#40: Book Thug Nation

One nation, under books

The Shop: Book Thug Nation

Williamsburg, Brooklyn: 100 N 3rd St

A decade ago, a group of sidewalk booksellers called the book thugs came together to found the Book Thug Nation bookstore in Williamsburg. Offshoots of this store include some of the finest used bookshops in the city: Codex, Better Read Than Dead, and Human Relations. If you’re familiar with any of the above spots, you know the drill! Tall stacks of gently pre-loved books with a whole lot of personality, a wide selection including zines, graphic novels, politics (left only, obviously), and killer tunes on the store’s record player.

What I got:

The Member of the Wedding

My good friend Sam recommended me The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter years ago and my heart broke on every single dang page. I’ve been aching to read more of Carson McCullers ever since.

True Beige

I’m no poetry expert, but I was fascinated flipping through this chapbook from poet Cecilia K. Corrigan. Corrigan interacts with the reader more than any poet I’ve ever read— her poetry feels conversational, candid in a way that captivates me. The chapbook also contains an interview with the poet that I’m interested to read.

Also:

As a fun side project to this fun side project, I’ve created a google map of every bookstore I’ve been to so far. Check it out and happy browsing!