The Bookshop

Pretty solid history of bookshops in the U.S., with the appropriate amount of self-conscious navel gazing about the bookshop vibe. I thought the history of Black, Communist, Nazi and queer bookstore was also well-done.

3.5 stars. Affectionate history of American bookstores and the peculiar characters who inhabit them. Loses half a star for being so New York/Eastern Coast-centric in its chapters on notable indie stalwarts (with the exception of Ann Patchett's Parnassus Bookstore in Nashville). And Friss is not half as angry at Amazon as he should be; I'd suggest he read [b:The Everything War: Amazon's Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power 60468244 The Everything War Amazon's Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power Dana Mattioli https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1697466501l/60468244.SY75.jpg 95291868] or [b:Fulfillment: Winning and Losing in One-Click America 53317467 Fulfillment Winning and Losing in One-Click America Alec MacGillis https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589833019l/53317467.SX50.jpg 81650739] to fully understand what brick-and-mortar bookstores (or any businesses not owned by billionaires) are up against.