On behalf of local book stores

As long as I live near an independent book store with some character or charm, I can probably weather anything. I like to think this.

There are two near me now that I head to when I need any of the things that being in one for a while gives me. There's good stuff inside: calm in the familiarity of the place and known books, that addictive curious-creative energy in the novel (The author makes a joke with words!), hope in the idea that a small book-based business can hold its own, license to loiter and discover, a little escape from time and the grind, interesting people to study and brush shoulders with, decent staff recommendations, a feeling of community, some local flavor.

And good coffee, often. At the one closest to me, some of the best scones in Boston, even.

If I moved alone to a new city, I'd get to know it by visiting all its little book stores, and I wouldn't be that lonely. It'd be a therapy of sorts, I like to think--like driving alone with no destination and the music turned up, only less, um, hermetic and fraught with hazard.

There's probably one near you. Want a book? (Who doesn't?) These stores need your business now more than ever, I suspect. And check this out: you can find local independent book stores easily just by going here. IndieBound is bringing all these little shops together, and, I hope, making them stronger.

I have fantasies about opening or owning one of these. I can't tell if it'd be good for me in many respects, but, you know. I dream.

Here, roughly in order of proximity and preference, are my favorites in or around Boston--many of which have used-book sections (two, memorably, in basements) and are open late for the pleasure of people like me. Many of them host fabulous readings on a regular basis and offer great e-mail newsletters that keep you current on all things bound. They sponsor events, host book clubs, have inspired children's nooks, write blogs, keep green, all sorts of good things. Their websites are really worth checking out, if you can't get there to skulk around the stacks in the flesh.

Porter Square Books
Harvard Book Store
Brookline Booksmith
Newtonville Books
Globe Corner Bookstore
New England Mobile Book Fair
McIntyre and Moore Booksellers