Nine Stories gives me the same feeling I had visiting the local book store in my home town as a kid. It is friendly, cozy, and well stocked.
The difference is that it's beautifully curated by and for book lovers. There are no precarious stacks of neglected magazines or disintegrating paperbacks. No anxiety-inducing dusty knick-knacks - just good, interesting books old and new, lovingly shelved with the care and honor they deserve.
Even the non-book gift items feel carefully selected and intentional. Anything that isn't a book is decidedly book-themed. There are some tote bags, t-shirts and pins that all sport the designs of classic covers, for instance. In an era where larger stores seem more focused on selling pop culture figurines and electronics than actual books, I appreciate the commitment to the theme.
I don't have as much time to read as I used to, so when I can it is somewhat sacred to me. I believe the same is true of owners Allison and John. They have made it clear to me that they can order just about anything if they don't happen to have the next item on my reading list. Their dedication to this wonderful little shop- and the act of reading itself- guarantees I will take them up on that.