I agree.I don't like buying books online very much.I love holding books and smelling them.Even if they sell toys and stuff shouldn't they have a cozy area full of bookshelves and comfortable chairs for reading?I know how you feel.Its not a good day when you go to a bookshop can come out empty handed.Don't you have any bookshops where they sell used books in your state?Those places are the best if you want variety and discounts. :)
We are quite lucky I suppose - our local mall (I am from South Africa) has two bookshops with the most comfortable chairs to sit back and relax in while browsing through a book or two. It is difficult to find an unoccupied chair though :) I can quite happily spend hours in both stores, but can't afford to buy more than one or two books at a time - very, very expensive to buy books here.
The last few times I've gone to my town's only "new books" bookstore, I went with a list of five or so books I knew I wanted. None of them were available, even though they were put out by big publishers and the authors weren't complete unknowns. I was told I could have them special ordered for no extra charge, but I wanted the instant gratification of having those books in my hands that evening. If I had been willing to wait, I'd just have ordered them online originally. For a few dollars cheaper, even.
Every time I see an article about brick & mortar bookstores dying out, I can't help but think "then stock a greater selection of books and fewer non-book items."
Every time I see an article about brick & mortar bookstores dying out, I can't help but think "then stock a greater selection of books and fewer non-book items."