The Indie Bob Spot: Mitchell's Book Corner

Mitchell's Book Corner - Nantucket, MA

(Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on Twitter)

I like to consider the entirety of my journey as a grand adventure. It truly is just that and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to do this. However, it's possible to think of the visit to this bookstore as an adventure by itself. You can't drive here. Your options are to book a VERY expensive flight to this island or take the ferry. Roundtrip ticket to Nantucket Island on the Hy-Line ferry from Hyannis Port? $77. Parking the car before boarding the ferry? $20. Visiting Nantucket and Mitchell's Book Corner? Priceless.

I can travel coast to coast to visit bookstores but once I get to Nantucket Island, I can find two within a 5 minute walk of each other. Even more astounding is that both of these within such close proximity of each other are featured in My Bookstore, by Ron Rice. Mitchell's Book Corner has been here since 1968 in its original corner location on Main St. It is a very short walk from where you disembark from the ferry (Tip: do not take your car to the island. It's not driver friendly and there's way too much congestion). When you visit you'll find a compact, 2-level store that offers all new books and just a few sidelines. I would encourage visitors to check out the books about Nantucket and the Cape Cod area. I thought this section was excellent. Clearly, the tourist traffic here is huge, especially during the summer and fall months. The store does have good local customers as well, including those who make this island their summer home. The store is active with author signings and events, hosting their in-store events up on the 2nd floor. And if you visit here in June, you can enjoy the Nantucket Book Festival.

Visting an affluent area like this, I was mildly concerned what the people might be like, if they would be as friendly as all the other bookstore people. Readers, I assure you that you have nothing to worry about. The store was so busy on the day of my visit I could barely turned around without bumping into someone. Despite the great crowd in the store, Bowen and Tim were both fantastic to meet and talk to. They couldn't have been nicer and I had a wonderful time. It doesn't matter what part of the country I visit, bookstore people are the best.

Definitely plan a vacation to Nantucket sometime. Cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks, lots of history, and quaint shops, inns, and restaurants. But don't miss a visit to Mitchell's Book Corner, one of the terrific bookstores featured in My Bookstore. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Underground In Berlin, Marie Jalowicz Simon. Author's account of surviving in Berlin as a young Jewish woman who avoids deportation and survives thanks to many who help her during the years of WWII. Her parents are gone and she is an only child. Incredible story. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Murder At The Roosevelt Hotel In Cedar Rapids, Diane Fannon-Langton.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Away Off Shore, Nathaniel Philbrick.