Brookline Shopping

Brookline Booksmith carries a great selection of new books and also a nice lot of cards. There are some gifty things, too. This store is responsible for bringing tons of excellent authors to Brookline to give readings and lectures, and now, there is even a used book section downstairs! I must say, it is kind of expensive. But occasionally there's a bargain. Karma point: I bought Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo by Oscar Zeta Acosta and got to page 70 or so only to find that the copy was bound without about 80 pages; we jump from 70-whatever to 150-whatever. Of course, I discovered this after I brought the book to Mexico. However! In general, this is the only slightly bad experience I have had with this store in a decade. Special orders are not a problem, and the staff is helpful and accommodating. Also, usually smiley and cute. Hey, it never hurts. There is a nice, well-chosen travel section here, too. Lots of Lonely Planet, but also lots of quirky travelogues and memoirs. Lots of character! Do not miss the autographed copies, which are interspersed with new hardcovers on the left wall as you enter. Do not miss the bargain tables. Fun stuff! Remainders! Whee!