The Indie Bob Spot: Big Hill Books

Big Hill Books, Minneapolis, MN

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In this case, you CAN judge a book by its cover. We’ve all been drawn to a book by a beautiful cover only to be disappointed once we start reading to discover it’s a clunker. That won’t happen at Big Hill books. Owner Beth T. and her team have put in a lot of effort and planning with the exterior and the landscaping as well as the interior in this 100+ year old building (it looks like a house but has never been a private residence, originally a house of worship). My pictures won’t do it justice but the results are a jaw-dropping bookstore with a fantastic location in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis. Way to go Beth.

Big Hill Books offers all new books and an assortment of sidelines in a gorgeous one-level setting. They also offer books online through bookshop.org. Sidelines include store merch, book-related t-shirts, lip balm, and stickers to name a few. Their greeting cards and t-shirts well particularly well. On the weekday morning of my visit, the store was full with the energy of pre-schoolers for its weekly story time. Cat lovers will also enjoy visiting since I can confirm the presence of two felines. Although, be forewarned; as Beth told a few customers who brought in drinks be careful not to set them down. It seems the cats sometimes like to knock them over.

I don’t know how the store location could be any better. A neighborhood bookstore in an area surrounded by a community devoted to education and reading. This is reflected in Beth’s comments that in its almost two years of existence, things are going very well. The store location is also perfect for Beth who can simply walk to work.

The mystery for me was, how the heck did the store get its name? It certainly isn’t on any kind of a hill. The answer made perfect sense when Beth explained that the Bryn Mawr neighborhood name is Welsh for “big hill”, the description of the topography for this area. Clever Beth, very clever.

If you live in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood and aren’t a regular at Big Hill Books, what gives? This is the kind of bookstore that should be in EVERY neighborhood. Pay them a visit and discover that beauty right under your nose. In this case, you definitely can judge a book by its cover. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Last Bookseller: A Life in The Rare Book Trade, Gary Goodman. The author’s memoir about the stark reality of opening a used book store in the 80s. A great look at the bookstore business in the Twin Cities and the owners who were part of the scene at that time. Also looks at the advent of the internet and the subsequent decline and failure of the book and mortar stores. You’ll also learn about the criminals and book thieves that made their living at the expense of honest bookstores. Anyone who enjoys visiting bookstores will enjoy this book. I loved it. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Last Days of Summer, Steve Kluger.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Wisdom of Donkeys, Andy Merrifield.

The beautiful Big Hill Books.

The attractive front yard. Get your book and enjoy it from a seat outside. Very nice landscaping.

Display windows with colorful flower boxes.

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

Just inside the store look for these great deals.

One of the helpful cats, helping me sign the guest book.

View looking to the right from the front entrance.

Attractive table display just inside the the store.

Looking to the left from the front entrance. Attractive display with many of the staff picks.

Beautiful and unique accessories. If you see it in a bookstore and you like it, GET IT. It will be difficult to find elsewhere.

Another nice table display.

One of my favorite views in any bookstore.

Yes, and true at any independent bookstore.

The only thing missing in this picture is you.

In the front center of the store find a wide variety of t-shirts.

Just a few of the greeting cards offered.

An assortment of sidelines in the front of the store on the right side near the checkout counter.

An easy way for regulars and Bryn Mawr neighbors to take advantage of attending events.

Stroll to the right side of the store to browse this view.

Written by a former bookstore owner in Kansas.

Take a chance on the popular "Blind Date With a Book" promotion offered in many indies.

An example of a blind date book.

Peeking around a corner in case any of the story time toddlers are on the loose.

Overview of the story time area.

Overlooking the children's area and the back of the store.

Visual confirmation. You can't find this on Amazon.

This dais remains from when the building was a house of worship. It serves now as an option for guest speakers or simply a place to sit and sample a book.