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A review by guybrarian133
Browse: The World in Bookshops by Henry Hitchings
3.0
(Note: I received an advanced reader copy, admittedly a few years back, courtesy of NetGalley)
As an avid reader and unashamed bibliophile, a collection of essays by an array of writers waxing fondly over their respective favorite bookshops is immediately a cozy home run. However, due to my decision to finally read this several years after being provided an advanced reader copy and about two years into a worldwide pandemic, Browse is also significantly more. In an era of reduced travel, this book is a chance to travel around the globe without leaving the safety of one’s home. In an era of significantly increased risk while merely being out and about in public, these essays allow me to visit new shops unburdened by anxiety. And in an era absolutely thick with uncertainty, Browse manages to bring me comfort by simultaneously transporting me back to a seemingly simpler time not too long ago, and enthusing me for a hopefully not-too-distant future where I can once again casually saunter around shops free of and unease, and happily take my time as I glance over titles and wonder if anyone of them will call out to me.
As an avid reader and unashamed bibliophile, a collection of essays by an array of writers waxing fondly over their respective favorite bookshops is immediately a cozy home run. However, due to my decision to finally read this several years after being provided an advanced reader copy and about two years into a worldwide pandemic, Browse is also significantly more. In an era of reduced travel, this book is a chance to travel around the globe without leaving the safety of one’s home. In an era of significantly increased risk while merely being out and about in public, these essays allow me to visit new shops unburdened by anxiety. And in an era absolutely thick with uncertainty, Browse manages to bring me comfort by simultaneously transporting me back to a seemingly simpler time not too long ago, and enthusing me for a hopefully not-too-distant future where I can once again casually saunter around shops free of and unease, and happily take my time as I glance over titles and wonder if anyone of them will call out to me.