I started shopping at Brookline Booksmith while attending college in Boston. I head back there these days when I'm in the Boston area. There is a noticeable difference between the two large chains (you know which two!) and stores such as this one. Independent bookstores are superior, in my opinion. The offerings at Brookline Booksmith reflect the typical shopper there, which I notice tends to be educated and intellectual. The store has a regular schedule of readings, as well, drawing well-known authors. Prices are similar to the big chain stores; book prices don't vary much since they tend to be set by the publisher.
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