I was in Edinburgh this past Christmas, and my family (wife and two adult kids) were looking for something to do in the morning. NOTHING is open in Edinburgh on Christmas (respect!) except we found two indie bookstores.
It was raining and grey and cold, and we had insufficient gear. By the time we got to the first one, Typewronger, we were rats of despair.
But damn was it worth it. A tiny, sub-street-level snug that was the size of a hotel room, Typewronger was filled with incredibly well-curated books, vintage typewriters, a giant salesperson oozing Christmas cheer, and his spread: biscuits, wine, cheese, and barley soup!
The staff recommendations were typed out on the old banger typewriters and were priceless. Everyone in the family left with at least one book, and less 20# of anxiety. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER! I felt as though I could buy a book blind and I would be ok, and in fact my daughter bought a “blind book” that was pre-wrapped in brown paper and unknown.
Do you have a magical bookstore moment?
Here is one of the books with a note: https://share.icloud.com/photos/088rqNg0kG5XwQOQCt0nGYHMQ
by archbid