225 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY
I have wanted to visit this bookshop for a long time, long before I heard it mentioned by John Hodgman on his Judge John Hodgman podcast (which I highly recommend), but it was Hodgman who finally compelled me to go. You see, I was buying a certain special someone a signed copy of his latest book, Medallion Status, for her birthday and he frequently signed personalized copies for this shop, so it was a fantastic excuse to not only order a couple of signed books, but to travel to NYC to finally visit the shop itself. In both cases, I was not disappointed.
The BOOKS ARE MAGIC mural outside keys you in to the kaleidoscopic fun that awaits within its doors. The staff I met were helpful and quick to find our copies, and then the two of us wandered along the tables and displays and long walls of books, all new bestsellers or classics, along with many notable and socially relevant titles examining today’s dynamic experiences and events, with display books by Sally Rooney, Laura Van Den Berg, Barbara Kingsolver, Ronan Farrow, and the aforementioned John Hodgman, among many other excellent offerings.
The main room also had a robust selection of poetry, graphic novels, science and nature, politics, and a former fireplace converted into a staff picks section, along with the obligatory NYC-centric section of books (both fiction and non) and swaths of bright, compelling titles of all sorts. And around a bookshelf there’s a tucked-away nook for romance, sci-fi, and other genre types.
I saw at least a dozen I wanted to take home but I kept myself to the one I ordered special that day, but it’s that kind of shop—where you just want to reach out and take them all home.
Down the steps in the back you’ll find a little bit of travel and language, cooking and design, art writing and photography, a sitting area by the bathrooms, and a whole load of children’s books—fiction, picture books, YA, educational, all the big hits and unique discoveries you’d want.
If you’re in New York City and you’re a book-lover then you’re likely to hit Strand, and you wouldn’t be wrong to do so, but if you want to venture out a bit further for some extra local flavor, I highly recommend the short subway ride into Brooklyn for Books Are Magic. It was a lot of fun and they have a wonderful selection. High marks all around.
Atmosphere — A bright shop with something for everyone, whether you’re a kid, a parent, a gift shopper, or a solo browser. They have an excellent selection and plenty of events to keep both locals and tourist busy and happy.
Quality — All new, top notch.
Quantity — This shop has plenty of space and tons of books.
Diversity — They cover a solid range of topics, and even some of the smaller or more obscure hard-to-find sections have some solid offerings.
Affordability — It’s the usual prices for new books.
Amenities — They have seats, bathrooms, events, and gifts, and you’re close to a bunch of little eateries.
Location — In Park Slope just a few blocks from the Bergen (F, G) subway stop.
Customer Service — The staff were prompt and helpful.
Overall — This was worth the subway ride form Manhattan, and if I’m ever in Brooklyn I’d love to stop in again. They have a great selection, excellent recommendations, and a ton of great events and authors coming through. A fantastic neighborhood bookshop.
