How to Protect Bookstores and Why: The Present and Future of Bookselling

by Danny Caine

"As bastions of culture, anchors of local retail districts, community gathering places, and the sources of new ideas, inspiration, and delight, bookstores have the capacity to save the world. Therefore, we need to protect them and the critical roles theyfill in our communities. Danny Caine makes a compelling case for the power of small, local businesses in this thoughtful examination of the dynamic world of bookstores"--

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Politics, Audiobook, Business, Current Affairs, Social Justice

222 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Kristīne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grāmatnīcas apmeklētājiem parastajiem varbūt pārāk specifiski, bet man kā profesionālim - interesanti, varbūt ne gluži daudz jauna, bet noderīgi, iedvesmojošo. Šādas laiku pa laikam jāpalasa, ja uznācis nogurums no darba un misijas apziņa sāk ļodzīties.

Kā pasargāt grāmatnīcas un kā neļaut tām pazust?
Grāmatnieki visā ASV atkārto - Show Up! Ne obligāti pirkt un tērēt naudu, ja tās galīgi nav, var nākt uz pasākumiem, var nākt vnk pačilot, parunāties, galu galā ielikt soctīklos kādu skaistu bildi.

Forši, ka man nezinot, ar autoru ir daži saskarsmes punkti - viņš RISE BOOKSELLING programmas ietvaros atbrauca uz Parīzi, uz slaveno Shakespear and Company, žēl, ka nepajautāja īpašniekiem, ko viņi domā par jauno galējību, ka lielākā daļa apmeklētāju tur nepērk grāmatas, bet gan maisiņu ar slaveno logo. Bet es, savukārt, RISE ietvaros aizbraucu uz ASV, kur daudzas grāmatā izklāstītās idejas un problēmas redzēju un dzirdēju savām acīm un ausīm. Grāmatas un grāmatnīcas ir demokrātijas stūrakmens, un mums nemaz nevajadzētu būt citu domu, ka kāds cits politiskais režīms mums būtu patīkamāks. Grāmatām IR jābūt pirmās nepieciešamības precēm, kā tas ir Francijā.

Vislabākā grāmatnīcas pieredze, protams, ir iziet no veikala ar grāmatu (par kuru ir samaksāts!!!), kuru tu nemaz nenojauti, ka tev vajag. Tāpēc tik svarīgs ir grāmatnieka arods, adekvāta alga, aicinājums, lai cilvēki būtu īstajā vietā un laikā un mācētu lasītājiem piemeklēt un izcelt to, kas viņiem nepieciešams, bet arī ar pārsteiguma elementu.

[Emily Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgive me, Danny, for writing this review on yet another thing Amazon controls. I would miss my book community too much (and that being said, please let me know if you have a StoryGraph profile).

I bought this book a little too late, after learning the the community bookstore I was working at had been sold to a restaurateur (who’s an asshat that treats people poorly and didn’t pay them during the pandemic *based on interviews of those with firsthand experience*).

Anyway, anyway. There’s some solid tangible advice for next steps. As a queer person, I’ve been invested in safe/brave spaces and communities for decades. Bookstores are where this happens. This happened to the nth degree at my bookstore. Granted, I’m grieving, but this would’ve been a very wise proactive read rather than a reactive one.

And if you don’t want to take the actionable steps, then consider this book a great introduction to some of the best community bookstores this country, and France, has to offer.

[Hestia Istiviani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nggak ada Amazon di Indonesia ternyata ada baiknya juga. Meskipun nggak jauh berbeda dengan adu diskon antara lokapasar toko buku ritel dengan para resellernya (hehe).

Membaca How to Protect Bookstores and Why bikin aku keinget gimana POST Booskhop--toko buku kesayanganku--bisa bertahan meski di Indonesia nggak ada hukum seperti The Lang Law seperti di Prancis. POST memahami bahwa kegiatan bookselling bukan cuma sekadar "menawarkan produk kepada konsumen." Melainkan menghidupkan komunitas tempat mereka berada.

Sebanyak 11 bab, Danny Caine menceritakan kisahnya mewawancarai beberapa pemilik toko buku non-ritel di US, Kanada, dan Eropa sebagai bahan untuk mengkritis bagaimana Amazon di US semakin "membahayakan" posisi toko buku. Juga tentang hubungan mutualisme antara toko buku dan perpustakaan yang sebaiknya bisa direplikasi di banyak tempat.

Dia nggak cuma bercerita susah payah bertahan di tengah gempuran Amazon dan pemain ritel besar, melainkan memberikan "action step" yang bisa dilakukan oleh pembaca.

Meskipun "action step" tersebut berorientasi pada sistem bernegara di US, menurutku beberapa bisa kita adaptasi. Seperti, "showing up to your local bookstore" atau "buy the book from your local bookstore."

How to Protect Bookstores and Why betulan sebuah bacaan bagus banget buat nunjukkin gimana sebuah toko buku non-ritel bisa bertahan dan butuh dukungan dari pemerintah guna sama-sama mencapai tujuan literasi sebuah negara. Bukannya dilepas begitu saja dan jadi auto-pilot kayak di mana gitu ya 👀

Versi cetaknya lumayan mahal (SGD30) dan nggak ada di Indonesia. Kalau mau baca, bisa akses versi digital (USD9.99)--iya agak ironi karena penulisnya sendiri ingin avoid Amazon 🥲

But anyway, buku ini bagus banget. Membukakan mataku soal peran toko buku non-ritel, perpustakaan, dan pemerintah dalam mempertahankan budaya membaca di tengah gempuran kapitalisme.

[John Burroughs · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important read!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up. First of all, the author is Jewish, and it’s the least I can do right now to support my fellow Jews world-wide by something as simple as reading their books.

Second, he will probably never read this because he explicitly said not to support Goodreads because it’s owned by Amazon, who are basically stealing all our data to use against the independent bookstores, so I apologize lol but at least I don’t have Prime

Third, this book opened by highlighting a Native-owned bookstore, which I have actually bought a book from - Birchbark Books owned by Pulitzer Prize winner Louise Erdrich, author of one of my favorite books The Sentence, which I bought from them so I could get a signed copy.

Fourth, I loved hearing about all the different bookstores, while mostly in the Midwest (due to budget restraints) which was a bit disappointing, but his trip to Paris to visit Shakespeare and Company was also a real highlight of the book and the French laws that make it possible for bookstores to thrive!

Overall, a great short read that just makes you want to support your community by going to your local bookstore.

[Rachael Dockery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply superb. A tender love letter to bookstores, coupled with practical (and surprisingly hopeful) recommendations as to how we, as individual readers, can support their work and ensure they continue to exist and, hopefully, thrive rather than barely survive.

[Leah (Jane Speare) · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 stars! All the stars! Also, everyone needs to move to Storygraph and get off of this platform.

[Richard Carilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical Score: 5
Personal Score: 5
Total Score: 10

[Susan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read, and I’ve now started a list of bookstores to visit!

[Roxana Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid book reader, book buyer, and book seller I really enjoyed this book. It taught me things and presented different ideas for me to mull over.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an important read that every book lover/consumer should read. I love the format that follows 12 bookstores and talks about issues they face, ways they've overcome obstacles, and ends with ways for readers to get involved. I loved learning about these book stores in the process and I want to visit them all! Obviously one of the biggest threats to bookstores is Amazon, followed closely by healthcare affordability, and lack of government support. Ways to help independent bookstores thrive include: writing reviews, buying books, going to author events, helping change legislation, wearing store merchandise in public, not using Amazon and not using Goodreads.... Sorry, I have a Librarything and a Storygraph as well, but Goodreads is my bread and butter. I love being able to easily see what my friends are reading, have multiple shelves, and see reviews in real time. I know, I know. I am part of the problem! But. Nothing comes close to this interface, sorry. I know Amazon is ripping large amounts of free data off of me, but.... I'll allow it. Necessary read for all and it definitely has spurred me to action!

[Jenny Aggen · Rating 1 out of 5]

One Star for effort.


You wouldn’t think so after reading this book, but there are conservatives who not only think independent bookstores are important, but also actually purchase our books there. There are conservatives who care about the communities where we live and we support the small businesses that are run by the members of those communities.

It’s interesting that the bookstores represented in each chapter all have far-left leaning political positions and of course all of their struggles are because of far-right leaning policies. I was expecting some ideas on how to help protect bookstores and they were presented at the end of each chapter as “Action Steps”. Some were helpful, some were not. I wasn’t expecting a book about protecting bookstores to be yet another place where the polarizing of America would be shoved in my face.

I will continue to support my local bookstores, such as Bound in York, PA where I bought this book. However, I will not be buying anything else by this author who also wrote How to Resist Amazon and Why…which you can purchase at your local bookstore, or ironically on Amazon.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Are there any bookstores owned or run by right-wingers?

[Rick B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Totally informative, interesting, and inspiring.

The only reason I'm putting a written review here is because one of the best ways to support local and independent bookstores is to junk the Amazon model of the world that has transformed the love of book shopping, browsing, and reading into a cold and indifferent process. And Goodreads is owned by Amazon, making IT part of the problem!

Want great bookstores in your community, ditch this site, use StoryGraph, and stop supporting big tech's sterile algorithms. Peace!

[Bill Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A personal story of the integral fit of neighborhood bookstores in our communities and how best to support as a consumer.

Greatly enjoyed meeting the owners of 12 unique stores across the country. Hearing their stories and understanding their intentions for their own stores and hopes for future success.

All progressives in political disposition but also singularly focused on their fit in their communities.

This was a fun read…especially as I’ve always loved book stores and all the variety of tales offered.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall!

As someone who works at a bookstore I appreciate the effort being given to save bookstores as Amazon demolishes everyone. Thankfully our store is doing amazing!

I thought this provided some good examples of real action steps and ways we can lend a hand in making books available for everyone wherever they’re at!

[Lauren Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book but there were some things missing. I learned a ton and glad that Danny traveled many places for this book. It was interesting to hear how Canada and France are working on protecting bookstores and helping publishers. I did not know that Amazon owns Goodreads and I’m really sad to hear that. I was disappointed that one of the bookstores he did not visit/write about was a used bookstore. Used bookstores are very important to the community and there are many people who can’t afford a new $20-30 book. I know he wanted to focus on the Midwest, and I know he paid for his travel. But, he said no northeast bookstores but did Washington DC? I would have loved to hear a little bit about the bookstore community in Boston.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. I love the introduction to each unique bookstores. It was moving to hear some of the hardships they experienced.

Separately, the author by his own admission and the fact that he has a whole other book on it, obviously hates Amazon. Although entirely fair, I feel his sentiments and knowledge behind Amazon building a monopoly over the book selling business could have been better express in a shorter platform. A friend of mine informed me of a review they read that stated this could’ve done better as an article and frankly, I agree.

I felt like there were two disjointed storylines pushed together to form one agenda. Overall, a very educational book that I enjoyed, but I don’t know if I would recommend to others.

[Karen Mcswain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an accurate portrayal of the challenges independent bookstores face today. I enjoyed the layout of the book, and the anecdotes and insights Caine shared from his interviews with the owners of well-known, and lesser-known bookstores. As a used bookstore owner, I wish he included more anecdotes from other peddlers of previously-loved books. Many of the issues we face are similar to stores that sell new books; however, used bookstores face challenges that are unique to the type of inventory that we carry.

[Joe Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another reminder that I really need to switch over to StoryGraph at some point… I just can’t quit Goodreads. We did cancel our prime account this year so that’s something. I’m going to compromise and include the location that I purchased or picked up the book in my reviews to shout out local bookstores and libraries.

This book was a gift purchased for me at Three Avenues bookshop in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago.

[Linda Leitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookstores do more than sell books. They provide community in the form of events, books that engage the consumers who go there, taking a stand for issues, and providing viable employment for their employees. This book gives wonderful insight through the author's interviews with owners of a dozen community bookstores. He makes a compelling case for supporting community bookstores as well as small publishing houses, and fighting the predatory practices of businesses who only serve as a conduit between big publishers and readers.

[Lauren]

Listened to the audio. A good example of the lens through which the narrative of much of the bookselling world is funneled.

I was hoping for more actionable steps from the bookseller/managing positions but that may have been more of a desperate hope on my part of how do you better run a small bookstore in a difficult economy.

[Cindy Coats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bookseller here and it seems wrong to review this here as he explicitly says not to. But I’m working on breaking a decades old habit.

Definitely read if you are a lover of books. Books will not be obsolete.

[AK Miedler · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 3/4 of the way through

Content is interesting but the narrator’s voice was so dry and flat it was a struggle to get through. Finally gave up as it got repetitive enough to be better fit for a blog or opinion piece.

[Kerri D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very relevant to me as a bookseller but also to anyone who gives a hoot about bookstores. Loved his examples and they gave me some ideas for my shop.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book. Read this book. Read this book. But first, borrow it from the library OR buy it from a local bookstore. Avoid buying it on Amazon. Read this book!

[macy · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good, so much for this small brain to think about

*author says not to support Goodreads (owned by Amazon, who are basically stealing our data to use against "independent" bookstores)

[Zach Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an eye opening revelation to the ins and outs of the book selling community. The stories included in this book showcase the struggles and woes U.S. bookshop owners face. If this doesn’t light a fire in your passion for supporting local, I don’t know what will.

Sorry for using Amazon to review this Danny.

[milo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. I really enjoyed reading Danny Caine’s delightful and incredibly vital book, ‘How to Protect Bookstores and Why’. I work part-time as a bookseller myself, so I found it incredibly relatable, urgently needed, and even heart-warming, and Caine’s exploration of why we should protect bookstores and by extension booksellers, told in part through the captivating vignettes/interviews of twelve different bookstores and their booksellers (all but two are USA-based bookstores, where Caine is frm, and the other two are in Paris, France and Ontario, Canada), further fuelled my passion fr the bookselling industry.

This book highlights the profound role that bookstores and booksellers play in our society, far beyond being conduits fr the simple exchange of literature. Caine effectively demonstrates how, among many and varied other things, bookstores and booksellers curate diverse collections, challenging mainstream narratives and promoting critical thinking; serve as historical record keepers, preserving ideas at risk of being forgotten or suppressed; and act as vital gathering places fr discourse and activism, amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Supporting bookstores is, as Caine emphasises, also a form of resistance against the monopolies of big corporations in the book industry, such as Amazon and big box stores like Barnes & Noble in the USA and perhaps even Dymocks here in Australia. Smaller local and indie bookstores also tend to champion diversity in publishing, ensuring a broader range of voices are heard, as well as celebrating historically marginalised communities and their histories, such as those of queer or Indigenous communities, preventing their stories frm being lost or, as is more actively becoming the case, suppressed and banned. Many of these smaller bookstores also tend to actively engage in political activism in their communities, turning their spaces into hubs fr progressive causes and advocating fr social justice.

‘How to Protect Bookstores and Why’ powerfully illustrates the invaluable role of bookstores and booksellers in shaping political discourse, fostering social change, and challenging the status quo, alongside many other roles, all on top of trying to survive and stay open in the hellscape that is capitalism. This book is a must-read fr anyone who values not just bookstores, but also the preservation of ideas, the amplification of marginalised voices, and the advancement of important social and political discourse and conversations.

Please support bookstores and the dedicated booksellers who make them havens fr diverse thought and expression, in any way you can. Whether that’s, as Danny Caine suggests, buying books directly frm them (ideally in person but if that’s not possible through their online stores) rather than sites like Amazon, who is killing the bookselling industry, or third-party sites like Bookshop.org (though Caine admits there can be both positives and negatives about these third-party sites), or to buying and wearing their merch or, if you can’t support them monetarily, showing up to the (typically free!) events they hold, whether that’s author signings and in-conversations/talks or bookclubs, or even just spreading by word-of-mouth and social media the good word about the importance of bookstores and why they most urgently need to be looked after, especially in this current political and economic climate.

[SheMac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars because it's interesting, well written, and, in the end, is about books. But ... as I don't embrace right think, I'll keep my opinions to myself. I will make three quick observations:

1. Chapter 3 ... never mind.
2. Apparently it's racist to buy books about anti-racism from Black-owned businesses.
3. One suggested "action step" is not to leave reviews on Goodreads, so ponder that.