Embracing the Bookish Dream: A Review of The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss
As someone who proudly considers bookstore employees to be rockstars—yes, I’m a bit biased—I was eagerly drawn to Evan Friss’ The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore. Having spent years working in various bookstores, including my beloved indie, Readers World, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of American book culture as Friss weaves it. This book felt like a warm invitation to explore the realms of possibility, magic, and community that reside within those cherished walls of books.
In The Bookshop, Friss takes us on a delightful journey through the evolution of American bookstores, starting from the early collections of Benjamin Franklin and moving through storied establishments like The Strand and The National Memorial African Bookstore. Alongside tales of beloved indie shops, Friss does an admirable job shining a light on the unsung heroes of the bookstore ecosystem—like the dedicated UPS drivers and the cats that add a certain charm to the aisles. Although the book’s format reads more like a collection of essays than a traditional historical narrative, I found this style refreshing. It’s less about exhaustive detail and more about celebrating the whimsical and the significant moments in bookstore history.
Friss encapsulates the essence of bookstores beautifully when he observes, “the right book put in the right hands at the right time could change the course of a life or many lives." As I reflect on my own experiences as a bookseller, I wholeheartedly agree. Each interaction I’ve had with customers has been a reminder of the profound impact that a single book can have on someone’s life—connecting them to new ideas, new experiences, and often new friends.
The anecdotes sprinkled throughout The Bookshop stand out—like the history of radical bookstores such as Drum & Spear, a vital hub for Black activism, or the sidewalk vendors who brought books directly to the streets yet faced institutional pushback. These stories are not just historical footnotes; they highlight the struggles and triumphs of their time, making them resonate deeply in today’s context where the fight for indie bookstores continues.
As I read, certain quotes echoed in my mind, particularly Jen Campbell’s observation that "bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper." This sentiment rang true during my years at Readers World, where it often felt like stepping into a shared dream, a welcoming space filled with potential waiting to be discovered. It was also poignant to see familiar names like Lawrence Ferlinghetti mentioned, whose experiences mirrored some of the challenges contemporary indie bookstores face today, particularly in competition with giants like Amazon.
While Friss touches on the dark side of this evolution—such as the daunting closures of long-loved bookstores or the pressures faced by indie shops—he also offers hope. The section detailing the revitalization efforts in chains like Barnes & Noble, now under the vision of James Daunt, suggests a forward-thinking approach that appreciates the charm of local indies. There’s a note of optimism, affirming that bookstores can still thrive and adapt in the digital age.
In conclusion, I found The Bookshop both a nostalgic and eye-opening exploration of a beloved subject. It serves as a heartfelt reminder of why bookstores matter, not just as retail spaces, but as community hubs that nurture our collective love for literature. Anyone with an appreciation for the written word or a fondness for the stories behind their favorite bookstores will find joy in Friss’ work. It reminded me of my own joyful hours spent in these sanctuaries of stories—where each cover holds a world waiting to be explored.
I give this book a solid 3.5/5—a delightful read for those who share my passion for bookstores and the magic they bring. Long live the bookstores, the indie shops, and yes, the libraries!
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