The Indie Bob Spot: Brier Books

Brier Books, Lexington, KY

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Readers, I will remind you again do not fall for the occasional national article lamenting the demise of independent bookstores. It is not true and every indie owner is in agreement with what I hear, see, and experience. There are far more indies opening than are closing and I give you yet ANOTHER example in Lexington, KY. A big welcome to Brier Books to the independent bookstore community and their owners Jay M. and Savannah. As the proud "parents" of this bookstore, readers, you have nothing to worry about. They come with lots of bookstore experience as former employees of the recently closed Morris Bookshop where Jay was the general manager. With their background in the book business, this new store can't help but be successful and get off to a good start.

Brier Books is located in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Lexington. As Jay told me, it is a great location. Very visible and very walkable for the local neighborhood. The store takes up the main level of a historic and picturesque house that has been many businesses in its lifetime. The several upstairs rooms are rented out and can be reserved by community groups, like a local dance company does now. This is a great asset for the bookstore as is their reasonable lease.

The store offers all new books and some sidelines in multiple rooms with an emphasis on locally created items like soaps, scents, hand made journals, and unique art. They have a great area in the front rooms that can be cleared for store events. My advice when you visit here is to browse, wander, and meander throughout. It's a very comfortable space to wander from room to room and enjoy the different book displays. And this wandering includes checking out the children's room in the back of the store.

I didn't get to meet Savannah on this visit but Jay was great to meet and kind enough to tell me about the store and business. Even though I didn't meet Savannah, I know that they both know their stuff.

One thing to note before your visit. There is free parking on the side and in the back. Don't use the meters on the street, like I did. Save that meter money to use on the books you'll buy when you visit Brier Books. Congratulations Jay and Savannah. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Montana 1948, Larry Watson. A very unassuming title for an outstanding book. The story of a family in small town Montana, dad, Wes Hayden was the sheriff, mom was a secretary, and David, their 12-year old son. They had a native American girl who was their housekeeper. After her mysterious death and reports of sex abuse on the nearby reservation, Sheriff Wes Hayden must choose between upholding the law or his family. A quick read that poses a moral dilemma, great for bookclubs. Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: In The Unlikely Event, Judy Blume.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia, Elizabeth Catte.

Another exterior view.

This bookstore has space that allows for some landscaping and they've done a great job with this.

View looking to the left from the front entrance. This is a wonderful enclosed porch area, a nice place to sit and look through a book. Notice also the attractive stained glass windows.

View looking into the front room of the store and slightly to the left. Diligent readers will undoubtedly recognize the celebrity on the left. Yes, that's my mom.

View looking straight through the main room and into another room toward the back of the store.

Some of the locally created sideline items.

Another one of my favorite bookstore sale promotions, blind date with a book. For only $2 you get to take a chance on what you're buying, a fun adventure at bookstores who offer this.