Issues → November/December 2008 → Travel →
Bookstores: Best 5 in New England
Pioneer Valley author picks her favorites
by Suzanne Strempek Shea
Suzanne Strempek Shea, one of the Pioneer Valley's best-loved writers, is the author of five novels and three memoirs, including Shelf Life, about her year working at a local independent bookstore in Western Massachusetts. She's also read her work at dozens of shops around New England. These are her favorites.
BROADSIDE BOOKSHOP -- Northampton, MA
The stacked-to-the-rafters literary conscience of the Connecticut River Valley and a coveted reading venue for any touring author.
247 Main St., Northampton, MA 413-586-4235; broadsidebooks.com
BAKER BOOKSHOP -- North Dartmouth, MA
A handsome Hollywood movie set of a bookstore -- but it's not all just show. This welcoming shop has a book-savvy staff and a great cafe.
69 State Road, North Dartmouth, MA 508-997-6700; bakerbooks.net
GULF OF MAINE BOOKS -- Brunswick, ME
Small, serene, and nobody bugs you when you browse for hours. Don't miss the magazines and cool postcards.
134 Maine St., Brunswick, ME 207-729-5083; gulfofmainebooks.blogspot.com
THE ODYSSEY BOOKSHOP -- South Hadley, MA
An errand to pick up a single book can easily turn into a personal odyssey for hours as you explore the two floors.
9 College St., South Hadley, MA 800-540-7307, 413-534-7307; odysseybks.com
THE TOADSTOOL BOOKSHOP -- Peterborough, NH
Lose yourself in the dazzling used section, recover while scanning the new titles, reflect over slices of the cafe's heavenly pies.
12 Depot Square, Peterborough, NH 603-924-3543; toadbooks.com
Reader Comments
Comment from Kathleen Millard on November 20, 2008
I am the manager of a beautiful bookstore in New Canaan, CT Elm Street Books,35 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06040 I was sorry to see you did not include us on your list. If you had stopped by New Canaan you would just love our bookstore. Hoping your take the time in the future to visit us. Kathleen Millard 203-966-4545
Comment from Deborah Damon on November 25, 2008
I have visited two of these, Gulf of Maine and Toadstool in Peterborough. If they are all like these two, they are lots of fun and winners!
Comment from Wayne CHAPMAN on November 25, 2008
I would also recommend Misty Valley Books, on the Green, in Chester, VT. The store, though small, has a wide variety of books, and the staff is very helpful. They also host frequent author events in the area. We have especially enjoyed meeting the mystery writer Archer Mayor.
Comment from Betsy Johnston on November 25, 2008
I am surprised that Northshire Books in Manchester, Vt. has not made the list...it is my absolute favorite both for their extensive range of stock and for their helpful and knowledgable staff. My husband and I look forward to visiting Manchester two or three times a year mostly because of this terrific store.
Comment from George Kirby on November 26, 2008
Don't forget about Breakwater Books located on the downtown Green of beautiful, coastal Guilford, CT. This book-nook has a great selection of today's favorites as well as a wide compliment of local favorites. And you can stop next door for a cup of fresh-roasted coffee at Cilantro's Cafe.
Comment from Jenifer Lewis on December 2, 2008
Apple Valley Books in Winthrop ME (about 15 min west of Augusta) is a terrific book store, offering a nice variety of books and providing a prompt ordering service (with discounts) for delivery to either their store or your home. Thanks to Apple Valley Books there's no need to go to any of the big box bookstores, and it's delightful to have them in my own town. They also carry locally produced art (e.g. pottery) and offer other services too numerous to list here. Their web site is: www.fairpoint.net/~applebooks/
Another not-to-be-missed bookstore is Wiggle Weigle?s Books in Biddeford ME, with "In A Bind" art gallery and studio in the back. Their websites are http://web.mac.com/aweigle/inabindstudio/WiggleWeigles_Books.html and http://inabindstudio.com/.
I do not have any proprietary interest in either of these stores, both of which are owned and operated by former & current librarians. I mention them because they are the two best bookstores I know in Maine!
Comment from THE WOOD FAMILY on December 2, 2008
I'd like to add Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven as a favorite. We vacation on Martha's Vineyard every year, and my eight-year-old always wants it to be our first stop. The store was damaged in a fire this past summer, and was closed. My little guy actually had tears in his eyes when he heard the news. The store will be back after repairs, and he can't wait.
Comment from Christina Tecce on December 2, 2008
The Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport is famous for having great authors, excellent service because of knowledgable staff, books about Cape Ann and New England among many others in a cozy place. As a non profit, it's proceeds go directly to environmental causes. If you're concerned about the environment - you can order books by phone and know that what you're buying will support your mission. It is much more fun to visit in person though since it's right on the ocean and surrounded by the cute shops and galleries of Rockport! www.toadhallbooks.org
Comment from Diane Pouliot on September 18, 2009
I do hope that Suzanne takes some time to travel to Manchester Center, Vt and finds the Northshire Bookstore. The Morrow family prides themselves on their knowledge and wonderful selection of books as well as featuring some of the most current authors in the country... We are avidly waiting for Stephen King this December. And while in Manchester, why not travel up Route 7 to the town of Brandon, Vt where the Briggs-Carriage bookstore is located--another independently owned an welcoming bookstore. Long live the independent bookseller where the interactions are colorful and IN PERSON..... sad to see things going electronically.....
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