Kate's Mystery Books
Also offers worthwhile lectures and an informative newsletter. 2211 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Harvard Book Store
It's not exactly a shock that Harvard is able to reel in big names for its reading series. The pleasant surprise is the sheer variety, from political leaders (Ralph Nader) to literary-world sweethearts (Gary Shteyngart). Listen to discussions on the environment, the economy, or good old-fashioned plot analysis—and even take part in one yourself, with the book circle or the "Philosophy Café" Many events are free, and the ones that aren't seldom cost more than $5. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, harvard.com.
Harvard Book Store
In addition to bringing the authors to Boston, the Harvard Book Store also provides the most diverse and frequent reading series. HBS increases its breadth by teaming up with the Hasty Pudding Institute, the BPL, and the Harvard Film Archive for many events. It also makes an effort to reach beyond the literary by inviting writers of nonfiction and even business gurus to speak. The business breakfast series is among the store's most popular. 126 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
The park (and garage) at Post Office Square
Two signs of relief. One: Post Office Square no longer resembles an overturned canister of Tinker Toys, as it did during the long construction period. Two: The New park, which tops seven layers of subterannean garage space, feels as if it's been there forever.
Harvard Book Store
Miss seeing your favorite writers in living color? The good news is the beloved author talks at this bibliophile’s paradise are still happening as many as five times a week online, now with an added perk—celebrity moderators. Recent pairings include longtime Globe book critic Gail Caldwell discussing her deeply personal memoir with Gloria Steinem, and former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy chatting about his latest book on health with former First Daughter Barbara Bush. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, harvard.com/index.php?.
Kate's Mystery Books
Except for the rock tunes that blare from the speakers, this little shop of horrors seems right out of a WGBH Mystery! episode, with its Victorian architecture and hundreds of ceramic black cats peering down from the bookcases. A vast library of thrillers, horror stories, and other books lines the shelves. Kate herself tallies the tabs and helps customers navigate her stock, which runs from the common (Stephen King) to the obscure (the "strong women" category). Acknowledged as the regional hub of the craft, Kate's hosts monthly meetings of the Mystery Writers of America, and nationally known authors hold book-signings here. 2211 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA katesmysterybooks.com.
The Children's Book Shop
Sure, it's a little dog-eared (we prefer well loved), but this Brookline Village godsend, serving young readers since 1977, will break you of your rote nightly reads with a fresh supply of soon-to-be family favorites spanning every era: In the Night Kitchen, Officer Buckle and Gloria, and the latest from Mo Willems. 237 Washington St., Brookline, MA thechildrensbookshop.net.
The Children's Book Shop
Photograph by Vito Aluia Books are alive and well at this charming Brookline shop, where owner Terri Schmitz helps kids of all ages find the perfect rainy-day escape, sans batteries. Catch her when the little ones are fully engaged and reminisce about all the authors you loved as a child. 237 Washington St., Brookline, MA 2445, thechildrensbookshop.net.
The Concord Book Shop
The historic town that produced such literary luminaries as Emerson, Alcott, and Thoreau seems destined to have the bookshop. And Concord does. Why go to a depersonalized megastore staffed by teenagers? This adorable gem, nestled in the heart of the tree-lined suburb, has everything a true bibliophile craves, including special sections of poetry, children's books, and local authors (even mathematicians and scientists remark on the wide selections in their fields). The staff is superfriendly and well informed. If they don't have it, they'll get it. There are also loads of author appearances (such as Lady Mary Soames, daughter of Winston Churchill and author of Winston and Clementine). 65 Main St., Concord, MA .
Borders Books and Music
A combination bookstore, music store, and cafe, Borders Books and Music has a huge selection of art books, ranging from classics like Picasso, Homer and O'Keeffe to Pop Art and Andy Warhol. Borders also offers sketchbooks, how-to books on drawing, painting, and photography, and a wide selection on subjects such as art history, architecture, graphic design, and printmaking. Best of all—comfy chairs for readers to sit in as they pore over the glossy pages. Corner of School and Washington streets, Boston, MA .
Boston Audio Books
Suburban commuters who work downtown will be thrilled to find Boston AudioBooks. This store carries a wide selection—including fiction, self-help, mystery, and science fiction—that can be bought or rented. Note: You must become a member to rent audio books—the onetime fee is $10. 80 Arch St., Boston, MA .
Harvard Book Store
The Harvard Book Store Readings can be intimate affairs, just you and other devotees listening to a favorite author in a cozy room. Or they can be major events, with big names enlightening the masses in a much grander space. This store uniquely offers both, bringing such writers as Paul Theroux and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie into its retail space while also booking larger venues like the First Parish Church and the Brattle Theatre for splashier occasions. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA harvard.com.
Harvard Book Store
Plenty of book stores host signings, but for a truly enlightening author event, two venues always vie for our top spot: the Brookline Booksmith and the Harvard Book Store. Both are homey, friendly, and proudly independent. But Harvard wins this year for its muscular lineup: This past spring the store brought to town political heavyweights Paul Krugman and Madeleine Albright, fiction legends Joyce Carol Oates and Peter Carey, and local writers Audrey Schulman and Pablo Medina. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, harvard.com.
Harvard Book Store
Photo by Lisa Decotis Here’s one thing you can’t do on Amazon: Roam the aisles, thumbing through new releases and used books. Also impossible: attending readings and lectures by Elizabeth Warren, Gary Shteyngart, B.J. Novak, and Thomas Piketty (his Harvard Book Store appearance was scheduled before he was famous, by the way). At a time when bookstores need to be much more than bookstores to survive and thrive, no other local shop offers so many reasons to turn into a bona fide bookworm. Lucky us. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, harvard.com.