Books Are Jazzy

Over spring break I got the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. The trip was lovely, but of course I must highlight the bookish aspect of the vacation. While in D.C., I got to see another adorable independent bookstore: this time it was Capitol Hill Books.

The store was a converted apartment, crammed full of books. There were even books in the bathroom!






Moreover, there were amazing notes scattered throughout the bookstore, left there by the hilarious employees.


Scroll through for more pictures!

It finally happened. After months of walking by, saying to myself "next week", and one failed attempt on a national holiday (it was obviously closed, I should've guessed!), I finally did it yesterday. I caused the bell on the door that indicates a new customer wondering in to ring. Pieni Kirjapuoti and Kahvila 7 pöytää, the local bookshop + café combo that I talked about when I first moved to Turku finally got a visit from me.

It took me by surprise. Looking from the outside, as I have on so many occasions, the boutique seems pretty small. But once I stepped inside, I realized that while it is petite, it is actually much bigger than I had imagined. The layout is very cozy and intimate with armchairs of the café sprawled out throughout the bookshop. I really enjoyed how this made the whole place seem a bit like a living room or somebody's personal library.

The collection of books on sale is quite vast and it serves something for everyone. In classic bookstore style, a collection of notebooks, posters, tote bags, bookmarks, calendars, cards etc are also on sale. And I specifically liked the style of these add ons.

My only regret is that I couldn't bring Laura there when she was over because they were closed for a holiday at the time, but I guess we have something to look forward to! Nor did I end up getting anything from the café as I was in a bit of a hurry. I will definitely have to go back for a latte and grab a potential new book from one of the shelves lining the walls. Plus it's near my home, right on my path from the grocery store in fact, so I see myself popping in for a few moments of me time every now and then.

This picture really sucks at conveying anything about the shop because I felt uneasy taking pictures for some reason but at least it's something!

Never underestimate the adventures your familiar surroundings may offer!
-Anna

I recently visited Asheville, where I'll be moving to later this fall (!!) and while there had the chance to visit a couple of local bookstores. I went to both Malaprop's and Battery Park Book Exchange, two independent bookstores located in Asheville.

While I loved both bookstores, I loved them for different reasons. Malaprop's catered towards me more as a customer - I would relish shopping there for books. On the other hand, Battery Park seemed more like the type of place I would like to hang out in, purely based on aesthetics and their wine bar...



I can't wait to get to explore more of Asheville and its independent bookstores come this fall!
-Laura

Laura and I kickstarted the summer with a trip to our loyal neighboring capital city, Stockholm. Out of our petite itinerary, the only sight/thing to do that didn't let us down was Science Fiction Bookhandeln on Västerlånggatan. Unlike the cherry blossoms we missed or the Urban Outfitters that had taken off and moved without any warning, the bookstore greeted us like old friends. And typically for two book lovers, we didn't leave empty handed. Here's what we grabbed from the shelves:



The Story of Kullervo by J.R.R. Tolkien.

I actually purchased this as a graduation gift for my friend because the character and hence the whole story has gotten its inspiration from the Finnish epic Kalevala. I'm actually quite interested in the book myself and might have to get my hands on a copy for myself too.

The Trials of Apollo the Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan.

My brother dropped me a hint saying he'd like this sequel for his birthday, but as the book had only just been released, I hadn't been able to find it anywhere back home. Lucky there's Sweden with it's sci-fi bookstores right next door!

Gemina The Illuminae Files 2 by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

This was Laura's find. I think it's only fitting that since I somehow got more books than her, she would end up buying one equal in size to my two combined. Even, right?



-Anna

This is for all you Americans!

As much as I love traveling and exotic things, this time I want to turn attention to one of the cool book shops found in my home country, Finland. After all, places near home form a special place in our hearts. That's why I want to share this tiny but fun and bright, Helsinki-based book shop with you all. Give it a little love.




NIDE was originally presented to me by one of my friends. And since I've visited several times in search of a new read or just for a quick pop in. I've also dragged my friends in just to show off the place since it has such a convenient location in the heart of Helsinki. A miniature stroll from Kamppi down "Freda" (Freedrikinkatu 35 is where you will find it).
If you ever find yourself in Helsinki, do take the time to stop by. It is very small but has character to make up for it. Take a look: webpage, ig, fb.




My favorite little detail are the bookmarks you get with your purchase. They are simply white, quite modern, but always display a different quote. I notice I've kind of began to collect them :D I also got their tote bag for my birthday this year from the same lovely friend of mine who showed me the place. I can often be seen carrying my books around in the bag and simultaneously showing off my love for books and this cool shop. (Thank you buddy :))

-Anna

Continuing on with my series of bookstore reviews, here is my favorite: Shakespeare &Co. I envy all Parisians for they are the lucky ones who have this gorgeous book shop in their city. I would love to have it near home, but to be completely honest, the location is part of the boutique's glory. So that wouldn't exactly get me the aspired result...



But why am I so in love with this particular shop? Well, let me tell you. It is one of those places that has walls lined with books, from floor to ceiling, corner to the next. I mean, I thought bookshelves that require ladders only existed in movies and books but no! Shakespeare & Co has got that. The store is so picturesque in every imaginable way. You can sense the books, the sight, smell and tingly feeling in your stomach. Yup. All included. Oh, and they are in English so not being fluent in French, ce n'est pas un problème.

Moving on upstairs  you will find live music played by a pianist, a book club gathered in a cozy corner room and a tiny cubicle equipped with a typewriter. I was hoping I'd never have to go.



Of course no book store is ever exited without a new book in hand -right? Well the shop doesn't disappoint  when it comes to unforgettable purchasing experiences either. Every book is stamped with the shop's logo. So cool.

Walking out in itself might feel pretty terrible, but the ambience of Paris mends the pain. Notre Dame is also right around the corner so you get two birds with one stone. Ace.


-Anna

A bookperson cannot visit Paris without dropping by Shakespeare & Co. It would be a sin.

Science Fiction Bokhandeln -a book store.