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| - This is my retreat during a crappy day at work. Here I get distracted, then I get inspired, maybe even academic with some non-fiction, and definitely drop some $20s on every visit.
You can feel their editorial nature in the very selection of literature, and the way they arrange by topics on the tables. They are not about best-sellers-- they're about the good stuff, the real stuff. On my last visit, they knew all about Roberto Bolano's novels for my book club, and also helped me choose a thoughtful gift for a teenager.
I always get into a conversation with the gentleman behind the counter-- he's really interested in why I select certain books, and I just love chatting with him. Even better, he always makes a recommedation for next time.
The pristine silence does tend to make the experience a bit museum-y. Case in point: I knocked one star because I dropped a book yesterday (a hardcover), and could feel the management's eyes bore into my back. Then they started asking amongst themselves, "Who dropped the book?" although it was obvious by my red face and shaking hands. (Oh, and I was the only customer....and they weren't kidding either).
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