The Big Box vs. The Bookstore

While I shall do my best to champion all aspects of the independent book seller, I need to be honest here (hypocrisy shall not become me) and let it be known that I do shop for books at Borders and Barnes & Noble and have done so at many other chain bookstores over the years as well. I have even purchased books at Wal-Mart (albeit, most likely during a late night shopping trip when I am there for something completely unrelated, and a book catches my eye). In my opinion, big box bookstores have their place in this world even if many book people do have a certain disdain for them.

I can still recall the overwhelming feeling of, as a 17 year old stoner, driving 50 miles from my home into the heart of NJ (a somewhat unpleasant prospect compared to the simplicity of northeast PA at the time) to first experience the huge selection of books available at a Barnes & Noble - oh man, it was like every Waldenbooks and local bookstore I had ever been to put together under one roof! I had no idea such a place could be real, and wanted nothing more than spend hours looking at all the books I never knew existed. Since then, I have had that feeling at a variety of bookstores, but there was something truly unique in my awe I first experienced there (just remembering it now makes me want to head back to that particular store at some point to see what my feelings are all these years later, but that will need to be an experience for another time).

What huge chain bookstores have meant to the book business can be discussed on various levels, but on a personal level, through thought and consideration, I can safely say this - with all things being equal and given the choice between buying a book from a local independent bookstore or from a national chain store, the choice is easy for me, and my local book seller would get my dollar every time… the problem is that all things are not equal - nothing I can do about that except support independent bookstores whenever I can. You will see chain stores mentioned and discussed in posts that I write, but you will not see me advocate or promote them - I am pretty sure their advertising budgets do not need any assistance from little ol’ me.

Put simply, this is a place for the independent bookstore to shine.

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I cannot live without books. ~Thomas Jefferson