Book Shopping at the BEST bookstores in New York 📚 + book haul

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Hello friends!
I just got back from an amazing book shopping trip to New York City and honestly I could have stayed there for an entire week just browsing all the bookstores. In this video I visit some of the best bookstores in NYC (The Strand, Shakespeare & Co, Albertine, The Corner Bookstore & more!) We also visit the largest bookstore in the entire world, Barnes and Noble in Union Square! The entire trip was amazing and I already can't wait to go back.
If you have any recommendations for NYC bookstores please let me know and I'll them to my ongoing list! 🥰
📚 Bookstores visited in order 📚
The Strand
The Corner Bookstore
Shakespeare & Co
Barnes & Noble in Union Square
Albertine
The Drama Book Shop
McNally Jackson Books in Brooklyn
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[@Floppyearsmomma]

Hearing a stranger say you look like you were from a fairytale, was priceless! Then hearing Jared saying you do, was so sweet! Loved it all so much!!!😍🥰😍

[@samwri1984]

I know how sweet of a stranger to say that!! It costs nothing to pay people compliments. she does tho such a beauty!

[@kittyquinn004]

If only more people would comment “You look like something out of a fairytale” instead of catcalling!!! 😭💚 also your hairstyle in the second half of the video is the CUTEST!! 😍 And YES!! Please make this bookshop video a series!! 💚

[@omniayahia9210]

Books + Desi = pure happiness 🤍🤍

[@DarlingDesi]

🥰🫶🏻💕

[@omniayahia9210]

@@DarlingDesi It's only true 🤷‍♀

[@mapistuffyvideos5216]

​@@DarlingDesi Just got a new book as a reward for compmeting my midterm exams❤❤super excited to start Memoirs of a Geisha

[@ladymc-ly8zm]

Literally love this girl so much...

[@Ravenclawxwiitch]

Yess! The quality of the editing makes me feel like I’m watching a Harry Potter movie, and I cannot even start to explain how happy one video of yours makes me feel! Your videos are pure talented magic ✨

[@DarlingDesi]

Oh my goodness thank you friend! 🥹💗

[@AbdulHafeez-my3pd]

Yes you are right madam

[@olgapikul3328]

Murder your Employer is actually an absolutely charming book. It's kind of like a backwards murder mystery (you know the intended victim and murderer, but you don't know how and if the murder happens). The characters are lovely and there's a very interesting academy as well. I just finished it recently and absolutely loved it.

[@DarlingDesi]

That actually sounds like something I’d love! 😍 I was so intruiged by the title 😄

[@olgapikul3328]

@Darling Desi Fun fact, the author of this book also wrote the Pina Colada song.

[@DarlingDesi]

@@olgapikul3328 NO WAY 🫢

[@irhonda31]

I knew that author’s name sounded familiar! Thank you!

[@lilacwood]

I recently learned that type of mystery is called a “how catch em” instead of a “who dunnit” 🤗

[@dehelwig]

Only Desi could make NYC look this magical...amazing talent!

[@DarlingDesi]

🥹🫶🏻 thank you!

[@Rogue849]

NYC is magical

[@factcheckingyourmum]

​@@Rogue849nahh it smells like pee and there crazies everywhere lol

[@FS-mc3cs]

Pathetic

[@alycew.787]

@@Rogue849 Lets be real. You have to do some serious editing to make NYC look magical these days.

[@sarahlandry826]

Waking up and seeing a Darling Desi video as you sit down to coffee is like someone waking you up with fluffy pancakes and fresh maple syrup. 🥰

[@DarlingDesi]

I love that comparison 🥰

[@jennalinke8975]

YES!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jenniferevelynhayes]

The only thing wrong with this enchanting video is that it didn’t last for days. 🥰 Thank you, Desi, for taking us with you and creating such a magical walk through this city, these amazing bookshops, and this romantic life! ❤️📚🌸

[@DarlingDesi]

Aww you made me a bit nervous with that first line 😅 But I’m so glad you enjoyed the video!! 🥰💗

[@jenniferevelynhayes]

@@DarlingDesi So sorry to make you nervous! I adored every minute of it!! 🙌❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@laurarwhittaker]

Wow Desi!! The music, your editing omg this is cinematic magic ✨ feels like watching a comfort movie with everyone’s favourite main character 🩵📖

[@wanyatelborn]

Ok calm down

[@goodmornindreamer]

As someone who is an introvert and gets easily overwhelmed with crowds, I honestly had no desire to visit New York. But after watching this video and seeing all the lovely bookstores Desi visited, I'm reconsidering my decision on this. Books and maybe a Broadway musical?! Time to start saving up 🥰✨

[@donnasalerno9870]

@goodmornindreamer That's a great plan!😊

[@Sharleen91]

NYC is the best place to be an introvert!!

[@traingirl09]

As an introvert and someone who also gets overwhelmed with crowds, NYC is very overwhelming. My husband took me out there once I had moved to the Northeast and almost had an anxiety attack. But, maybe having a plan and reason to go to the Big Apple might help a lot more! I hope you have a great experience if and when you do go!

[@goodmornindreamer]

Thank you for the advice and tips. It may be a bit before my partner and I go there. but we will definitely set up a game plan when we do @@traingirl09

[@robertcook2680]

I've always been an introvert, though it has abated in my later years. I moved to NYC when I was 25, following a couple of my college friends. NYC is a GREAT place for introverts. There are so many things one can do alone--go to movies, museums, book stores, art galleries, plays, walks, bicycling, or jogging in one of the many parks, including Central Park. The mass of people is so great that no one will likely to be paying any attention to you. After 40 years, I left NYC--my wife's choice--but I always enjoyed being anonymous in the crowded streets and subways. I could observe others or think to myself and I didn't have to interact with others unless I chose to. The energy of all those people invigorated me! I LOVE NY!

[@imchuckiewannacrochet]

This is hands down the most fun I've had watching a vlog of yours Desi! You and J have really nailed capturing the whimsy of exploring a city and the simple pleasures of life.

[@DarlingDesi]

Thank you so much for sharing that! Jared did pretty much all the filming for this video as we figured out each shot together. He did such an amazing job 🥹💗

[@stopbeingana-hole4151]

I’m sobbing about that man’s compliment, and then your partner sweetly agreeing 😭❤️ So wholesome, and such a great compliment. Edit: This video was beautiful!

[@clm9601]

I've always been told to never judge a book by its cover, but come on, the covers capture my attention! 📚😍

[@idrkk7588]

frr

[@jazrodriguez2740]

Desi thanking people for staying the whole 40 minutes -> me replaying the whole 40 minutes because the whole 40 minutes feels like such a tender conversation amongst kindred spirits and book lovers ❤

[@krissyn.3366]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who searches through a stack of books at the store for the most pristine copy. 😂 Amazing video! It looked like the perfect day! 💗📚📖

[@DarlingDesi]

So often bookstores (I’m looking at you Barnes and Noble) are not gentle with their books and it shows 😶 Definitely gotta find the most pristine copy 👌🏻

[@krissyn.3366]

@@DarlingDesi exactly! It surprises me how little care they take sometimes. I've been known to return/exchange books purchased online as well if they show up all battered.

[@AnneS508]

Always always always have to look the for the best copy!

[@hameley12]

I know how you feel. It's sad. Once my librarian from my school, HS, told us when we were volunteering to clean up. "Please be careful when handling books. They are our windows into another world. They should be treated with love. And if you see any writing inside or outside I can take care of those and remove the inks" It always stayed with me. So whenever I go to bookstores, I always make sure to handle the books carefully and put everything back.

[@farrah7748]

Love when the passer-by told you that you looked like something out of a fairytale, which you absolutely did ❤

[@JM-kr6qf]

This was like watching You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan all over again. The romanticizing of New York City and bookstores...😍

[@kristinkrauss5610]

💯 Thank you for naming it!!! 🥰

[@samwri1984]

is barnes and noble to book store they used for Fox books in that movie?

[@asmaa_vlog_85]

She's literally the only person I can watch over and over again without getting bored or tired 💖 you inspire me sm w my channel 💖🥰🍓♥️♥️🥰♥️🎉😊😊😊🎉

[@DarlingDesi]

🥹🫶🏻 Thank you so much!!

[@lynnlange9874]

Rehabbing from a hip replacement, feeling a bit of discomfort, Desi shows up with books...Boom! Feeling good now. LOVED this video!!

[@DarlingDesi]

Sending you healing wishes for a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹 I hope you get back to feeling your best very soon! Thank you for watching 🥹

[@sitresjolie2343]

Ouch! Best wishes for your healing. ♥

[@vickyironhand1560]

How can I not finish a Desi video? They are pure serotonin! They make me so happy and I love your aesthetic and editing. 💖💜🪻🪷🌺

[@DarlingDesi]

🥰🥹🫶🏻💗

[@rebeccafett7267]

I have NO words! Just Wow! Desi I LOVE your videos! They make me feel so happy and bring me out of my head and into a fairytale! It shows me that I can be exactly who I want to be, the little girl yelling at me to get out and be free! You give me the courage to be my authentic self, just like you are! ❤

[@DarlingDesi]

Oh my gosh yay I love that!! That makes me so happy to hear 🥹🫶🏻

[@madimorelli5955]

Going through the worst breakup of my life right now and Desi, the content is keeping me stable lol! Romanticization has become key to holding anxiety at bay

[@this.life.is.sparkling]

This video absolutely felt like a magical adventure movie 💖 I loved how each of the stores you went to had a different feel in the video, with the music & shots they each felt unique and wonderful! I’ve grown up in New York City and been to many of these bookstores, but seeing them though your eyes made them feel a dash more magical. McNally Jackson is my favorite bookstore, and always feels like a warm cozy hug walking in - It was such a pleasant surprise seeing it in the lineup! I’m so glad you enjoyed both your NYC trips, it’s made me so happy watching your videos of the city 💕

[@mariahalisa7483]

This truly made my week! I am forever grateful for your content. I smiled, I laughed, and I felt like I was there experiencing New York with you. Such a magical video that transported me and took all of the worries from my week away for 40 minutes. I feel so lucky to have found your channel and I am forever looking forward to your uploads. Thank you so much for your passion and creativity ❤

[@KristenJSwan]

Love the whimsical vibes you menage to give to every city ** And that you make us discover new cozy books. Your outfits are always the cutest!

[@linleecoy]

Your Videos Are Not Long Enough! Thanks so much for taking us along on your trip to New York. Can't wait until you write your first book!! Joy to you and everyone who loves books...

[@lauraa1345]

You made me incredibly happy with this upload, Desi!💖 All the bookstores look amazing🥰

[@efkharisto]

Your excitement is so contagious Desi! Loved going to the bookshops with you :) Yes please to more book shopping adventures. You'd love London too- the amount of independent bookshops is amazing.

[@katewolfe7812]

Your joy is infectious Desi, thank you for the love and vulnerability you share with us in each of these peaks into your adventures. 🙏☺️💓

[@foxlorevault]

Desi's smile and joy is so contagious, I swear! When she's excited, I cannot help but feel excited as well!

[@trisharomance4026]

Your videos are NEVER EVER too long . You take us from Once Upon a Time to Happy Ever After …. Especially on this latest adventure to NYC Bookstores ! Extraordinary in every way including the music and editing ! You are enchanting …and yes …A Fairytale Princess ! 💕Love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@Rachelannbradley]

Loved everything about this video!! You should make this into a series!! I'm so excited to see what you have in store for your summer content!! 💗💗

[@johannadiaz7932]

You' ve changed my mood with this video! Is pure serotonin, I love your style and how authentic you are! Love from Argentina ❤️

[@rebeccasalts1978]

This came at the perfect time again! I was craving a cozy bookstore feel vlog, this ticked all the boxes! So cozy and now I want to visit New York

[@hollymaceachern5049]

Definitely here till the end!!! I love these videos you make and how excited you get talking about them. Watching theses videos just makes me happy and often I'll catch myself just smiling while watching. Such great vibes, and well done 👏 too - making the videos, they take me away...🥰📚🕯📚🫖📚🧁📚🗽📚🙋‍♀️

[@lovingturnip]

How could we not watch this whole video!! We love you!! a grand adventure with Desi and her beloved -- so cute!!

[@kaseymerriott6654]

I love the jazz/clarinet heavy sound track-perfect for New York bookstore vibes. And beautiful as always!

[@putusita9052]

You're such a darling, Desi! My heart's singing when watching this video. Thanks so much for making my day 💐 and yes, a great idea to turn this into a series of bookshop hopping around the world 🤍

[@teadesi]

From one Desi to another, this video is adorable and gives me even more book ideas for my next NYC trip!

[@dsgirl8]

As a book lover who lives in NYC, this video makes my heart so happy!🩵

[@sandigruber7851]

I love how Desi made the video longer! I can't get enough of her videos❤

[@user-bl6vw3kj4d]

Fern and Otto is the most AdOrAbLe! I fell in love with it while cuddled up in the picture book section of my local Barnes and Noble. Its just pure wholesome magic. So glad someone else thinks it's as precious as I do!

[@emmaheppner2950]

I love how excited you get over the things you love! I act the same way when I see your videos!!❤

[@bookthoughtswitheilish]

40mins of book content from Desi! This made me so happy! 📚☺️

[@Rachiefull08]

As always Desi, I loved loved loved this video. Definitely make this a series, I genuinely feel like I'm there too. I must end up buying at least three books during each of your book videos and I'm not complaining!

[@joslynhope5542]

This is so wonderful! I truly needed to see something like this. I’m counting down the days until I get to go to New York again, and now I have places I know I’ll want to visit.

[@HowCaseySeesIt]

I always say this but you have the best channel on this platform. I’ve watched your Powell’s video multiple times so I was really excited to see this one and it didn’t disappoint. I’d love for this to be a series.

[@JLSMonroe]

Omg desi I cannot explain how you edit and film your videos they make me feel so magical like I'm transfered into a Harry potter cottagecore world just feels so wholesome,love you loads 💖💖

[@firesideclassics]

PLEASE MAKE THESE A SERIES!!!! 😍 I think it would be so awesome if you made videos about visiting all sorts of little (and big!) bookshops, I loved this one, and I loved that it was a nice long video. You are so sweet and comforting Desi, and I wish I could meet you in real life so we could get excited in bookshops together! I love books, especially beautiful books, just like you. And the Strand was my favorite to see as well! Enjoy your new friends between the pages, can't wait until the next video. ❤

[@rosannavanopsta7665]

You should absolutely make it into a series!! Edinburgh is also my favourite city to shop for books!! I especially love Blackwell’s there, it’s my all time favourite bookstore but Transreal Fiction is a close second because it is this small bookshop near Tom Riddle’s grave and they have all these used fantasy books 🥰 Thank you so much for taking us on your booktour through NYC, it was magical as always!! ✨

[@EveryFurtherMile]

Literally always watch until the end. And instantly watch when I see your videos. Love them all!

[@Irem-bj6pi]

For six days I was working on my midterm project and after finished that I saw your video and I can’t explain that happiness 🥰 I felt like you gave me a present 💛 Thank you Desi for your peaceful and beautiful videos 😍

[@alifeofpoetry]

This was so much fun to watch! Thank you for taking us throughout NY with you visiting bookstores! 😍

[@maddy8903]

i used to go to edinbrughs book stores all the time. theres nothing better than being there on a misty rainy day and reading a book in a cozy cafe

[@susishearer9531]

This video was truly magical. I just happened to stumble upon your channel and I'm happy to meet you Desi. I would have to put a trip like that on my bucket list. 18 miles of books just blows my mind. I had no idea these places existed! Each bookstore you visited had a unique vibe and energy about them. I sure hope to see more bookstore tours soon. Thank you so much for taking us along on a fantastic trip!

[@saniakteresa]

It was soo cozy & magical 🪄 to watch you visiting each bookstore with a lot of happiness and excitement 😍.

[@carolynbalanti3446]

I adored this video!! I love a good bookstore and made note of a few you went to in case I make it to NYC in the near future. Not to mention I immediately searched several of the books you spotlighted and added them to my list. Thank you so much for your content! It brings me such joy to watch it.

[@sylatte]

I have never seen anyone picked up paris letters before! I LOVE that book, it helped me through the darkest, unmotivated times in my life. I hope you enjoy and loved as much as I did too. Thank you for this beautiful video!

[@elainegallagher2949]

❤❤❤ you are like an angel sent from above. you radiate happiness & I love how you get excited over the simple things in life, from one kindred spirit to another. Much love & peace to you, Jared & your fur babies.

[@CozyDaysMimi]

Desi! I'm happy to say I stayed for the full shopping trip and loved all of it. Your warm and cheerful smile and lighthearted ways always makes my day. Hope you're having a wonderful and cozy winter! xo, Mimi

[@stephvandermeulen9587]

I just realized that I smile pretty big the whole time I watch your videos. Thank you!

[@sophieburas]

This was beautiful desi! I’ve added so many books to my never ending TBR

[@jihanesaadi27]

You inspire me so much Désirée, because how beautiful is it to make a living out of just living? ♥️ (doing the things you love and bring joy and love to your heart). Before I discovered your channel, I always felt alone in the things that I like but seeing you talk about romanticizing your love, loving romance and children books finally made me feel seen and understood. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart ♥️

[@jennymaria722]

This video was amazing, cozy, atmospheric and very inspirational. Never been to NY, but if I ever go, I will definitely go to these places. Thanks for this gem! ❤

[@Kara_Lovely]

Desi girl this was such a beautiful video - so well thought out and wonderfully edited😊 loved hearing the history of the Strand, thank you for sharing! As a fellow book lover I can confirm that finding the best copy of a book is a necessity 🤎

[@lilhonor5425]

I’m so excited to watch this after working over the long weekend 😌 I love getting to see bookstores in different cities

[@Rainienuabo]

I'm so happy everytime Desi uploads! Honestly your videos are a always a perfect start to my day and anytime!

[@valentinabirgaoanu]

One of the cutest video I've seen in a while, thank you for sharing your trip! I love all the books you've picked.

[@amandagold4498]

I love that you're including illustrated books!

[@WildernessReader]

Omgosh I loved loved this whole video. The best compliment you can get from a stranger, wow! What a dreamy trip!! 🤎

[@MicheleLRid]

This is so much fun! Beautifully done and bookstores are my happy places! Thanks for sharing your trip and books!

[@hannahduncan9402]

I just love you. You are pure inspiration. You don't just look like something out of a fairytale, your heart does too. You bring such happiness, and I am thankful for you. 💖

[@stay8434]

I keep rewatching this video over and over I’m soo obsessed with it ❤❤❤

[@serena7392]

It’s me in the video!😍🥹🥹🥹 It was soooo nice to meet you, thank you for showing a part of it 💕 it really truly made my day! Kindred spirit,✨you truly are exactly how you portray yourself in your videos and I never had a doubt about that!

[@StacieW]

Yes! I loved this video and your Powell’s City of books so much. I would love to watch more videos of you having bookstore trips. When ever I travel finding a bookstore to visit is my favorite thing.

[@chachaneen]

Love this scene when you were at the park and the gentleman walked by and said that you looked like you were straight out of the fantasy. If he only knew❤ I thoroughly enjoyed this video, your video skills continue to get elevated every time. Bravo 😋

[@shaiveekamat8640]

New bucket list goal thanks to Desi: explore every bookstore in NYC! ❤

[@ericashea9555]

Visiting the books as you go along is so real. I always say hi to the books I love most ❤

[@athenageislinger6081]

Your videos make me feel like I am sitting down with a friend for a cup of tea. Thank you for making my day!

[@salsalco434]

Wow, my heart is filled with joy unexplainable one. I'm in tears

[@corinarenee87]

Thank you for adding magic to our lives Desi!

[@conniewiseman5554]

This was such a fun blog to watch! Loved exploring the bookshops with you! Thanks Desi, from Sydney Australia! ❤

[@Julia-hc3on]

This was beautiful! The editing of your videos is so good and your eye for beauty so on point - I guess you find the thing outside, that you inherently carry inside of yourself. And you present it to the world so wonderfully. Thank you! Also, I love longer videos, so this is perfect❤ Greetings from Berlin/Germany

[@HMSDisaster]

What a beautiful description! I love how you worded that.

[@zaasaa_art]

Thank you so much desi! 🤍😘 You are so sweet and make the world a more beautiful place! 🌷

[@nwrsgirl]

big fan of your aesthetic and what u do! these videos honestly make me so happy 😭 you're so underrated!

[@dautuori]

Love this video! By far one of my favorites that you’ve done. Also, LOVE the long videos!!

[@JaneKing95]

I haven't had the best day, the second I pressed play I instantly became so happy, as I always do watching your content, thank you my love

[@Sarah-fs6li]

I love your choices! Such wonderful books. Now I will be finding some of those pretty match boxes!

[@bacisplace2862]

I love that your husband supports you in your passion! Your love story is the best story you’ll ever have and live. ❤📖

[@lauraa1345]

I'm so happy that you got so many books which all sound so good📚 Also the quote at the end was absolutely beautiful😍 Thank you for brightening up my day, Desi🥰

[@DarlingDesi]

Thank YOU for watching!! 🥹💗

[@alisons338]

Loved this! I'm a book fan so this was really fun to watch!! Thank you ❤️ your cheerful fairy cottage core vibes brighten up our day

[@Hiyeee]

Enjoyed every minute of this 40 minute video. I was actually excited it was that long

[@LeovigildaB]

This comes in a perfect timing! I'm moving to Ny for one year, and this video is helping to calm my nerves so much... Thank you, now I have the perfect plan for one or many days! You are my favourite youtuber ❤

[@venlakorhonen6568]

Oh, I just can not put in to words how incredible delighted I am!!! Where I'm watching it is a warm spring day and its pouring dogs and cats. This is the perfect kind of video to snuggle up with and I just wanted to say how exquisite you are!💖

[@DarlingDesi]

Oh how lovely!! Rainy days are special 🥰 Thank you for being here! I hope you enjoyed the video 💗

[@judycesena]

Desi's wholesomeness relaxes me sooo much

[@imobsessedwithyourdog5321]

Loved this video! For your next trip, here are some more recommendations: - Mysterious Bookshop (specializing in mysteries!) - McNally Jackson Seaport location (beautiful bar and café area too) - Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks (lots of vintage and out-of-print cookbooks) - Rizzoli Bookstore - Kinokuniya (Japanese bookstore) - Three Lives - Book Club Bar (bookstore with wine, beer, literary cocktails, and a great backyard too) - Sweet Pickle Books (also sells pickles!) There are so many amazing bookstores here…I could keep going!

[@stephaniejohnson229]

Jared's little sorry about the tote bag incident made me laugh so hard. Kudos to the cameraman! My quiet little English town has nothing like this, I've enjoyed living vicariously through you.

[@darkrose1983]

Travelling round the world to visit bookshops. Sounds like heaven to me. Thank you for the book recommendations. 💜📚

[@andreav83]

Thank you for taking us on this journey through magical bookshops with you. New York is on my bucket list for very different reasons now - bookshops and pastries! Okay, okay, I still definitely want to see Central Park, Broadway and Times Square too, but these bookshops... Wow!

[@silviace17]

I want to live inside this video 🥰 it was perfection, thank you for taking us with you to NY