When I started blogging it was with the intent to open a small bookstore in my little mountain community. Instead, the world changed a lot over the past five years and my focus has evolved to writing, reviewing and blogging. Doesn’t mean I’ve given up my life-long dream of having a bookstore but it’s been on hold while I get a few more life things sorted out. Thinking about my dream had me posing this question to a few fabulous blogger friends: Amazon, Indie, or Big Box Bookstore? Which is your favorite bookish place to buy books or hang out?
Marce from Tea Time with Marce: Love this question as it takes me on a memory journey. Before blogging I would say an airport, lol. It was exciting to see what was out and the hot book everyone was discussing, really how diverse can you get over the choices at an airport. When I started blogging I found the amazing website, bookdepository.com that shipped to Bermuda for free, that is truly amazing. Then I received a Kindle and I have been ebook addicted which has me loving AMAZON. I love the 1 click buy button, it gives me recommendations, shows me what similar books others are reading specific to a book I’m reviewing and it allows me to have a Wishlist, sends me emails with updates on authors I have read, special deals, this is the works with bells and whistles. I LOVE AMAZON!
Juju from Tales of Whimsy: Definitely Amazon. You just can’t beat the prices and their excellent customer service. If my library doesn’t carry it, then I go straight to Amazon Kindle app on my phone.
Rissi from Dreaming Under the Same Moon: This is tough! There is a big difference between shopping on-line at Amazon.com or walking into your favorite bookstore (for me, all I have is Barnes & Noble – for variety and Family Christian for inspirational/Christian fiction) so I think they should be treated differently. Amazon is awesome for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is availability to self-published authors (and since I know a handful of self-publishers, this is a must) as well as their pre-order price guarantee and the phenomenal customer service, because of that, I confess I often order books I don’t request for review from Amazon since there is nothing quite so easy as shopping from the comfort of your own home. Having said that, there is also no better feeling for a book addict (well, with exception to reading the book) than to walk into a book store and randomly search the shelves brimming with new gorgeous stories, and actually touch and see the book; when I go book shopping, I often end up pulling out far too many new titles and have to choose between books A, B, C, D and sometimes E since usually I limit myself to two – three max, per trip.
Bottom line? For the sake of the pocket book and atmosphere (there’s nothing better than realizing there are people like you who still value a good old-fashioned book), the better option (for me) is to walk into the book store. To get the best deal, Amazon’s pre-orders is probably hard to beat, though I can admit that while shopping there, I don’t limit myself to a mere two titles.
Kathy from BermudaOnion: I buy all of my books at my local independent bookstore, Fiction Addiction. I started going there because it’s locally owned and continue to go there because it’s such a great store. The staff is friendly and the service is outstanding but the best part is their wonderful events! Fiction Addiction hosts some fantastic author and has some very creative events. I love their Book Your Lunch events – they’re a great way to meet an author and make new friends!
Jennifer from Bookalicious Mama: With a husband who owns his own business, it’s important to me to support local, small businesses. I’m a huge advocate of shopping at and supporting them, and it’s no different when it comes to where I purchase my books. Foxtale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, Georgia is my home away from home! I adore every square inch of this shoppe and its owners! They are an incredible asset to our community — bringing the world of literature, books and their authors to Woodstock. I cannot imagine my community without the three owners (Ellen Ward, Karen Schwettman and Jackie Tanase). What originally started as my occasional place to drop in and pick up a book has turned into my second home for both myself and my girls. Foxtale is a haven for all kindred spirits who happen to love books. I am not the only person who values this jewel of a shop. Foxtale was recently voted “Best Bookstore in Atlanta” by Atlanta Magazine! Do yourself a favor and RUN to this independent book shoppe! Don’t live in the area? Check out their website (foxtalebookshoppe.com). They will ship to you!
There are a couple of Indie book stores that are within an hour of me and I love each for different reasons ~
I’m besotted with Avid Bookshop in Athens, Georgia. I first learned of Avid through a fundraising campaign and if you check out the photos on the site – it’s equally charming, eclectic and conveniently located in a huge college town {ever heard of University of Georgia?!?}.
Let me throw in one more just because I adore the owner and she let me work with her for a couple of years! Myra knows more about the authors on her shelves than anyone I’ve ever known. . .so if you’re ever in Gainesville, Georgia be sure to visit Hall Book Exchange! And test Myra on her author/book knowledge – she will wow you, promise!
And you dear Lovely Reader ~ where is your favorite place to shop books? Are you one of the lucky ones with a hometown unique and special Indie Bookstore or is the closest thing to a bookstore near you the local Walmart so all of your books come from Amazon or The Book Depository? Do tell ~ share your fabulous book store stories!
