The 19 best books ‘Fast Company’ staffers read during quarantine—and the indie bookstores where you can buy them

Independent bookstores are hurting as shoppers stay online. Pick up one of our staff picks to support bookstores throughout the U.S. Whether you’re diving into an engrossing period drama, reading up on the history of protests or pandemics, or escaping into a fantastical world, chances are you’ve indulged in some reading during the pandemic. Market researcher Rakuten estimates that between March and April of this year, book sales rocketed 777%. That’s great news for authors and publishers, but not so much for bookstores; most consumers are still buying their books from big online retailers such as Amazon. In fact, according to the American Booksellers Association, at least one independent bookstore has closed each week since the pandemic began.Read Full Story Continue reading at 'Fast Company'

[ Fast Company | 2020-11-06 16:00:54 UTC ]

Other news stories related to: "The 19 best books ‘Fast Company’ staffers read during quarantine—and the indie bookstores where you can buy them"


'All the Light We Cannot See' becomes a star of the holiday season

'Light' was published in May but has stayed visible due to acclaim like a nomination for the National Book Awards. Now many independent bookstores say Anthony Doerr's novel is one of their top sellers. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2014-12-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Thanksgiving weekend was kind to some independent bookstores

Overall, Black Friday sales are said to have dropped this year, but some independent bookstores reported strong sales on Friday and Saturday of the holiday weekend, even as they celebrated the Indies First bookstore initiative. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2014-12-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Indies First: What's happening at a bookstore near you?

Indies First, in which authors appear at independent bookstores and sometimes work as booksellers, will be happening again this year on Small Business Saturday. Take a look at who's signed up. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2014-11-25 00:00:00 UTC ]
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At SCIBA, Teicher Says Booksellers Nowhere Near 'Endangered'

For anyone worried that independent bookstores are struggling, the upbeat mood at the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association show painted a reassuring and hopeful picture. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-10-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Lemony Snicket Rallies Support for Indie Bookstores

Daniel Handler suggests that authors should pick an independent bookstore close to where they live and sign books for them to sell. The post Lemony Snicket Rallies Support for Indie Bookstores appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2014-10-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Bookselling Roundup, Week Ending September 12

It's been a good week for indie bookstores with Maple Street Book Shop in New Orleans celebrating its first half century and two stores announcing successful transitions. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-09-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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What is it like to work at an independent bookstore?

Apparently all customers believe the book they're looking for has a blue cover and some will tell you that if you haven't read every book in the store, 'you're not very good at your job.' Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2014-08-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Looking for an Indie Bookstore? Look No Further!

Writer Kate Brittain has created a one-stop database of America's independent bookstores, Better Place to Buy Books. She estimates that there are over 2,300 indie bookstores in the USA. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2014-08-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Why We Need Independent Bookstores More Than Ever

Publishers simply cannot function without independent bookstores, notes Tom Roberge of New Directions as he reflects on the Amazon/Hachette battle Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2014-08-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Obama on Martha's Vineyard: Will he stop by an independent bookstore this summer?

Obama angered some in the independent book world after he praised Amazon's business practices in 2013 and skipped his usual visit to a Martha's Vineyard indie bookstore later that year. Will he pick up some books during his Vineyard visit this year? Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2014-08-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Polish Book Chains Re-imagine Stores, Expand to Small Cities

Poland's two largest bookstore chains, Matras and Empik, are adding new services and plan vast expansions amid a shrinking number of independent bookstores. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2014-07-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Bookshop memories: your pictures and stories

When we asked you to share anecdotes and photos of your favourite independent bookshops, the stories poured in. From romance surrounded by Shakespeare to an encounter with a falconry-loving policeman, here is a selection of your bookshop memoriesSee all the contributions and add your own on... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2014-06-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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What Makes Old Books Smell Like Old Books?

Science takes on one of the most important questions of the ages.A Kindle and iPad are great for conveniently porting your entire bookshelf in your purse. But for the majority of Americans who view the independent bookstore as a haven and who get grumpy at the idea of not feeling the physical... Continue reading at Fast Company

[ Fast Company | 2014-06-12 00:00:00 UTC ]
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BEA 2014: Bricks-and-Mortar Rebounding

Wednesday’s BookExpo panel on the future of bricks-and-mortar retailing couldn’t have been scheduled at a more auspicious time for indies: the day after the American Booksellers Association announced a resurgence in the number of independent bookstores. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-05-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Indies Test 'One Book, One Store' Campaigns

This year several independent bookstores have tried putting their weight behind a single title in an effort to see if they can move the sales needle through strong, but quick, promotional efforts. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-04-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Independent bookstores launch Storytime Day, set for this May

After the success of the Indies First movement this November, in which authors worked at independent bookstores, the newest event is called Storytime Day. Spokesperson Kate DiCamillo urges authors to read a story at their local bookstore. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2014-02-27 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Should More Top Authors Give Back to Indie Bookstores?

Love him or hate him, you can't fault James Patterson for his generosity, as he's giving some $1 million of his money back to independent bookstores. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2014-02-24 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Two Bookstores Close, While Two Move Forward, in Wisconsin

While two independent bookstores in Door County, Wisconsin, have closed or will close, two others report an uptick in sales. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2014-01-24 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Patrick Carman's 'Half Nelson' proposal: for each Amazon purchase, buy a book at an independent bookstore

'39 Clues' author Patrick Carman says he knows Amazon is a convenient option, but suggests buying a book from an independent bookstore each time you buy from Amazon. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2014-01-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Independent bookstores, Amazon all report successful holiday season

Many independent bookstores reported holiday sales as good or better than last year's, while Amazon called the 2013 holiday season its best ever. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2014-01-03 00:00:00 UTC ]
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