Bookbook

Profile

West Village locals collectively groaned upon hearing that the storied Biography Bookshop would be replaced with yet another Marc Jacobs boutique (his sixth) after more than 20 years in business. Fortunately, in September 2009, Biography owners Chuck Mullen and Carolyn Epstein reopened just down the street with a new name and an expanded selection. The interior is decked in light hardwood, from the floor to the shelves, and in warmer months the glass screen in front is lifted to create an open-air space. Though the spot still houses a respectable selection of its former specialty, Bookbook’s shelves are packed with an array of niche genres like philosophy, religion, film, theater, and poetry, as well as a comprehensive selection of literary heavy-hitters like García Márquez, Rand, and Updike. All hardcovers are twenty percent off year-round, and bargain hunters can browse deeper discounts in the sale carts out front and inside. — Mike Vilensky