Jennie's Reads

Imagine going down a long corridor with books stacked to your right, some with peeling covers, others worn through years of being exposed to the elements – only to step through what feels like a portal into a cave stacked floor to ceiling with books. Everywhere. I don’t know about you but, the smell of paper and bound books, the weight of a paper back in my hands will never get old.

Each one of the following spots is on my bucket list, and I hope that it inspires you to travel not only in your books, but to these beautiful bookstores as well.

1. Shakespeare and Company – Paris, France: Founded by Sylvia Beach, known for hosting famous writers like James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway

2. The Strand – New York City, USA: Boasts “18 miles of books” and is a New York City landmark.

3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina: Originally a theater, this bookstore maintains its Beaux-Arts décor and offers a unique reading experience.

4. Livraria Lello – Porto, Portugal: Known for its stunning architecture and “stairway to heaven,” a must-visit for book lovers.

5. City Lights Books – San Francisco, USA: A historic bookstore known for its association with the Beat Generation writers.

6. Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice, Italy: Features books stored in gondolas and bathtubs, creating a unique and charming atmosphere.

7. Powell’s Books – Portland, Oregon, USA: The largest independent bookstore globally, occupying a whole city block.

8. The Last Bookstore – Los Angeles, USA: Known for its whimsical design and diverse book collections.

9. The Mysterious Bookshop – Manhattan, New York: Founded by mystery writer and editor Otto Penzler, this bookstore is entirely mystery-themed and boasts the largest Sherlock Holmes collection in the world.

10. BookWoman – Austin, Texas, USA: A well-rated bookstore offering a diverse selection of books.

From the historic Shakespeare and Company in Paris to the mystery-themed Mysterious Bookshop in Manhattan, each bookstore on this list offers a unique experience in and of it’s self.

It is my hope that we never forget the magic of walking into a bookstore, hearing the stories that whisper from within the walls, and feel the profound presence of knowledge within each of these spaces…

Have you been to any of the bookstores above? Did you add any to your “Must-Visit” list? Tell me below!