“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” ―Oscar Wilde
Like Roséline, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to read more books.
During the holidays, I revisited Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels after watching HBO’s adaption, My Brilliant Friend. I have to say that the show is as wonderful as the book.
I was reminded of what a good companion a book can be. Dedicating time to reading in the evening put me in a positive state of mind that I hope to carry throughout the entire year.
Last week, I visited some of my favourite bookstores in Manhattan. It was an overcast day and the remaining holiday decorations seemed gloomy. But, browsing through piles of books and going to neighborhood-to-neighborhood brightened the day.
Argosy Book Store
116 E 59th Street,
New York, NY
Argosy has been around since 1925 and is the oldest independent bookstore in New York City. This is an excellent place to go to for used books, especially if you love a good rummage. You have to have sense of adventure to appreciate the beautiful chaos of this shop, but there is a reason why it is a favourite place for book collectors.
Argosy has numerous floors that include prints, hard-to-find books and antiques.
argosybooks.com / @argosybookstore
Albertine Books
972 5th Avenue,
New York, NY
Albertine is on my itinerary for places to visit in New York City when I miss Paris. It is also the dreamiest bookstore in New York City. It is housed in the French Embassy and is right across the street from Central Park. The bookstore carries mostly French titles, but also a few English titles!
albertine.com / @albertinebooks
Mast Books
72 Avenue A,
New York, NY
If you prefer a curated experience when shopping for “vintage” books, I recommend Mast Books. Here you will find early edition titles by authors such as Joan Didion and Simone de Bouvier. Located deep in the East Village, Mast Books is off the beaten path of tourist spots and shopping destinations, which can be a welcome respite.
mastbooks.com / @mastbooks
McNally Jackson dispels the myth that independent bookstores are a dying breed. I take comfort that at times the Prince Street location is as busy as Zara. The location on Prince Street has everything you could want in a bookstore: a selection of books across many genres, a warm and friendly staff, special events, a book club, loads of magazines and a café.
mcnallyjackson.com / @mcnallyjackson
Three Lives & Company
154 West 10th Street,
New York, NY
Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village is Three Lives & Company It’s a small space, but one that always has an endless amount of covetable titles. No joke, I could spend a thousand dollars worth of books! In the vicinity are several charming cafés that are the perfect place to delve into a new read.
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