Beautiful morning out there, and so far, not too humid. Don and I had yet another stimulating conversation on the porch glider while sipping our second cup of coffee. I want to take advantage of these coolish mornings on the porch while I can. Now he’s off to recycle.
Yesterday, I received an email from The Mysterious Bookshop, one of my all-time favorite bookshops, which is located in Manhattan. This is a world-famous bookshop, packed to the very high ceilings with mysteries as well as a splendid Sherlock Holmes collection. I’ve written about it before on this blog, devoting more than one post to its riches.
I’m on their mailing list and yesterday’s weekly email pulled me up short. I’m going to quote from part of the message from Otto Penzler, the owner. After wishing everyone well, he says:
…a grateful shout-out to our many customers who were so supportive while we were forced to close our doors. The kindness and generosity shown by long-time friends of the store, as well as by newer ones, has warmed my heart.
We are not out of the woods. A large percentage of New York’s population remains nervous about taking public transportation so we are seeing virtually no foot traffic. We have been a tourist destination for many years but there are no tourists. We have a sign on the door that limits the number of customers to six at a time, which is hilarious as we don’t have six browsers a day, much less at one time.
A recent report indicates that 76,000 of approximately 350,000 small businesses in New York will never reopen because of COVID-19. We are the last mystery bookstore in New York (there once were six) and are determined to be here for a long time.
We know you have many choices when it comes to where you purchase your books. But while many superstores do not depend on book sales, we do. That is why we are asking you to remember us for your book purchasing needs. If you cannot come to our store, we are happy to help you over the phone, email, or through our Mysterious Bookshop website. We are grateful to be the store you turn to when looking for that perfect mystery or unique gift and hope to continue that tradition for years to come.
I was alarmed. The bookshop is located in Tribeca and most people would have to take public transport to get there. It isn’t in Midtown. It isn’t on the Upper West Side. It’s way down in Tribeca. Unless you live nearby, you have to take the subway. Or a cab. Or an Uber, etc. All of which involve contact with other people, which leaves most people understandably wary.
They don’t even get 6 browsers a day. That’s what really shook me.
I love this bookshop. So I decided to order two books from them, right away. I’ve been wanting to order Michael Connelly’s newest and of course I want Louise Penny’s newest, which will be published on September 1st. Now, I looked them up on Amazon. I could save close to $15.00 on the Connelly if I ordered it from them, and I’ve got free shipping because I have Amazon Prime. And I would save on the Louise Penny, as well – close to $10.00. That’s what Amazon can do and that’s why they are a threat to independent bookshops, always, but especially during this time. They can slash prices when independent bookshops cannot.
But we need to support independent bookshops. They are struggling during this pandemic. The Mysterious Bookshop has been around for years. I can’t imagine New York without it. I can’t imagine my world without it. So, despite the temptation from Amazon wafting off the screen, I called the shop and ordered both books. It’s most likely a drop in the bucket in the big picture, but I hope more people read that message and decided to do the same. If we all do that, we’ll help save our beloved bookshops. I’m as guilty as the next person, you know. I sometimes order from Amazon because I need something quickly. But I’m determined to change that behavior, to think first of ordering from an independent bookshop.
The people that work at The Mysterious Bookshop are incredibly knowledgeable. I’ve stood there perusing books while listening to conversations between the staff and customers, many of which centered around, “Could you recommend a book that…?” The replies from staff were astonishing in their breadth of knowledge and their willingness to find just the right book for that customer. Can Barnes and Noble do that? No, not by a long shot. Can Amazon do that? No. You’ll get some recommendations but they’re driven by an algorithm. They’re faceless; without nuance, without subtlety.
I’ve found the same kind of response at Oblong Books. And at Faulkner House Books in New Orleans. And at Shakespeare and Company in Paris. And, with a staff that has an extraordinary knowledge of literature, at John Sandoe Books in London.
They’ve all suffered great losses during this pandemic. Shakespeare and Company is open again, as is John Sandoe. Our bookshops here, if open, are operating with restrictions in place that often include no browsing. So we need to step up and order from them. We need to call them and have the same conversation we would have if we were there in person: “What do you recommend?”
I realize I’m preaching to the choir, but yesterday’s email from The Mysterious Bookshop shook me. Our means are very modest, but surely I can order something from them and say I’m fine with it costing full price and I’m fine with paying for shipping. They deserve it. They deserve my business.
Also, I want to recommend a documentary that just came out called The Booksellers. It’s all about the world of rare books and those who sell them and it is absolutely wonderful. You can rent it on Amazon Prime and on YouTube and probably elsewhere. I recommend it highly.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
Hello, Claudia. I’m a longtime reader but this is my first comment. I will let my daughter know about the bookshop. She just started a new job in TriBeCa and will be excited that The Mysterious Bookshop is close. She has missed The Strand since she was laid off From her job when Broadway closed. She lives in Brooklyn and hasn’t ventured into the city for any reason until now. I will order a read, or two, from The Mysterious Bookshop as well. Thank you for the heads up.
Oh, thank you Lori! I know your daughter will love that shop! Thank you for your support of independent bookshops.
Take care and stay safe!
Well said. We must work to save all the little shops that make communities.
Absolutely, Brenda. Stay safe!
Thanks for the shout out to independent books stores. I will try to order something from them, too!
Thank you, Jenny! Stay safe!
I read several blogs written by quilt designers who have published books. Because these specialty books are not often available in book stores, I generally buy quilt books direct from the author’s website. I’ve been told that authors get only a few cents a piece for books sold on amazon. Whether this is true I don’t know, but I feel like amazon is making enough money and the quilters are certainly not getting rich. They deserve to get a decent price for them. I don’t want to see small bookshops driven out of business by amazon the way small hardware stores and dress shops have been by big retailers.
That’s a good thing to do, Linda. (I used to have scads of quilting books but gave most of them away.) Much better to put the money directly in the author’s pocket.
Thanks so much. Stay safe!
this bookstore sounds intriguing, I will check out their website. My 12 year old’s school district has a summer reading requirement. School district notifies all local bookstores of the book lists. We went to our local Barnes & Noble to purchase his book, and found a very different environment than our past book store forays. On this trip, we had to search a person down, to find out they didn’t have the book. After purchasing multiple other books (!!!), we left, never thinking of going to the Half price bookstore (which I should have thought about). Anyway, we went to Books-A-Million (at another local mall), and in addition to his summer-read book, found multiple other books as well as 12-year-old boy-friendly face masks. My charge account reveals I have supported the local book economy this summer!!! I admire you that you know authors & subjects of interest & purchase those only. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I go to the book store. I think this is why Amazon sometimes is a choice, simply to make myself buy only the item I was shopping for & nothing else!
I’m afraid that if I had the money I’d buy lots of books, Jan. I have in the past. I love nothing more than browsing in a bookshop and buying a pile of books. But we just can’t do that right now, as we have no work. So I’m digging into my TBR pile and only ordering one or two new books coming out that I would buy no matter what.
Thanks so much!
Stay safe.
Claudia, I totally understand. Watching our finances is a major factor in why I don’t go into book stores very often. This quarantine time with very limited time in any stores made me susceptible I suppose! My grandson and I felt like we were on a great exploration after our months of isolation. He chose books of interest to him on trees and birds, so hopefully these are educational choices. I did buy 3 novels that were on sale 3 for $10 plus one book of poetry!
I enjoy your book reviews & info on ‘what you are reading’. You have introduced me to authors and books I have enjoyed greatly.
Oh, there’s nothing better than amassing a big pile of books, Jan! And when they’re on sale, all the better!
xo
This is sad news indeed. Independent bookstores have already been so challenged by Amazon and Barnes and Noble. We had a few around here, including one that specialized in feminist and lesbian literature, but they are long gone. I don’t think there is an independent bookstore in the Hartford area any more. I’ve just read that our wonderful Congress has failed to agree to a further stimulus package and the experts think it will take months until a possible plan. That means a deepening “recession” on a scale that it’s hard to imagine. I’m convinced it will mean the end of any small independent businesses. Like you, I grew up relying on bookstores and helpful staff to guide me down some amazing pathways. Thinking of them trying to keep going with less than 6 customers a day is heart-breaking. Favorite little restaurants, diners, coffee shops will be going the way of the Dodo, too. When I buy mystery books I will first check with Mysterious Books. My heart is with you.
I sure looked for independent bookstores when I was staying in Hartford and never found one. Very frustrating, as it is the state capitol and one would expect to find something there or in West Hartford!
Thanks, Nora. Stay safe!
Claudia, perhaps I should finish your post before replying, but I need to say this before I forget.
I feel as you do about the price of a book from an indie seller compared to one from Amazon or even B&N. I chose to use Libro.fm because we believe Bezos is rich enough. Audible.com is just as seductive as Amazon Prime but again, Bezos is rich enough. So, Hood Feminism from Libro costs $24.99 but Audible offers it for $13.99. I wrestled with this one but in the end decided to go with Libro. Lo and behold! I got it for free as part of the “two free” for signing up. I can drive to our local Barnes & Noble in less than fifteen minutes but COVID has me housebound.
Barnes & Noble employees are such knowledgable booksellers. They know books because they love books. They read books! They’re friendly and helpful, and will recommend titles you might be interested in, and they’ve read many of the books I inquire after. So please, don’t be prejudiced against all B&N employees. :D
All book lovers should unite. We must buy books as if our lives depended on it because if no one buys books, the sellers of books will suffer, the writers of books will suffer, and publishing houses will suffer. I suffer from the new soy (?) ink printers use. Such symptoms as runny nose, tears and burning, sneezing and itching turn me away and into the arms of audio books. I refuse to give up my raft of books! I will sail on into the Bookverse in any vessel that proves safe.
I began The Booksellers. Here’s hoping it will change the world.
Thanks for this post.
Be well.
Actually my experience with Barnes & Noble is that they know obvious books, like best sellers, but that’s about it. They have to look up most everything else. I never implied that they don’t love reading. I assume anyone who works in a bookstore loves reading. But time and time again, I’ve asked them about a certain book, and a) it’s not there or b) they have no idea what I’m talking about. They’re a chain, a big box store, they sell toys and manga merchandise and vinyl records – that’s fine, but that means they don’t just sell books. Hence their book inventory is on the small side, and the variety of selections available are on the narrow side. An independent bookstore usually sells books and books only – maybe a few mugs, etc. I stopped going to B & N, except for a magazine every now and then, a long time ago. I’m hoping the new CEO, Daunt of Daunt Books in London, will turn the chain around for the better. I suspect he will. And then I’ll happily revisit them.
Does Libro.fm sell books or audio books, Bobbie? I am not an audio book person so I wouldn’t partake. But if they sell actual books as well, I’ll look into that site. I’m sorry about your reaction to soy ink! That must be frustrating.
I hope you like The Booksellers!
Stay safe.
Good morning Claudia. Thanks for sharing your email and the plight of many businesses in our communities. There are many reasons to shop small stores…..tax dollars stay in your community, someone in your community has employment, knowledgeable staff, and the little store I teach paper arts in all know each other and it feels like family! These stores are usually slightly pricier until you factor in your dollars are staying home. So, thank you Claudia for championing stores with roots. We all win!!!
It’s hot here!! Verna
You made such good points, Verna! Thanks for adding to the discussion.
Stay safe.
I totally agree with you on these independent booksellers. About six weeks ago, I ordered a couple of books from one of our favorite independent booksellers in Evanston, IL. They had posted on Facebook about how they were hurting – much the same as the email you quoted. We also have Amazon Prime and the two books I wanted were much less on Amazon, of course. But I bit the bullet and paid full price – plus shipping – from this independent bookstore because I want them to stay in business. Like you mentioned, my two book purchases were probably just a drop in the bucket, but I was hoping that a lot of people would have that same notion and follow suit. I’m happy to report that this independent bookstore is now open once again and we visited them just last week. Of course, the store only allows a certain number of people and we have to wear masks and social distance, but that’s fine. We were just happy they were able to open their physical doors once again.
Have a good weekend! We are having cooler weather here, so hopefully it’s coming your way.
Good for you, Melanie! We have to help in any way we can.
Stay safe!
glad you’ve had some cool mornings to enjoy. hope the day doesn’t get so hot and humid to keep you inside when you’d rather be outdoors.
hope don continues to feel better and you stay well.
we’re supposed to reach a high of 75 degrees on monday and that’s about as hot as i ever like it. will be glad for a break in the humidity, too.
thanks for sharing about the mysterious bookshop. my heart breaks for all the losses from this horrible virus. hopefully this experience will remind/teach all of humankind to be kind, respectful and helpful to each other. just got home and ordered a couple things, including an agatha christie book, in recognition of the beloved women in my family who read some of her books when i was growing up.
after getting groceries and supplies for other households and delivering them, i had a very nice visit and a delicious “blt without the b” sandwich (in my car) with some of my family (indoors at the table). best part of my days … and life … is being with/talking with my family.
hope to do some painting tonight, but need to iron clothes first.
hope you have a nice night and stay safe!
kathy in iowa
Glad you had a good day.
I’ve lived so far from all of my family for so long – being in the theater we have to live either on the west coast or the east coast. I miss seeing my family. We’re all used to it, of course. It’s increasingly rare that family members are still living somewhat close together. Mine is in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida. Don’s is in California and Oklahoma. We’re far from all of them.
Stay safe, Kathy.
Oh no! I love the Mysterious Book Shop. It’s only a few blocks from my office (but I’ve been telecommuting for months). It was always a favorite lunchtime stop for me.
I just placed an online order. Not huge but I hope every little bit helps.
I really wish everyone would start cooperating to put an end to this virus. So many things that we know and love will be gone otherwise!
Oh, thank you, Bonnie. How lucky you are to work near that great bookshop. Someday you’ll be back in Manhattan and you can once again go there in person.
Stay safe!
It is all so heartbreaking, Claudia. I was talking with my daughter this morning about how different the Holidays will be this year as well. I am sure that most gifts I purchase this year will be from some site on the Internet. Add in the threats and changes that the idiot is forcing upon the USPS, it will affect all of us as well. I have never in my life been a “prepper” in any way, shape, or form, but I find myself in a stocking up mode for sure right now, worried about what the next 4-6 months ahead will bring. Small businesses are perishing. I find so many of my purchases right now being made based upon more than just economy and efficiency. I will search out the small business every time I can now so they can succeed if it is at all possible. It is all so awful. And even more so in that much of it could have been avoided. And, still, nothing is changing. No answers being found and shared. Just blatant disregard for anyone or anything except for one sad little disgusting idiot.
I suppose we should follow your lead and start being preppers. I hadn’t thought about it, but you’re right.
It all could have been avoided for sure. It’s all down to Trump and his inept administration. Needless deaths, needless bankruptcies, needless business closings.
Stay safe, Chris.
There are no independent book stores around where we live. And, unfortunately, the big box stores have been driving the out of business for decades. We lived in Madison, a college town and, therefore, home to lots of bookstores, in the nineties. When Barnes & Noble came in with a huge new store and then Borders began building several huge stores, we watched as one independent bookseller after another went out of business. Sad.
That said B&N was my oldest’s college job and he loved working there, as long as he was dealing with people who wanted to buy books. Those who came in to use it as a babysitting service or to hang out in the cafe half the day and scatter books and magazines around drove him nuts. You wouldn’t believe the shenanigans he saw with kids and their moms on the escalator. Anyway, stuff you never would see at a real book store because those people wouldn’t have been in there in the first place.
When we lived in DC in the eighties, it was just above DuPont Circle where there were lots of book stores. Whenever my husband has business in Washington, and I can tag along, that’s the first place I head. I always make a point to buy a book and have lunch at Kramer Books and Afterwords Cafe. Sure hope it makes it through the pandemic.
Take care.
Kay
Oh, I got to experience Kramer Books and Afterwards Cafe when I spent a couple of months in DC years ago. I was there performing in a play at the Kennedy Center and I found that bookstore and absolutely loved it!
Stay safe, Kay.
Good for you ordering from an independent store. I decided awhile ago to stop buying online unless it was my last resort. If we don’t shop local there will be less and less merchandise and fewer jobs. Plus I see dozens of Amazon vans zipping around the area. That can’t be efficient or good for the environment. I am sure once online becomes the main source of goods the prices will go up.
Enjoy your books.
Well, I do order online from independent bookshops, as NY has strong protocols in place (thank God) and we can’t necessarily enter them. All of them have the ability to take orders online or via the phone.
But I consider that shopping local as well as helping some of my favorite bookshops in London and Paris, as well.
Stay safe, Kay!
Oh I agree. Ordering online is good for independent and small businesses. I am just trying to avoid the big online retailers if I can buy local.
Absolutely! Same here. xoxo
This is a good reminder to all of us, Claudia. Certainly in Lansing we have seen independents disappear long before Covid. And even B&N closed their doors a number of years ago — and in a college town. Schuler’s, the major independent (they have four stores in the state. Correction — HAD four stores, two in Lansing are and two in GR). One store in each city has closed. They’re doing their best to keep going, mail order, etc. but it’s a tough road.
When I was in Canada on March 12 we went to several used bookstores. Remember, Covid was “new” as a big deal then — Trump’s address was on March 11. Canada was already being careful. One even had gloves to wear while you shopped (take them, please!) and sanitized any books bought before you left the store. But Canada’s cool like that.
I’m looking forward to Louise Penny’s newest. Do you get her newsletter? I love her newsletter!
Yes, there are B&Ns around here that are closing. There’s a new CEO – James Daunt, of Daunt Books in London. He did a magnificent job of turning Waterstone’s around, so here’s hoping B&N gets better.
Wearing gloves while shopping in a bookstore is a good idea.
Yes, I get her newsletter.
Stay safe, Jeanie!