#43: Topos Bookstore

I was walking through Ridgewood, Queens...

The Shop: Topos Bookstore  

Ridgewood, Queens: 788 Woodward Avenue

Topos Bookstore doesn’t look like much from the outside, but like a literary TARDIS, it feels much bigger on the inside. Topos has a ton going on inside. A hybrid bookstore and cafe, Topos weaves an aroma of tasty coffee stuffs through a fine selection of funky used books. The selection at this bookstore is top notch. As a nerd, I gravitated to the graphic novel and pulpy sci fi selections which impressed. I also loved browsing the zines (not so used) and a whole display devoted to mushrooms and mycology. With great finds and great vibes, this spot was buzzing with customers even on a frigid January day.

What I got:

Raw Magazine Vol 2 Issue 2

I was absolutely thrilled to find a pre-loved issue of Raw. Raw is as far as I’m concerned the ultimate comics anthology, curated by Art Speigelman and Françoise Mouly. So many legends have graced the pages of this blessed zine! In this issue from 1990: Lynda Barry, Mark Beyer, Kim Deitch, and an at the time brand new chapter of Spiegelman’s legendary Maus.

Spock Must Die: A Star Trek Novel

I love Star Trek, but have never dived into the pulpy novelverse of spin offs, tie-ins, and novelizations. While Deep Space Nine remains my favorite of the franchise, I have a soft spot in my heart for elder nerd guru Leonard Nimoy and his iconic character Mr. Spock. This 1970 novel has (of course) two Spocks, so I’m doubly excited to read it.  

Earl Grey Tea

Everyone who knows me well knows my blood is at least 60 percent Earl Grey. This EGT was pretty delicious!