Browse

I've read a few similar kinds of compilations before, but Browse is my new favourite. I enjoyed reading about book shops specifically from authors' perspectives, and how international the scope was. The stories were all mostly nostalgic, with a bit of humour and sadness mixed in. I found myself relating especially to the authors who reminisced about childhood visits to bookshops with parents and siblings - a range of experience most of us who ended up being avid readers can relate to!

The major takeaway from this collection for me was a rekindled interest in the used book trade, and spurred me to check out what shops there are in my local area. Even though I tend to buy only through my work (due to industry discounts!) I found myself digging through a few sections at an overcrowded secondhand book shop a few days after finishing this, and walked away with a few old out of print treasures.

This was an interesting collection of essays by and about lovers of books/bookstores/libraries. Especially interesting was the insight into bookish pursuits within other countries/cultures.

It is so nice to see people express how deeply bookstores and libraries have shaped and moved them. You dont have to choose one o the other or ebooks vs. paper books. There is room for all formats.

Sometimes I get to slightly tick off books about books for the feel that they're preaching to the converted. I can't really tick this off at all, however, even if it is a literary book wherein literary people write literate essays about bookshops. Ali Smith, Andrei Kurkov, Daniel Kehlmann (truly a rising star, in that because he's in translation it's taking people too long to discover him, although here he's referenced in a great essay by someone else equating booksellers to drug dealers) – there are a host of great writers here discussing in their own separate ways, and from their own unique experiences, the selling of (mainly second-hand books) and where that happens. Yes, a couple get too lefty and world-y in their approach, but I am sure we can all forgive that. Plus, of course – I'm only too proud to be one of the converted.

A great and unexpectedly diverse collection of stories and essays about the power of book stores. Often, these sort of "appreciative" collections tend to read the same from piece to piece, but this one is wonderfully varied--in approach, in intent, and in the authors themselves (many are translated from languages other than English). This range of perspectives and styles shows the true power of book stores to capture the heart and the imagination, no matter where you are from.

A mostly stellar collection on the power, pull, and comfort of bookshops around the world - it read, to me, like a warm blanket around the shoulders. A lovely read for anyone who loves the smell of paper, an imperious bookstore cat, and the reading world.

Reading this book is dangerous for any bibliophile, bookworm, book dragon, or any other chosen moniker for a bookaholic. You'll love reading about the authors experiences in various bookstores and in the end, will have an ever-growing list of places you'll want to visit. Nonetheless, I loved living vicariously through the stories found within its pages.

Each of the contributors to this collection have singled out a bookshop that was significant in both their life and career. Browse is a thoughtful, pensive and enticing trip through the world's drastically different bookshop experiences and how they shaped the author's and reader's of today. Each story is filled with wonder, nostalgia and influence. Moments like finding old train tickets in used books, working in bookshops, finding secret book sections and the frustration of only picking one book at a time. Each author manages to bring something new to the subject.

As an avid reader and unashamed bibliophile, a collection of essays by an array of writers waxing fondly over their respective favorite bookshops is immediately a cozy home run. However, due to my decision to finally read this several years after being provided an advanced reader copy and about two years into a worldwide pandemic, “Browse” is also significantly more. In an era of reduced travel, this book is a chance to travel around the globe without leaving the safety of one’s home. In an era of significantly increased risk while merely being out and about in public, these essays allow me to visit new shops unburdened by anxiety. And in an era absolutely thick with uncertainty, “Browse” manages to bring me comfort by simultaneously transporting me back to a seemingly simpler time not too long ago, and enthusing me for a hopefully not-too-distant future where I can once again casually saunter around shops free of and unease, and happily take my time as I glance over titles and wonder if anyone of them will call out to me.

As a lover of bookshops I really enjoyed reading these essays. A fun selection for bibliophiles that makes for a fast, joyful read.