Sandi Shilhanek | Booking It Through Town

Sandi Shilhanek
December 6, 2009

Comments

35 comments posted.

Re: Sandi Shilhanek | Booking It Through Town

Sandi: Thank you for your post. Your observations and questions about bookstores are particularly relevant this time of year, when booksellers do the largest portion of their business.

In answer to your questions: Yes, I have a favorite bookstore, my local Hastings. What makes it my favorite? In my town of Russellville, Arkansas, it's
the ONLY general-market wide-selection full-service bookstore.

When I shop there, usually I have one or a few particular titles in mind. Of course, I'm not above buying other titles that catch my eye. Therefore, if I'm pinching pennies, I take care not to let my eyes stray!

I've bought books online; still, I prefer to shop in brick-and-mortar bookstores. But as Bob Dylan put it, the times, they are a-changing.

Keep up the good work!
(Mary Anne Landers 3:58am December 6, 2009)

My favorite brick and mortar
bookstore is Borders. I just
love the atmosphere. Great
selection of books and
magazines, etc, top-notch
staff (always pleasant and
helpful), and even if you
don't stop in the cafe, there
is the aroma of coffee
permeating the store. Love it!

As for sticking to lists, not
so much - unless it's for
Christmas and someone asked
for something specific. I like
to wander the aisles and look
at everything. I usually go in
with a vague idea of what I
want to get, then I look at
all of the displays, see
what's new, and take my time
making my choices. What more
could a person ask for?
(Margay Roberge 9:52am December 6, 2009)

Well seeing as I used to work for one of the big brick and mortars, I do still shop there above the other. For me it is the familiarity of the layout and I know where things will be shelved. Books are the only things I go into blind- that is, it is the only shopping I do now that does not have a list and a plan. I usually know of at least one author I am getting- it's why I go in the first place, but I always end up wandering, picking up and finding a couple extra things to find.
(Sara Edmonds 10:16am December 6, 2009)

My friend, Jan, and I have explored all the bookstores in our area and the neighboring state, but my favorite bookstore is right near me. I love Books-a-Million. They have a wonderful selection in all catagories. The staff is pleasant and helpful. I always come home with a bag or two of books.
(Rosemary Krejsa 1:21pm December 6, 2009)

I have a mental list of what I think I need to get, but usually when something catches my eye (price is less) I like to go with that, too.
(Armenia Fox 2:38pm December 6, 2009)

Hi! Books A Million is my favorite bookstore, even tho, there is not one close to me!(100 miles away) I shop online at BAM, also. Bam always has a good selection of romance novels, which is what I buy! I usually have a list to shop from, but I usually find something that's not on the list!!
(Martha Lawson 3:07pm December 6, 2009)

I'm not picky, if its a building and they sell books I'm a fan! LOL... I have a really good Half Price Bookstore near me and I get the new releases there 1 month late but 1/2 price, and that's good in this economy. Nothing will get me to stop buying books but its rough when it seems all the paperbacks are now going for $7.99, when it seems like yesterday they were only like $4.99 or $5.99.
(Shauna George 4:23pm December 6, 2009)

Barnes and Noble is great. I grab a coffee and a hot coc for my son. He looks at books and plays w the trains while I wander. BUT I am with you devoted to my Kindle.I have problem purchasing books off the shelf. The staff at the Overland Park location here in KS is very knowledgable and we discuss different books and make recomendations for each other. I do like the Mom and Pop stores down the street too. Love a Mystery is great I go there when Im walking my dog and they let me come in with her and wander. If theres is and author out there that they dont carry like I noticed one day,Karen Chance and Mark Henry they order them. They are wonderful.
(Jennifer Binford 4:45pm December 6, 2009)

Hi Sandi...ah, England. How exciting having a friend to visit. ENjoy! We have a great indy book store in CT called rj julia (named after her grandmother). She hosts the best authors, book clubs and has wonderful gift items for sale also. The store is 40 minutes away so I don't go too often but like to support it. Linda
(Linda Sheehan 4:48pm December 6, 2009)

I like my local Barns & Nobel for the atmosphere and large selection of books.
If I am looking for used books I love the online site of Powell's Books.
(Sari Nichols 4:55pm December 6, 2009)

I have a Barnes and Noble near me, but hardly go in there. To me, it's very confusing because it is hard to figure out where the author I am looking for is in what section? Does it classify as romance or something else? It is a very nice book store, not as big as others you would see at the mall. I also have a Borders in our large shopping mall a while away. I find it much easier to go on amazon.com when someone from one of my book discussion groups emails the group and mentions an author I would be interested in. So immediately I would look the author up on amazon.com and most of the time purchase the book. So it's not that I don't love book stores, I do, but I do do a lot of ordering online, whether it be for new or used books.
(Peg Fragale 5:08pm December 6, 2009)

I have a favorite little bookstore in the mall called Waldenbooks, as we know they are a Border's property. The employyes are very helpful, it is easy to find new books, and it is small. Of course they will be closing aster the first of the year. I also the Barnes and Noble store here for their good book selections and of course their good cakes and cookies.I also shop on Amazon and B&N.com for hard to find books.
(Diana Smith 5:23pm December 6, 2009)

I'm in a city so I have access to many bookstores. The indie nearest me doesn't have much of a romance section so I don't go there for those.
They cater to book groups and have a fabulous selection of general fiction, women's fiction and non-fiction. Also, they host some wonderful
authors. I have a Borders and a B&N within five minutes drive and prefer B&N only because they have a better selection. I have a Kindle so I buy
a lot of books from Amazon. I also buy paper books from them. Great post, Sandi!
(Mary Hundley 5:32pm December 6, 2009)

It seems that I like the conveience of ordering my books used online - I can do research and then just order them quickly. Other than that - I prefer the nicer, more organized used bookstores rathern than the new bookstores.
(Shelby Shreaves 6:04pm December 6, 2009)

My favorite is Border's as they have a better selection than the Barnes & Noble both stores in a small city about 15 miles from me. There are two indie bookstores in the small town where I live but they do not carry romance so I don't shop there. They are nice stores but tend to cater to our large influs of tourists rather than the locals. I think most people in this town think it is beneath them to read a romance!! Sad! The Border's store where I shop usually always has what I am looking for, helpful staff, a good selection of merchandise other than books and the convenience of the coffee shop. I also love shopping online at Amazon & eHarlequin.
Enjoy your visit with Yvonne.
(Donna McClure 6:06pm December 6, 2009)

Hi Sandi, It's great to have a friend come visit all the way from England. I have 2 favorite stores - both in the same town. B/N I visit on Wednesdays and Borders on Thursdays. My son and I go out to lunch those days he is off and make a day of it. B/N is quite a bit larger and well organized. Although I tend to return books that are in the wrong order(mostly done by the patrons just putting a book back where ever). I also got to know 2 Mgrs on the evening shift. We talk about the latest books to come out and what dates they are due on the shelves and different genres. I keep track of all the books I'm interested in, due dates and authors in my Palm. I have a special program set up with all the book's information and if I have the book or want the book. It helps me organize all my books and cuts down on picking up duplicates by mistake. We stop for coffee and a piece of something (if my blood sugar is low) and look through all the books and or CD's I've purchased. I don't always stick to my list of books because I will always see something that catches my eye as I wander around. I do the same in Borders-even though it's much smaller and I know all the staff that work there and they know me. They are very helpful and polite.
I do go online almost every day to check the author's website's and different book vendors(Powell's, Amazon, Alibris, Books A Million, Coffee Time etc.) to see what's available now and in a few months. In between I do my reading. Every couple of months I go visit Half Price Books to recycle my books. I look forward to those 2 days at the book stores-my days out-and-about(I'm a retired nurse).
(Nancy Alexander 6:12pm December 6, 2009)

I like any store I can buy a book at. I shop at Barnes and Noble's and Books-A-Million. We don't have a Borders here. I also pick up books at walmart the grocery store or anywhere one catches my eye. I love my books. I just wish I had more time to read right now!!
(Julie Harper 6:14pm December 6, 2009)

Barnes & Noble is closest, and if I can't find a particular author, I can ask a clerk, they look on their computers and can take me directly to it. I do wish my area could support an old fashioned, comfortable indie. No Kindle for me, unless they come in large print. ;-)
(Susan Driskill 6:30pm December 6, 2009)

I love the ease of shopping online. I can take my time shopping.
(Joyce Mandle 6:31pm December 6, 2009)

do you have a favorite bookstore What makes it a favorite? Is it the organization, the wonderful staff, or the great baked goods in the café? Is it perhaps something online and not even a brick and mortar store? I don't have a favorite bookstore; I usually shop at the same one, mind you, but if I happen to be out of town I will go into other bookstores; when I am at my usual store, I do have a list and try to stick to it; otherwise I will come home with way to many books. I do order online but only when the price difference is substantial otherwise I like to be in the store and seeing the books and talking with the wonderful staff. There have been many days when I have simply gone in to browse up and down the sections and just enjoy myself. I do have favorite sections: romance, fantasy and audio books.
(Diane Sadler 7:32pm December 6, 2009)

i walk into a bookstore and use everyone of my senses. I can smell the different coffees brewing and bakery goods from the coffee shop located in the store. If I'm hungry it will drive me insane. My mouth just waters so much I almost can taste them. I love going down the isles picking up every book, looking at it, touching the spines and covers. I hear the clerks asking customers if the need help and I'm in heaven. It's an awesome experience!!!
(Lisa Glidewell 8:47pm December 6, 2009)

Hey Sandi! Glad you're having a fun visit! My favorite bookstore is a small Waldenbooks in the mall. It's not very big, but has a great romance section. Unfortunately, it's on the list of stores to be closed. We have a new two-story Barnes & Noble at the same mall, but it just doesn't have the same cozy, friendly feel as "my" Waldens store. I'm going to be very sad when it closes - I'll miss the staff and the familiarity of the store.

I hope you're enjoying the new pup!
(Laurie Damron 9:56pm December 6, 2009)

Books-A-Million is the closest store to me so that is the one I frequent. I prefer Barnes & Noble but don't get there too often. They have a wider selection, not only more books but will usually carry several to many in a series.
(Pam Nolan 10:37pm December 6, 2009)

Sandi, have a great time with Yvonne!

I will buy books anywhere, and I have, but I buy all my Harlequins on their website. Better deals. Outside of that, I mostly shop at B&N. use to be at Waldenbooks at the mall, but when Borders took over, the romance section got smaller:( That, and there is a Borders across the street. Doesn't have the selection that B&N has. There is a also a UBS that opened this year right up the street. I've been in there too, but its small. Can't argue with the prices there! I like that I can pick up books for my mom there, since she only reads the hardbacks.

Oh, and what could be better than getting a piece of Godiva chocolate cheesecake and a good book (this is at B&N)? Did that just last week . . . .
(Amanda Reeder-erdly 10:47pm December 6, 2009)

One of my favorite bookstores is an online/B&M bookstore called Gainesville Book Company. I enjoy browsing in this all used bookstore because the layout is so unique. The books are housed in a converted office building made up of narrow hallways and offices. Each office houses different sections such as romance, mystery, children's books, do it yourself, spiritual, etc. Throughout the store are comfy chairs, misc decor and so forth. It's so inviting and relaxing. When I go here I always have a list as numerous family and friends depend upon me to find the hard-to-find books, but I always browse for myself. It's rare that I leave this store empty-handed.
(Tina Sporer 11:42pm December 6, 2009)

Hi Sandi, I'm glad you're enjoying your company. . . and your new puppy! :-)

For new books I only shop at eHarlequin. And I always buy enough so I get the free shipping. With the 30% discount for challenge members that's the only way I can afford all the books I want. (well, not "all", but. . .) For brick and mortar stores, my favorite is a little UBS just 4 blocks from my sister's in Calgary. It's called Sue's Book Nook, and she is so nice. I send her lists of the books I'm looking for, and when I show up there, she has all the books on my list set aside for me. Of course, I wander around, and end up leaving with a good many more. . .

She doesn't have coffee or goodies, but she does allow you to bring along your own cup of -- whatever -- I've usually got hot chocolate or tea.
(Donna Breitkreuz 11:52pm December 6, 2009)

Well, I don't really have a favorite store. I buy from both B&N and Borders if they happen to have what I want on sale. I also buy older books from Half-Price books. Now, I know the knock against re-buying books, but I also happen to believe in being green. The books exist, so there's no reason any of them should end up in a landfill when there are buyers out there.

I also like to buy from my local library because it's one of the major ways that they can generate money for books by new authors or to pay for some of the youth programming that they try to offer regularly.

I'm trying to like eBooks because it would be more green, but I don't have a kindle or other portable eReader, just my heavy (8lbs) laptop. I love my laptop, but I've discovered it's not necessarily all that conducive for reading books. However, I read them this way anyway....
(Carrie Hinkel-Gill 5:49am December 7, 2009)

I love Chapters for my fav B&M book store. My fav online store is Amazon I always check there even if it is just for book reviews.
Wendy H from fortheloveofromance
(Wendy Hollands 8:43am December 7, 2009)

I buy books wherever I find something I want to read - grocery stores, Half-Price, Borders, etc. I prefer Borders over B&N because I get coupons and don't have to have a membership. B&N sometimes has a better selection, but I can usually wait until I get a coupon. I just love books!
(Sherry Moran 10:07am December 7, 2009)

With my Kindle, I too love Amazon. But I have been with them for years, LOL. I love to go to a book store, but I always come out with way too much. LOL neither my arms nor my bank account can stand it. I also the way that I can find so many new authors with their free books. I love it.
(Melissa Tackett 12:55pm December 7, 2009)

Great question Sandi, I love Barnes & Noble in Jensen Beach, FL. The staff is great, they have the best coffee, & I make it in there at least once a week. Our Borders in the mall is not so great as far as I am concerned. The staff is not friendly at all & being a southern gal expect a personable friendly staff!
(Alice Johnson 1:14pm December 7, 2009)

My town has only Booksamillion which is sorta out of my way travel wise. When I can get to it I go to the romance section only. Sometimes with a list or not. I love to use their website and order from there. I also love the websites for Barns and Noble.
(Debbie Beverley 2:26pm December 7, 2009)

I like borders. It is in my local mall not far from me. I also like the used book store which is right across from where I work.

I like to wander all sections of the book store, but my favorite is romance and mystery.
(Michelle Sauer 4:27pm December 7, 2009)

The problem is--I can't go near a bookstore of any kind without buying a book! I browse all the bookshelves in Walgreen's, CVS, Target, Walmart, supermarkets or any other place I go. Occasionally, I'll head for a bookstore, Books-A-Million which I like better than the others. My big downfall is online ordering from Harlequin!
(Trudy Miner 7:41pm December 7, 2009)

My favorite used to be Waldenbooks because there was one only a mile from my house. When the company was closing the store the employees had a letter writing campaign. I went so far as to call the executive in charge of store location decisions. She told me they had lost their lease and would be relocating elsewhere in the are. They didn't. The building remained unoccupied for almost two years before being replaced by a Ruby Tuesday's. I have never set foot in that establishment and probably never will. Now I am a loyal store and online customer of Barnes & Noble. Borders is far enough from where I live that I only went there when I was looking for a FEDEX open on Sunday. I must say that I had a cold feeling as if I were somewhere I didn't belong at Borders. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. The layout of the store was not condusive to the way I buy books cold. I like to browse. I couldn't browse that store. I didn't feel right. The store seemed to be more about the bottom line than the books.

Ray
(Ray Getzinger 9:47am December 13, 2009)

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