!
- More Than Words––South End
Good for: socially conscious shoppers and gently used books
More Than Words is aptly named: the store’s mission runs deeper than just connecting readers to new books. Unlike the other stores on this list, More Than Words exclusively sells used books. As a “nonprofit social enterprise that empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business,” More Than Words solicits donations of gently used books and then resells them for cheap. Their business model trains at-risk youth in business skills, thereby engendering within them a strong sense of active citizenship, increased self-confidence, and supportive community. Every wall is covered with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that are largely filled with books that have been released within the last few years. The books are inexpensive (only $7.95 for a hardcover!), and several tables display ethically made gifts and stationery. At More Than Words, you both get books and support youth empowerment.
Other fun local shops nearby:
- Area Four is a new restaurant that just moved in a few doors down from More Than Words. Known for its fire oven-baked pizza and brunch menu, Area Four has colorful décor with splashes of retro-inspired accent pieces and a moody bar.
- SoWa Market is a staple of the South End. A combination of several separate markets, including the seasonal open market and the year-round indoor vintage market, SoWa features local art, food, and businesses.