Tag Archives: bookstores

The Urchin Travel Wish List

Iceland At risk of an incredibly cheesy, but I promise unintentional, play on its frigid-sounding name: Iceland is cool. From musical exports like Björk, Sigur Rós, Jónsi, Emilíana Torrini, and mum to the fact that nearly all of their electricity … Continue reading

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Ann Patchett and Independent Bookstores Get the Colbert Bump

By Geo Ong Ooh, independent bookstores! I should buy one of those on Amazon! —Stephen Colbert, The Colbert Report, 20 February 2012 Stephen Colbert, how we’ve missed you. While the other Urchins and I wish you and your family much … Continue reading

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Now’s Your Chance! Meet an Urchin (and Some Other Cool People) at the Brooklyn Indie Party!

Dear Brooklynites, Manhattanites, New Yorkers, New Englanders, East Coasters, Passers-Through, & People Who Drive Long Distances for One-Night Events, You are officially invited to the Brooklyn Indie Party! (No invitations needed.) Where? Greenlight Bookstore in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. When? Friday, … Continue reading

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A Thank-You Letter to DIESEL, A Bookstore

By Geo Ong Alison Reid, co-owner of DIESEL, A Bookstore and my boss for the past two years, once told me a story that I thankfully will never forget. She was, as it were, lamenting the slow demise of another … Continue reading

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What to Do Now That Borders Went Bankrupt

By Geo Ong Borders Group, America’s second largest bookstore chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last Wednesday and is in the process of closing 200 of its stores nationwide. Contrary to how it may seem, this is by no means … Continue reading

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Independent Bookstores Level the Playing Field

By Geo Ong I wish that, just once, an author promoting her book on a talk show would say right after the talk show host repeats the book title at the end of the interview, ‘And buy my book from … Continue reading

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Learning by the Book: Why Picture Books Are Important (Despite What They May Say)

By Geo Ong The New York Times recently published an article titled ‘Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children’, where the article’s author Julie Bosman explores the recent decline in popularity of children’s picture books. Though there may be … Continue reading

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An Afternoon at the Northshire Bookstore

By Geo Ong While Sarah is busy raising money for the Urchin cause, i.e. going to work, Margaret and I drive from Bennington to Manchester Center, Vermont, to spend the day at the Northshire Bookstore. The Northshire Bookstore, established in … Continue reading

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Somebody Everybody Listens To (Except Barnes & Noble)

By Geo Ong So far, I’ve expressed my grievances about Amazon and Borders. Barnes & Noble, you’re next! Upon the publication of a new book, publishers first approach Amazon and the chain bookstores for various inputs. Because Amazon and the … Continue reading

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Adventures in Bookselling

By Geo Ong As a bookseller for an independent bookshoppe, I work a lot of book events: author signings, book release parties, things like that. Some of these are fun. I’ve meet a lot of authors, and most of them … Continue reading

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