A bookstore with readers and cats

Imagine a World Without Bookstores

I’m a bit emotional right now. I love bookstores. I’m getting ready to open one, but this post isn’t about that. This post is about a world where we only buy books from Amazon because it’s $4 cheaper and so darn convenient.

I no longer have to go through the effort of getting into my car and driving to the bookstore. I don’t have to find a place to park, wander the beautifully laid-out aisles, learn from the knowledgeable bookstore owner, or enjoy a tasty coffee from their café. I don’t have to pet the beautiful tabby cats napping by the piles of books in the corner, and I don’t have to sit in their comfy reading chairs, paging through books before I decide to buy them. I don’t have to feel memorized by the thoughtful lighting, the artwork, or the rugs that fill the room. And I don’t have to feel the book in my hands and appreciate its existence.

Nope, I can skip all of the bookish atmosphere, the community, and much of the reading experience. All I have to do is click a button on my phone and my book will arrive in a stale cardboard box, packaged without love, concern, or literary care. I get a life of complete convenience. Isn’t it great?!

Actually, the more that I think about it, the more I want inconvenience in my life. For some reason, the “inconvenience” and the extra $4 of a local bookstore bring me immense joy.

Where do you stand on the issue?

Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.

-Eddy

3 Reasons to Subscribe

Join my newsletter for a weekly dose of curated book recommendations, engaging challenges to enhance your reading habits, and exclusive invitations to live literary events.

  1. 📚 As a special welcome, you'll receive my personally compiled list of top book recommendations.
  2. 🎉 Gain complimentary access for 30 days to my online book club, where we meet weekly to share our love for literature.
  3. 👋 Discover the joy of reading with friends in our online reading community. I'll send you an invite link to connect with our fellow book enthusiasts and enrich your reading experience.

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
    author avatar
    Eddy Hood
    I’m Eddy Hood, host of The Read Well Podcast. I love getting lost in big ideas and great stories, and I started the podcast to help fellow readers tackle challenging books with confidence. I’m studying philosophy, running Edgewater Bookstore, and slowly chipping away at writing a novel.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *