The Strand, NYC // Bookstore Wanderlust

This post is part of a series of blog posts featuring bookstores from around the world! 

LOCATION: 828 Broadway, Manhattan, NY, 1003-2805

THE ADVENTURE: 

If it is possible to fall in love with a bookstore, Strand Books would be it for me. I literally want to get married to this bookstore. At the very least, be in a very serious committed relationship with this bookstore.

I took a subway to the 14th St/Union Station stop like a true New Yorker (which was an experience in itself) and proceeded to walk the very short distance to Strand Books. The first thing you see when you walk up to the store is a BUNCH of used/discounted books outside – I love cheap books and so it was cool to stand there are browse for a little while.

I probably could have spent days just looking through these books

Okay so once I finally made my way inside, I was confronted by this:

can I take all these home with me?

IS THIS PLACE EVEN REAL? If you follow my bookstagram, you would know that I have an (unhealthy) addiction with rainbow books. These beautiful shelves are literally THE DREAM. It was just so beautiful and unique and I really hope that my shelves can reach this level of awesome one day.

Once I picked my jaw off the ground and wiped the drool off my face, I had a major realisation about this place – it is literally home to a gazillion books. I am not even exaggerating. The main thing that sets this bookstore apart from others is the fact that they have second-hand books intertwined with new books. It means that you still have a great range of books but you also have the opportunity to score some really good deals.

I obviously made a beeline for their YA section (really, what else do you expect?) and it was huge. Now you have to remember that Sydney barely has any bookstores of this magnitude so it was so overwhelming – it the greatest way possible.

happy days

I also spent a lot of my time debating whether I should buy some of the beautiful editions of old favourites they had because I am weak and have no self control. However I did end up being a good girl and leaving them on the shelf (which I now regret of course).

these are just too much to handle honestly

This self control did not extend to the bookish items section though and I ended up buying bookmarks, a tote bag and a fridge magnet *rolls eyes at self* BUT LOOK HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RESIST?

Suprisingly, I did actually leave the store (albiet taking half of it with me but I AM ON VACATION SO IT IS JUSTIFIED) and I already want to go back! If you ever find yourself in Manhattan, I HIGHLY recommend visiting this beautiful bookstore and getting lost in it for a couple of hours.

I will be posting a separate book haul post so stay tuned for that!