You can't meet an author just being online. By supporting independent bookstores, they are able to bring in authors of all genres for events like meet and greets and book signings.

4. The personalization of products and services

Looking for local authors or just great service? Independent bookstores can help you out with all of this.

5. The selection of things other than books

Independent bookstores are going to have unique items that other places may not like stationery, magazines and gifts. Sometimes, they have start-up magazines you have never heard of or local products.

6. Being able to skim/preview a book

You cannot always do this online, but if you aren't sure about a book, physical bookstores allow you check them out as you like.

7. Getting recommendations from a real person

Readers understand readers better than a website's algorithm. The staff is always willing to give you book advice, and some stores even have a Staff Picks' Section.

8. They cultivate a community and place to gather

Some independent bookstores have cafe areas, book clubs or writing clubs. These are all ways to meet new people in the community.

9. The total experience

Yes, sometimes Amazon is convenient, but each independent bookstore has unique quirks, which make the experience different and worthwhile.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Featured

5 Untold Struggles Of The Short Friend

It's not always fun being fun-sized!

Appalachian State University National Writers Society

1716

I'm the Short Friend. I've been the Short Friend since about the seventh grade. I'm the one who stands in the front of the photos, gets made fun of for their height, and still shops in the kids department.

This article is not for the Almost Short Friends, i.e. the 5'3" and 5'4" Friends. No no, this is for the Actually Short Friends, i.e. the Barely Scraping 5'1" and shorter Short Friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

short friend

Student Life

12 Thoughts You Have When You're Late to Your 9 AM (Again)

It's a daily struggle to make it on time, but everyone has those days where they just...don't.

University of Virginia

1092

Photo by Rémi Jacquaint on Unsplash

You tried your best to avoid it, but that one statistics class that you need to take in order to graduate was only offered at 9 AM. Sound familiar? Now it's a daily struggle to make it on time, but everyone has those days where they just...don't. If that sounds relatable, then you may have experienced some (or all) of these thoughts.

Keep Reading...Show less

late

Lifestyle

11 Things All Call Center Workers Can Empathize With Better Than Anyone

Getting hung up on is my super power.

Susquehanna University

233

11 Things All Call Center Workers Can Empathize With Better Than Anyone

Youtube

This semester I started my journey as a member of my University's Alumni Outreach Team. This means a lot of things, but primarily it means that I get to make phone calls to parents and alumni two nights a week to update contact information, collect things like business cards and volunteer hours, and even ask for money.

Keep Reading...Show less

call center job

Recommended for you

9 Reasons To Shop At Your Local Independent Bookstore

Yes, sometimes Amazon is convenient but each independent has unique quirks which make the experience different and worthwhile. ​

1. You are supporting a local business owner and his or her staff

2. That new book smell

3. Being able to attend book events

4. The personalization of products and services

5. The selection of things other than books

6. Being able to skim/preview a book

7. Getting recommendations from a real person

8. They cultivate a community and place to gather

9. The total experience

Subscribe to our Newsletter

It's not always fun being fun-sized!

1. Not wearing makeup is like stepping in a time machine

2. "Wow, how tall are you?!"

3. You don't realize how much you're craning your neck until you talk to someone as short as you.

4. Hugging your friends is just asking for a face full of boob for you and makeup on their shirt for them. Awkward.

5. You face retail discrimination

Details the INFJ may not have wanted to let you know about.

1. Their moral compass is the strongest bone in their bodies

2. They like getting a mild cold

3. They can only make one new friend at a time

4. They can only be leaders if they're experts on the topic

5. You know what too nice means: Fake

6. Their creativity comes out in strange bouts

7. They like heavily emotional stories

8. They experience a different kind of tired

9. Structure and routine is the name of the game

10. They are sensitive little creatures

11. They love to love

12. Yup, they’re the mom of the friend group

It's a daily struggle to make it on time, but everyone has those days where they just...don't.

1. "Oh, crap..."

2. "Is it worth it?"

3. "Why is this room so cold?"

4. "Does this professor grade attendance?"

5. "Can I wear my pajamas to class?"

6. "Do I have time to brush my teeth?"

6. "Shoot, I didn't finish my homework..."

7. "What's the weather supposed to be today?"

8. "Will the bus be on time?"

9. "How can I enter the room in the least obtrusive way possible?"

10. "WHY didn't anyone leave a seat on the end in case someone came late?!"

11. "Does this professor hate me now?"

12. "I'll be early next class..."

Getting hung up on is my super power.

1. The first call is the hardest

2. Getting hung up on before you say something

3. People don't live forever

4. It's exhausting

5. Getting hung up on the second you say where you're calling from

6. People will say anything to get you off the phone

7. Voicemails are weird

8. No one cleans out their mailbox

9. Pronouncing names correctly can be hard

10. People are mean

11. Some calls make it worth it

Because every other week is a week in hell.

1. It's the only week when you can go out every day and not want to rip your hair out on Sunday realizing how much you actually have to do.

2. There's always something going on, whether it's parties, welcome back socials, or free food events for the most random things.

3. The classes never run the full time...

4. You suddenly have a million friends again after not seeing everyone over break.

5. You have a fresh new meal plan again.

6. You're optimistic about how great you'll do this semester... at least for now.

7. You get a feel for how strict your professors are. How easy is it to text during class? Can I get away with not buying the textbook? Can I nap?

8. Everyone is in the same boat with the incredibly awkward ice breakers.

9. But regardless, you couldn't be more glad to be back.

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Entertainment

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Yes, sometimes Amazon is convenient but each independent has unique quirks which make the experience different and worthwhile.

Subscribe to our
Newsletter