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.
Okay so once I finally made my way inside, I was confronted by this:
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.
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).
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!
this looks amazing, Jananee! I love exploring bookstores of all sorts; I can spend an entire day in them surrounded by a nest of books.
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Thanks Linh! Same – I wish I could literally just spend my life going to bookstores 🙈
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I have only been here once but I am now really want to go back. I have to say that I have visited a couple other NYC independent bookstores and while they are not as big as the strand, they each have their own independent charm.
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That’s the beauty of independent bookstores – they all have their own feel 💕
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Yea I love that! 🙂 I really do want to go to the The Strand again though.
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OH MY GOSH! I’m in heaven just reading your post! This bookstore is absolutely beautiful and I need to make a trip to NYC just to check it out!💕💕
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It totally does justify a trip to NYC 🙌🏽
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I actually live only about two hours away from NYC so I really should get over to Strand one of these days. It looks like a bookworm’s dream.
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It really is! It is so beautiful 😍
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I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT EVERY SINGLE BOOK. But omgggg I’m in love with the rainbow books. And Sydney really only has George Street Dymocks – I mean, I love it, but clearly it’s nothing compared to The Strand!
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Ooooh and Kinokunyia! That one is amazing as well but still, The Strand is drool-worthy (also it was really hard not to take every single book with me 🙈)
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OMG this place definitely seems like a heaven! Too beautiful. And rainbow bookshelves are literally to die for ❤
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They actually are 😭😭
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I love the Strand! The only bookstore that I have been to that is just as awesome is the Last Bookstore in LA!
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Ooooh I have been wanting to go that bookstore for AGES 😻
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Woah, this book series looks amazing, and I love the idea behind it. This is definitely a place I’ll be visiting when I visit NYC.
Also, hello! I just stumbled upon your blog, and love it! I can’t wait to hang around and see all the great content you’ll be posting 🙂
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This bookstore was definitely amazing 😻And thank you!
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