89. Books Are Magic
Info about Shop
Do you believe in magic? We have the place for you. Located between a diner and a French bakery, this shop is magic embodied simply by its sheer existence. Let’s dive deeper. The David’s (Blaine and Cooperfield) use magic as a performative, theatrical tool. Books Are Magic brings all the excitement of the theatrics – and an authentic, genuine, low-key experience – that leaves you wondering “How do they do it?”
It could be the Mini Print Vending Machine waiting for an adventure as soon as you walk into the shop. Four quarters, and you get a surprise print. The anticipation of wondering which print you’ll receive, and waiting for the print to come to you, is a truly magical experience. How often do we, as adults, get the opportunity for profound anticipation and excitement, followed by a surprise? That’s magic.
Venture further into the shop, past the Mini Print Vending Machine, and the shop exudes an energy that I can only describe as a Sea of Tranquility. There was no rush to pick a book. Instrumental funk music played quietly, layering the bookshop with a blanket of warmth and welcoming. The front half of the bookstore includes rounded ceilings, giving the vibe of being in a secret library located deep in a castle.
Experience
The books were organized in an incredibly intuitive manner. This was magic embodied. Typically, I do a little bit of searching to find books on a specific topic. The books at Books Are Magic were organized flawlessly – to the point that I never sought out the signs throughout the store indicating the section of books in that specific location. Magic. Only magic can do that.
Many of the books are accompanied by small cards with staff reviews. The staff reviews were humble and constructive through and through. One review started with “Not ashamed to say I started this book because I love Timothy Olyphhant (Name a better reason!).” Another review spoke to how much the reader / shop employee learned about a specific historical event through the course of a historical non-fiction book – and ended with a personal dedication to “ready everything” by the author of that book. In a world full of bravado and big characters, the humble honesty and down-to-earth quality of the reviews were a magic moment.
As you venture deeper into the shop, it suddenly transforms from arched ceilings and books for adults to exposed wooden beams and a wonderful collection of children’s literature. I took a moment to keep one foot in both worlds – and genuinely enjoyed that such a physical transformation could happen while the energy carried over from the adult section into the children’s section.
The check-out process was a true delight. The employee helping me shared a few (very helpful) tips about my next visit, and had a wonderful sense of humor that made the interaction fun. Admittedly, I might be biased. That said, the opportunity to genuinely connect with another person and share several laughs together is a magic opportunity. I left the shop with a sense of longing and nostalgia to make another visit. But I also left the shop having reinforced an important lesson: Voila! Books are magic.
122 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 - Website