I told you I was going to check out Legacy Books while I was in Dallas right? Well, my best friend and I headed out to dinner on Saturday and we decided to stop in at the new independent bookstore in the Dallas Metroplex first.
Legacy Books is in a very nice and upscale shopping center so I guess that should have been the tip off. It is really lovely. All hardwood floors, minimalist and modern decor, well lit and yet, I didn’t fall in love. I guess I was hoping for something maybe a bit more cozy.
They did seem to have a good fiction and mystery section and they also have a nice newsletter which you can download from their main page. There’s also a cafe but unfortunately you need to make your purchases first before taking in any items. So, I’m glad I went but I’m also glad I live near BookPeople. That is my indie of choice. Just a bit more cozy and a bit more offbeat.
I did want to buy a book to give an indie some support but we had to rush off to dinner so maybe next time. Which is just as well because I have a bunch of new books that have arrived. I’ll tell you about those tomorrow.
I love searching for indie stories! I just have almost none around me, but it does give me a project when I travel. You know, off the subject, but I’ve been racking my brain trying to think of a mystery series set in the South (a post or two ago) but still haven’t come up with anything. I’ve read so many series, you’d think I could come up with three. The only thing that came to mind was the Kay Scarpetta series, which is set in both Virginia and Miami. But I know there are better ones out there. If I think of them, I’ll let you know!
I remember looking at the website for Legacy Books a few months ago. Honestly, it’s far too perfect-looking for me. When I think of an indie, I think of comfort and coziness. I can understand why you didn’t fall in love with it!
We have a new indie in town that I’m hoping to explore in the coming weeks. I only saw it briefly as we were leaving a restaurant and the lights were glowing warmly through the windows. Looked very inviting. I’ll keep you posted on what I think!
A friend and I checked out Legacy back in November. It was nice looking place, but nothing I couldn’t get from Borders or Barnes and Noble. My favorite indies are ones that are in older buildings, a little more wear and tear. Legacy was just too pristine. My friend jokingly asked if we were allowed to even touch the books.
Sandy – I do too. Now that I live in Austin I do have a few more indie bookstores around me so that’s great. And, thank you for thinking of a southern mystery series. I know, I can’t believe I haven’t heard of some good ones aside from the Anne George ones. Surely there must be more! 🙂
Les in NE – That’s it exactly. It’s too pristine! 🙂 I hope your new indie is a good one and you’ll have to post a review!
Christina – Ha,ha… That’s almost the same reaction I had. I was surprised also that I didn’t really see a lot more books by indie publishers. Of course I expect the big names but still you’d think there’d be more variety.
I miss having a close independent bookstore. I just have the cookie-cutter variety that I’m able to get to regularly. I do have a really nice used bookstore that I like, which is sort of a hole in the wall, but very full of character!
I have the opposite problem. I have hunt for a chain bookstore. Lots of indies in NOLA for both new and used books.
Although some of the used books one make me cringe.
I have blogged a lot about indies in my city, which are my first choices for buying books. Indies here seem to adopt very individual character, trying to cater toward the neighborhood’s taste. So it’s fun to hop from one to another on a weekend. 🙂
OK Iliana, I have a couple. I just read about one guy, so I can’t vouch for his writing. But he is a lawyer writing in the mystery/thriller genre (not in a series though) that is set in the South. His name is John Hart. I think he has written three or four books, one that just came out this month.
The second example I just thought of is a series written by James Lee Burke. His characters are based out of New Orleans (although not all stories take place there), the primary one named Dave Robicheaux who is a very damaged cop. I’ve read “Swan Peak” and “Tin Roof Blowdown” and I loved them. Very gritty stuff, very human, very real personalities. There are quite a few in this series, and I definitely want to hit them all eventually.
I think I’d prefer a cozy bookstore too, although any independent bookstore that has a good selection is always welcome!
I don’t go book shopping too often these days, but I’ll have to do some investigating to see if there’s an indie bookstore in my area.
Btw, I have a little something for you here.
Danielle – Is the used bookstore the one you mentioned that has a lot of mysteries and sewing supplies? That sounded like a great bookstore. There are a couple of used bookstores that I still need to check out to see how charming they might be!
Isabel – Why do they make you cringe? Are all the books in bad shape? I can get quite picky with used books so I understand.
Matt – You are lucky to have so many indies to go to! For so long I didn’t have one near me but I’m glad I do now. Granted, I still go to Borders & B&N all the time too 🙂
Sandy – Ooh, yay, thank you so much for those tips. My book group read one of the James Lee Burke books but I didn’t get to read it in time. Everyone seemed to love Tin Roof Blowdown so I’ll have to look fr his books. And, John Hart is a new name to me too. I’m going to see if I can find their books on BookMooch 🙂
Dorothy W. – I know, cozy bookstores I guess just remind us about the wonderful atmosphere of settling down with a good book, a comfy chair and a cup of coffee/tea right?
Anna – I have to go to the bookstore at least once a week – even if I don’t buy anything – but I get cranky otherwise 😉 Ooh, and must check what I have waiting for me! 🙂