Have you ever had a place that you could just walk into and feel warm all over? That's what bookstores are to me, and I have been able to find many here in Asheville, NC. Each one is unique and different from any other chain bookstore. Now don't get me wrong, I love Barnes and Noble and Books a Million, but the locally owned bookstores just have a charm of their own that the owners have tried to bring to each of their stores. Of course, there are still the books you can find anywhere ("Life of Pi," "Pride and Prejudice," etc), but there are also some special finds too, from first editions to special out-of-print copies of older books.

There are many locally owned bookstores across the United States, and the world. Each one is unique and full of opportunity to find a new and unique book. Even the bookstores that are full of new books carry something you may have never heard of, and this is a good place to find something new. Of course, there are e-readers, but there is nothing like the physical book in your hands. With a physical book, you can flip back easily and write in the margins with ease. With local bookstores there are not often the option of e-books, so having the physical copy of the book in stores makes each and every store an adventure waiting to happen.

Overall, a local bookstore can be something to cherish for a community.