Alright, it was a sad fact of life that despite being both a bibliophile and a bookstore owner, I had never been to the Strand Bookshop in NYC prior to this past weekend. I, who make it a priority to seek out every possible used bookstore in a 50 (alright, 30) mile radius wherever I’m visiting had somehow overlooked the possibility of going into Manhattan on one of our many trips down to Westchester County, NY (where I grew up) to at least go to the Strand, not to mention any number of the other fine shops abound NY (it is true that we go to Westchester less now that the log house in the Catskills is finished, but still – excuses, excuses).
Admittedly it is difficult to plan a trip to the city with a toddler (let alone one who is currently helping his parents to experience the terrible threes). However, given the vast gap in my bookstore experience my family came through, and husband & father stayed home with the cranky (but we love him!) toddler, and my step-mother and I headed into Manhattan for a visit to the Strand.
No less that four (four!) floors of nearly floor-to-ceiling bookshelves is enough to overwhelm (and enthrall) anyone, let alone myself who had just come from further downtown and was in serious need of a meal. But I did my usual initial scouting expedition, and examined a few sections in-depth (I’m currently hunting for books on coyote lore & mythology) before succumbing to my rapidly dropping blood sugar and wandering off to find some lunch. I simply cannot wait for another trip back….
