Modern Times Bookstore--Books You Won't Find at Chains (online or off).
May 26 '00
Inspired by the review of City Lights Books, I want to add my expression of admiration for City Lights, and then say, Modern Times Bookstore on Valencia in San Francisco is a must-visit if you want books the likes of which you won't find on Amazon, at least not browsing.
I like to Browse
I browse epinions, I browse books. I've also an interest in books that aren't necessarily touting the well worn party line, books you aren't likely to see Opra recommending, or the New York Times giving a great review. Combining a perfect place to browse, and a place where, for instance, you're sure to find the latest by Noam Chomsky, in San Francisco, is Modern Times Bookstore.
Like many good things, it's on Valencia Street, South of Market. It's a large, well lighted place for books (no, not that place, but one that fits the description.) It's an independent bookstore. Without independent bookstores, independent viewpoints would be largely silenced. Independent bookstores with a focus on mystery will bring you the best in mystery novels, independent bookstores with a focus on theatre are where you'll find the books on plays and theatrical techniques, independent bookstores are where you'll find 'zines, and the odd book that goes bump in the night. They're where you are more likely to find innovation and thought between the covers.
The Layout
Modern Times has several sections, for fiction, poetry, zines, and a huge section for political writings. If you want to know what's really going on, you go there, and grab something, sink into the comfortable chairs, and read. Then buy.
The people there are friendly and helpful. In the middle of the store is an office, I'm not sure if it's the owner's or some other office, but it's odd to see an office in the middle of a book store. It's sort of an illustration of how an independent bookstore will do things its own way.
That's the way Modern Times does things.
Community
Here's something Amazon can't give you---a little back room for meetings, and lectures, and classes. Modern Times has one, and the round up of offerings is varied, although usually of a political theme. You can talk to the authors, in a relaxed setting, and maybe go out for coffee with them afterwards. You can learn to bead, or learn about the local political hot issues, or connect with other people.
In addition, you can find classes, meetings, rallies, or a room mate on the local bulletin board (this time, it's a paper and thumbtacks bulletin board nested in a bricks and mortar store.
Maybe you can't come to my favorite independent bookstore, but you can go to yours
And I urge you to do it. Independent bookstores are great, a great place to find books, and a way to support diversity in thought. There's one near you, support it! I'll support mine.
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Epinions.com ID:
adonna
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Donna Hall
Location: Humboldt County, California
Reviews written: 164
Trusted by: 100 members
About Me:
When I'm not here, I'm birding. (Or working, or gardening, or playing with power tools.)
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