| I wanted to know about the neighborhood bookstore that deepens your sense of community and enriches your life. I also wanted to know about the bookstores you think are worth a pilgrimage. Jill sings the praises of Zandbroz Variety in Fargo, ND., just across the Red River. “It’s a great independent bookstore that is very supportive of local writers," she says. Alicen suggests Charis Books in Decatur, Ga., and I’m delighted to say that I’ve been there! It's a feminist bookstore that has been spotlighting the work of women writers for more than 40 years. Its name comes from the Greek words for “gift” and “grace.” Lynn is a fan of a bookstore that perches on Orcas Island called Darvill’s in the village of Eastsound, Wash. “It’s a cozy place with a coffee bar in the back and a fantastic view of the waters of Eastsound. It has that friendly small town feel with an amazing selection of books,” she says. Darvill's features writers from the Pacific Northwest and books about islands, including a beautiful book called “The Salish Sea.” Lee dropped me a line from Hackensack, Minn., to extoll the book-browsing pleasures of Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery in Park Rapids, Minn., where they feature fall reading retreats and a bindery where you can build your own book. I heard from Michael who has cherished hours of reading and browsing at Literati in Ann Arbor, Mich. And Susan emailed to say she drops into Sweet Peas and Back Forty Books in Two Harbors, Minn., when she’s passing through. Thank you for all of your suggestions! Feel free to send more. Here is the secret answer to last weeks foodie fiction: Clam chowder, "Moby Dick."
— Kerri Miller | MPR News | 