A team of editors at The New York Times Book Review has launched a series of curated walking tours highlighting independent bookstores across New York City. The initiative aims to showcase the city’s diverse literary landscape by guiding readers through select neighborhoods with routes designed to be completed within an hour of walking.
Jennifer Harlan, an editor involved in the project, explained that the idea was born from a desire to combine local favorites with lesser-known shops, creating itineraries that appeal to both tourists and city residents. The inaugural guide, focusing on Midtown Manhattan, was released in July, followed by a second tour covering the Prospect Heights and Park Slope neighborhoods of Brooklyn.
Each route offers a mix of bookstores featuring a variety of genres and specialties, including new and used books. For instance, the Midtown crawl includes stops like Midtown Comics, known for graphic novels, and the Drama Book Shop, which reflects the neighborhood’s connection to Broadway and theater. The Brooklyn tour features Love & Legends, a fantasy-themed store, and the Ripped Bodice, which specializes in romance novels. The routes are designed not only to incorporate well-known establishments but to introduce hidden gems, with an endpoint that encourages visitors to settle in and browse.
The selection process began with an extensive list of over 100 bookstores, compiled through desk-wide crowdsourcing and additional research. Routes were carefully plotted using mapping tools, with an emphasis on keeping walking segments shorter than 15 minutes to accommodate various paces. Adjustments were made based on feedback from group walks, including considering accessibility and the inviting atmosphere of each shop. Some specialty shops, such as antiquarian bookstores operating mainly by appointment or museum bookstores that require additional admission, were excluded to maintain an accessible and enjoyable walking experience.
Harlan emphasized the importance of personality in the ideal bookstore, favoring independent shops that reflect the unique character of their neighborhoods. The curated mix aims to suit diverse budgets and interests while highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the areas served.
The series is intended to be a resource not just for visitors but also for longtime New Yorkers, many of whom may discover new places despite familiarity with the city’s literary scene. While some well-known stores outside the designated neighborhoods, such as the Strand, are not included due to their location, the tours strive to balance celebrated landmarks with spots off the beaten path.
Looking ahead, Harlan shared a personal vision for an ideal book crawl that transcends geography, incorporating iconic independent bookstores from across the United States and abroad, including Carmichael’s in Louisville, White Birch Books in New Hampshire, Shakespeare and Company in Paris, Daunt Books in London, Skylight Books in Los Angeles, and Three Lives & Company in New York. The project underscores a broader celebration of the enduring appeal of independent bookstores in connecting readers to community and culture.