Originally posted on my personal blog. 

As someone who is basically an English major, I love a good bookstore. Or is it bookshop?

Either way, the essence that a small, independent bookstore brings is fantastic. The sweet, sweet smell of the paperbacks for sale, the cool, suave hipster clerks and the wooden tables that accompany their cafes- there’s nothing quite like it.

I have the “privilege” of living in Massachusetts, which I like to think is one of the most indie-loving states (behind Oregon & California). We have great bohemian areas in all parts of our small state: for the Eastern side, Cambridge, Brighton & Allston are a few. For the Western Side, we have places like Northampton, Easthampton & Adams that can bring your free spirit out.

But, this list is not gonna be about indie bookstores of “Boston” (used loosely). I am going to share the hidden book gems of the suburbs of Boston & beyond.

So, without further ado, here are my favorite little bookshops of Massachusetts.

3) Booklink Booksellers

Thornes Marketplace, Northampton, MA

Booklink Booksellers is a two floor shop within the infamous Thornes Marketplace. Known for being “A Small Bookstore with a Loud Voice”, the atmosphere really packs a punch with its different sections for books A-Z & a little café upstairs.

The book selection they had to offer was far from in-between. Offering popular books like “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy & “Normal People” by Sally Rooney, & some nature books about the wonders of New England & beyond, there really is something for everybody.

There was also a section for stationary, featuring beautiful leatherbound journals & handmade cards. Booklink Booksellers’ website has these cards & their on sale books for sale, but for the rest of their inventory can be found instore.

4 stars out of 5

Booklink on Instagram

2) An Unlikely Story

Plainville, MA (near Wrentham Village Premium Outlets)

An Unlikely Story is an expansive, two story bookshop in Southeastern, MA- right near the Premium Outlets in Wrentham, and 20 minutes from Gillette Stadium. Owned by Jeff Kinney, the author of the Diary of A Wimpy Kid series & creator of Poptropica, there is an air of success once you walk in the door.

Their book selection was quite large. Books ranged from children’s books (by local authors such as Peter H. Reynolds- psst!! foreshadowing) & even a section with books from Tik Tok’s famous Book Tok.

Besides their books, An Unlikely Story also sells stationary, children’s toys & games & food, via their café! their food options include coffee, salads & pastries!

My favorite part about An Unlikely Story is their author visits. Authors such as David Sedaris & Chelsea Clinton have stopped by to discuss their books.

4.5 out of 5 stars

An Unlikely Story’s socials: Instagram & Tik Tok

1) The Blue Bunny Books & Toys

Dedham Square, Dedham, MA

The top of my list is The Blue Bunny Books & Toys, a one story bookstore in historic Dedham Square. Located outside of Boston, this bookstore is catered mainly to children, and local authors as well.

The Blue Bunny Books & Toys is owned by Peter H. Reynolds, an illustrator & author known for the children’s books “The Dot” & the illustrations for the Judy Moody series. Reynolds makes appearances here and there, as he is a resident of Dedham. His family, such as his wife Janet & brother Paul, help out at the store as well.

Blue Bunny also has art supplies, toys & crafts for sale as well. Even though they are mainly a children’s bookstore, there is a small section in the back for Adult books. Mocha Java is their café, which used to be an actually storefront in Dedham Square, which Reynolds bought and transferred over to his store.

The reason this is #1 on my list, is because of the Dedham Writers’ Café that has their home in Blue Bunny! It’s a local writers’ group filled with authors from around the area. I am happy to be a part of this lovely group.

5 out of 5 stars

Blue Bunny’s Socials’: Instagram & Twitter

There you have it! Feel free to give this post a like & share to your socials:)

See you later!