Booklover's Gourmet - Webster, MA

Booklover's Gourmet, Webster, MA

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One of my favorite things about this journey is not only meeting the owners but also meeting some of their staff.  It's extra special when those staffers are relatives of the owner.  Owner Deb H. is fortunate to have a great support group staff of mom and dad who help out at the store.  I didn't get to meet Deb's dad but thoroughly enjoyed meeting her mother, Lorraine O.  As with all booksellers, she has her niche and special talent at Booklover's Gourmet.  Since she has about 100 books at home about Elvis, I would encourage anyone in Webster with even the slightest interest in Elvis to ask her for a book recommendation on ANYTHING Elvis.  And like any good independent bookstore, if you want a book about Elvis or anything else Deb will order it for you if it isn't in the store.

I think any bookstore that is still open now after closing for the pandemic is very encouraging.  Like many others, Booklover's Gourmet survived because of loyal local customers placing online orders for books and gift cards.  Now that the store is open for browsing, those customers have even more options.  A cute cafe service area that offers coffee, espresso drinks, and baked goods.  There are a variety of sidelines available, many produced locally like the dream catchers for example.  You can also find numerous greeting cards, puzzles, teas, and journals to name a few.  Additionally, you'll find framed photographs for sale by local artists. 

Booklover's offers a good variety of new and used books along with some collectible editions and a large inventory of used comics.  Customers who bring their used books in can do so for store credit or trade.  The store is host to book groups and writing groups and was very active with events before the pandemic.  Expect to see those resume at some point and they'll include art shows, author events, and maybe open mic nights.  

26+ years ago the Webster Chamber of Commerce told Deb, don't bother, a bookstore won't make it here in Webster.  Thank goodness she didn't listen.  The approximatley 16,000 citizens in Webster didn't listen either.  Congratulations to the Booklover's Gourmet AND the community in Webster on a job well done.  Here's to many more years ahead of successful book selling.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and The Last Trial of Harper Lee, Casey Cep.  Combination narrative non-fiction and biography.  Five people die mysteriously in Alabama and the suspect for each victim is a pastor, yet they can't convict.  The victims have two things in common.  They all have a relationship to this pastor and he had life insurance policies on everyone.  Years later, Harper Lee visits and begins investigating the crimes in what might be her next novel.  Did she ever right this crime novel?  I absolutely loved this book.  Highly recommended.   

CURRENTLY READING:  The Book Of Rosy, Rosayra Pablo Cruz and Julie Schwietert Collazo.    

Beautiful storefront. 

Don't mind if I do!

Happy Anniversary to a terrific independent bookstore. 

A chair for you and your friend and a table for your drink on a nice day. 

View looking into the store and toward the right from the front entrance. 

Check out the variety of sidelines to the left from the front entrance.

On the left side of the store you'll find the cafe seating area. 

Puzzles have been huge sellers over the last year at just about every bookstore I visit.

The store features local artwork by talented individuals.  They often host art shows on site. 

Just a few of the greeting cards available. 

A variety of journals are offered. 

One of the several book nooks in the store. 

If books aren't your thing, make your way to the cafe display case. 

Lots of drinks to choose from to go with whatever you get from the display case. 

Unique dream catchers. 

The kids will like these items. 

A partial view of the children's section in and around this area. 

Booklover's Gourmet offers a few collectible editions. 

Looking into the back room where you'll find lots of bargains. 

Some great bargains for comic book fans. 

An overview of the back room. 

A few of the games available. 

Looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance. 

With Lorraine on the left and Deb on the right, two of the fine folks you'll meet at Booklover's Gourmet.  Thanks for a great visit.