NewBo Books - Cedar Rapids, IA

I can travel far and wide visiting the many indies outlined in My Bookstore, edited by Ron Rice, but as previously stated I'll also be visiting indies that aren't included in his book.  Ron told me that his book was so difficult because for every one he included he could have chosen five more.  Visiting all of those indies in his book continues to be my goal but in the meantime there will be many visits for me to other fantastic indies that enthusiastic readers need to know about.  This is the first indie I'm writing about not featured in Ron's book and how could I start with any indie other than the one right here in Cedar Rapids, NewBo Books.

If you're within a couple hours driving distance of Cedar Rapids, put this indie and it's neighborhood on your list of places to visit.  NewBo books is located in the historic CSPS building in the NewBo neighborhood of Cedar Rapids.  Every indie I've visited is uniquely different and NewBo Books is  probably the smallest I've been to so far.  What it lacks in size it makes up for in quaintness, charm, well-organized and neat, and great staff people to talk to.  I always love talking to staff people at the indies just to talk about books.  Mary Ann Peters, the owner and Kim the manager are 5 star people all the way and very fun to talk to about what they're reading.  If poetry is your thing, Julie is the one to talk to.  It's a cooperating bookstore with Prairie Lights in Iowa City and anything you need they can have within a day.  And just because it's small doesn't mean it doesn't schedule activities like all the other indies.  NewBo is continually promoting authors and live readings as well as other related book activities.

The bookstore doesn't have a cafe inside it.  But if you can walk literally 8 paces across the front entrance you can enjoy a great latte at The Brewed Cafe.  This is always a plus for me.  The location for this indie and coffee shop couldn't be better.  The NewBo neighborhood is an area of Cedar Rapids that has already seen major redevelopment and will continue to enjoy more of the same in the near future.  Check it out!  But of all the bookstores I visit this one wins the award for closest to where I live.   Even if my car won't start I can be there in 10 minutes on my bike.  Do me a favor, go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir!

JUST FINISHED: Lone Wolf, Jodi Picoult.  Good book, held my interest.  But sad.  You'll learn a lot about wolves and end of life decisions.  4 stars.

CURRENTLY READING:  Devil In The Grove, Gilbert King.  Non-fiction.  Chilling, brutal, and sickening.  Thurgood Marshall in the 40s and 50's crusade for civil rights in Florida.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  NONE!  A moratorium on book-buying!  Don't worry, this changes within the next two weeks with some new indie visits ahead.

NewBo Books in Cedar Rapids, IA

NewBo Books, located in the CSPS building

Mary Ann Peters, owner and yours truly

Interior, NewBo Books