Today was a rainy Indie Bookstore Day. Even though I had work, I wasn’t heartbroken to miss out. (That just gives me a totally valid reason for placing a few preorders to offset my lack of in-store shopping.) I also don’t mind because I actually prefer shopping at Bookhouse when possible.
I’m aware there are some who don’t understand the appeal or my willingness to pay full price for a book I could potentially buy cheaper at the Site-That-Won’t-Be-Named. I get it. Life isn’t cheap at the moment. People want to partake in their hobbies without breaking the bank.
But indie bookstores are unique in the way that you can find something not being pushed by an algorithm or influencer, but simply because it sounded interesting. In fact, there are two things I personally do when I discover a new independent bookstore.
Shop With Intent
I often think back to the day I was looking through the poetry section of Bookhouse when I spotted a little red book called That We May Live. Intrigued, I purchased the book after a quick flip through to get an idea of the contents. I later learned the book was published by Two Lines Press, featuring poetry and short fiction from multiple Chinese authors. This was also the first book in their Calico lineup. While I haven’t bought all 11 titles out so far, that book led me to a new publisher.
There’s a certain joy to stumbling upon a book you still enjoy years later. You just have to look past what’s constantly being shoved in front of you. Don’t get distracted by popular book displays, you’re likely familiar with the titles already. Instead, check the shelves for a cover you haven’t seen before. Lurk around a genre section you’ve considered exploring more of. Read the summary and ask yourself what part grab your attention. Being able to take your time and make your own choices among a sea of stories can be both relaxing and fun.
And don’t feel bad if you can’t buy the book right away. I often take pictures of books when I’m at Barnes and Noble as a reminder when I go to purchase it at my local indie bookstore.
Browse Their Curated Lists
Admittedly, curating your own personal media isn’t the way it use to be for a lot of people, especially online. Again, we’re bombarded with things we’re supposed to like because everyone else does, with the lingering fear of missing out on something great if we hop on the bandwagon too late. Even book content creators can persuade you into not reading something just because it wasn’t a 5-star read. It can be hard to branch out when presented with almost unlimited options and opinions.
Indie booksellers have curated book lists. And they’re amazing. Trust me. The best part? They usually host a broader range of reading. Or they specialize in a specific genre their passionate about. In the same way you may consider a book recommendation from a popular booktoker, consider the variety of lists booksellers curate across various genres and topics.
There were two things I did after conversing with Hillary of Black Walnut Books at one of the Big Gay Market events last year: followed the bookshop on Instagram and immediately began scrolling through their booklists; readathon picks, favorite indie publisher works, Indigenous poetry, and exciting upcoming books for the year! It was a digital haven filled to the brim with book suggestions! All of which aligned with my personal interests in some shape or form.
I know not everyone has easy access to an indie bookstore. Maybe Barnes and Noble or Books-A-Million is your closest or only bookstore.
Being a large bookseller chain, Barnes and Noble will usually display what’s popular in their high traffic areas, filling tables with books you’ve definitely heard about from several bookstagrammers, booktokers, etc. Which is kinda understandable from a business point of view.
You aren’t business.
You’re a reader.
See what stores people are highlighting in their area. Shop indie year round or buy a book or two from one when possible. Days like “Indie Bookstore Day” aren’t just about increased sales and visibility.
It’s about enriching local communities and coming together to keep stories alive.
.chel
Reading Rites 