british book nerd goes to Barnes & Noble for the first time (new york vlog)

main channel: / thejackexperience
Instagram: / jackbenedwards

[@ellebannana]

Ooh, looks like Jack will be reaching that library milestone soon enough!

[@dearlolly2293]

trueeeee, he'll finally have a libraryy

[@salmonella6051]

i really hope he does omg

[@am13007]

I want to like your comment but I won't because it is currently at ✨444✨

[@hay_bail1]

Omg yes the New York Public Library?!! Iconic!

[@mishyy]

Thank you Jack for letting us live vicariously through you

[@janahmed1037]

I’m only looking just to live through you vaucariouslt

[@michellereich5368]

@@janahmed1037 I've never really been in love, not seriously

[@Chloe-ns7sp]

@@michellereich5368 I've had a dream about a house behind a picket fence

[@sakshisingh2395]

Next one I choose to trust, I hope I use some common sense

[@notjigyasa4089]

@@sakshisingh2395 but i cut people out like tags on my clothing

[@kit3725]

Jack if you're interested the Brooklyn Book Festival is tomorrow and there are events all day with authors and also independent publishers selling their books usually at a discount :) I've been a few times and also volunteered there and really recommend it!

[@zzyzxzzyzx]

commenting to bump this haha

[@lunalovegood8557]

Sounds amazing

[@kenzieee0079]

This sounds incredible

[@daphnesmanifestationsofthe6451]

Also commenting so he hopefully sees this

[@some5794]

wait I live in Brooklyn. Where is it???

[@morganmeadowes6861]

You bought only one book, in such a huge bookstore !? Sir, I am impressed, teach me your ways. 😳

[@EverybodyLovesSarah]

Hes already read all the others!!

[@bryanstivengomezmontoya9376]

Not wanting to spend more money in $30 books 💀

[@ginat.8064]

The fact that he has to bring them all back to the UK with him probably has a lot to do with it!

[@nishthagupta1357]

@@ginat.8064 😂

[@lauraelizabeth_]

As an American living abroad, literally the only things I miss from the US are English bookstores and Trader Joe’s 😂😭

[@LifeinLithuania]

Yes!! I feel the same way 😅

[@sgab]

but when you live in the us it’s so hard to find books in other languages, you just can’t win!

[@lauraelizabeth_]

@@sgab so true; I live in the Czech Republic and I can find English books, but they are sooooo expensive and the selection is pretty limited. I’m sure that looking for non-English books in the USA is even more frustrating 😭

[@keshaheen]

I just learned that Blackwells ships books for free all over the world.

[@carinam.9447]

@@lauraelizabeth_ I'm not sure how it works in the Czech Republic, but at least in Germany your local bookstore should be able to order most English books for you without a problem. Won't help with the lack of browsing experience, but if you know what you want, it shouldn't be too difficult to get.

[@HollyJaneYT]

Kaiti Yoo and Jack Edwards is the chaotic collaboration I didn't know I needed. Please bring the chaos, please and thank you 🤩

[@itspeachiie]

yes!!

[@cintialima.]

The crossover we didn’t know we needed

[@random23287]

yesss

[@Maddel97]

We definitely need an updated version of reading what other people read on the subway now that you're in NYC.

[@theficchic]

The most underrated bookstore in NYC: Housing Works Amazing selection, beautiful store, reasonable prices, proceeds go to a good cause, *and* their marketing copy is hilarious

[@jasmijnverhoef9225]

Yes I was going to comment to recommend this store!! It is such an amazing place with a beautiful collection of books. I still treasure all the books I got there and its been 7 years since I last visited!

[@melissasotelo9931]

I’ve always wanted to go but I never go into the city much

[@LisaDeviYoga]

Ditto

[@pinkskies21]

the regular independent stores are much better than the housing works bookstore. i can get books for like $5 and under at the regular housing works but theyre only 50% off the cover price at the bookstore? it was really disappointing when i finally got there after the pandemic.

[@heidihammond1114]

Yes!!! Love the housingworks bookstore!!!

[@joeybean9132]

the absolute AUDACITY of jack for living his best slow travel life

[@anntecz]

30 DOLLARS FOR A NORMAL ASS BOOK?!?!?!? WHAT?!??!? And I complain when I have to pay 10 💀

[@Rachel0tt]

I just moved to America from the UK too and have been HORRIFIED by the average price of books here being 3x the average book price I’m used to 😭😭

[@MMjones6459]

Oh yes, $30 average price of new book in US

[@rachaelerin1]

Standard price!! I’m very into the public library and there’s ton of little free libraries around too. When there’s doom and gloom headlines about Americans not buying books-this is why. ETA: the doom and gloom is that we’re becoming dumber. Really we’re just poor.

[@kpopkollektionskollektions6631]

The UK is actually super cheap with books! I’d say for most of European countries it varies around 9,99e-29,99e per book, but can go up to 35e plus for hardback covers of novelty/highly sought after books😅

[@filmaddict143]

for a hardcover yeah it goes to thirty here lmao i hate it thats why i just order mostly from amazon

[@adela2395]

Jack AND Kaiti in one video??? Literally my two favourite creators on youtube? am i hallucinating or is this really happening omg

[@shrutishahu4303]

NO BC SAME it feels like two worlds colliding i literally screamed when I saw her

[@parampatel3108]

I came here for THIS COMMENT

[@laura3928]

SAME

[@nikah.4465]

SAME SAME SAME hope they become good friends!!!

[@novemberninth4392]

IKR??? I had to pause for so long to make sure that's actually Kaiti! The crossover we never knew we needed

[@uyenchu220]

You should go go Yu & Me (first female Asian American owned bookstore in NYC)! The staff are so so kind :) westsider rare books is also super gorgeous! My personal favorite is Mercer street books

[@SailOnSG]

You should go to a college bookstore for real sticker shock! If you walk through the textbook section you will see books for hundreds of dollars EACH! My daughter bought her books through UK source - same books (often softcover versions) for much, much less! To save postage, she ended up using a group on campus that started a “business” by buying textbooks in bulk from UK that they sold to their Harvard classmates at steep discounts while making a profit (but cheaper then if bought individually and paying postage).

[@JulieteIRL]

Yeah it’s ridiculous at every school, I literally survived off of Chegg.

[@helena8999]

That’s a pretty smart idea. I ended up downloading pdfs of most textbooks online, or sharing pics of obscure textbooks with classmates, or just buying used online, because otherwise I’d be spending like $500 per semester😀

[@annabethyeung8512]

almost every textbook I’ve needed for class I found as a pdf online for free! very practical if you have a tablet of some sort

[@jaybrittain2428]

Cant wait until you start finding the little bookstores dotted and hidden around. Barns and Noble is nice but finding those little gems is always fun

[@juliab482]

Jack, I really have to say that I appreciate how you do the most out of your opportunities!! With the freedom and financial stability of your job, living in different places for different periods of time is the best thing you can do. You deserve it. Thanks for taking us with you! Love you🥰

[@MonikaAesta]

One HUNDRED percent agree with everyone recommending The Strand - it’s the shit. If I may also suggest: Word Books in Greenpoint (snappy and tiny) Books are Magic in BK McNally Jackson (there are a few locations, but SoHo is my fave - pop next door, get some wine 😊 and pour over the books you just got!) I lived in NYC for 11 years, and took myself on Book Crawls all the time :) so excited for you to discover your favorite shops, too, as you stroll around… Maybe a video on that, when you find some?

[@j.hpewrld]

I 100% agree with you! I love McNally Jackson and Books are Magic so freaking much!!

[@ValentineSmithVaniz]

Books Are Magic is one of my favorite bookstores!!!

[@margotpierce2288]

As an American, Jack discovering American things is giving me life

[@simplysvenja4486]

I Spent hours and hours in the Barnes & Noble at Union Square when I was doing my semester abroad in NY! I studied there all the time because I couldn’t concentrate anywhere else, it was just so hard to walk out without a book when I only came to study 😂 (I absolutely failed that btw, it was a very rare occasion when I actually managed not to buy anything)

[@phoebebuffay1566]

Jack I hope you see this! Shipping books from the US is dirt cheap! Only rule is that the parcel can ONLY contain books. I always ship books to Europe that way, regular post office.

[@katieh1752]

Yup. It's called media mail

[@heidihammond1114]

New York Bookstore Recommendations: 1) McNally Jackson. The staff picks are always on point, they publish their own line line of forgotten classics, and they have a bunch of stuff not available at B&N. There are 4 locations and I love all of them. The Seaport location has a cute little cafe!!! (Although my fav is the Nolita store) (they also have cool speakers and events) 2) Westsider Rare and Used Books. The cutest used bookstore in the city, with a great selection and an entire floor dedication to rare/vintage editions. Excellent vibes and atmosphere. Very dark academia. They also have a cat named Pig who is very friendly. 3) Albertine. For if you’re missing Paris. French bookstore with BEAUTIFUL decor. Other cool bookstores that I like: Argosy, codex, and the housing works bookstore.

[@oliverharris60]

I highly recommend New York Public Library - the reading room there is insane!

[@rupertthemofu]

Since you’ve been learning French you should check out the Albertine on the UES. They have French and English books and it’s a cool spot. It’s a few blocks south of the Met. Also, not a bookstore, but check out the main library at Bryant park. They have a museum where they do exhibitions. And you can work in the rose reading room if you need a free place to get some stuff done and want to get out of your apartment. They don’t let the tourists in that room so it’s peaceful and it’s really beautiful. And the Morgan library is also amazing (it’s the kind of library we all dream about having lol)

[@adasuzette]

There is a whole load of hidden bookstores around NYC. One of my favorites is hidden in the back of the french embassy. It has books in French and English and is SO pretty. It's located down the street from the MET!

[@random23287]

Jack, public libraries in the US (especially NYC I bet) are pretty well stocked so I recommend you check those out for books that haven't come out in paperback and are more pricey.

[@noramulvehill9750]

As far as indie bookstore go, Three Lives & Co. is a hidden gem in the West Village! It's super tiny but jam-packed with books and they have a great selection!

[@brooklyn__________]

The CONTENT Jack has been making lately 😭😭 we are blessed people

[@BRhymesss]

Edit to say: KRAVE BEAUTY IS THE BEST. I SWEAR BY THE CLEANSER AND GREAT BARRIER RELIEF. It’s THE best!! Kicking myself for not going to this B&N when I was in NYC last fall!! So excited to see some indie stores featured in future videos :) It was so, so nice of your friend to set up a dinner for you to meet more people in the city 💜

[@itsnoterica]

Omg you’re totally right about B&N being large but not having a ton of books. This is the case for almost every single B&N I’ve been to & I literally grew up walking distance to one of the big 3 story B&N stores in LA. One of my favorite indie bookstores, Vroman’s in Pasadena, is a fairly large 2 story bookstore but it’s nowhere near the size of the B&N I grew up next to & it still has at least 2x the amount of book. I always thought that the B&N layout is the standard layout but now you mention it the more packed Vroman’s layout is definitely closer to the layout of most bookstores

[@scottborden7198]

I used to live a few blocks from that BN and quite loved Union Square. The head of BN came from Waterstones, so it will feel familiar. BUT The Strand was a way superior store. It is "used" books in a way - many of the books are review copies, so you could find great new titles at steep discounts. How wonderful for you to be able to live in that neighborhood. Another great thing was all the low cost or free arts things such as concerts at church venues. I do miss - but have moved to South Africa, so one adventure to another. I shall vicariously visit my old neighborhood...

[@Isa-xg1cb]

I loved the strand book shop, when I was in New York! They also have the most amazing tote bags, just in case you want some more variety to match your outfits :)

[@sarahlena7333]

Dear Jack, watching your videos brings me so much comfort and peace and I really want to thank you for that. Your personality is enchanting

[@Taylor_Nguyen]

Hi Jack! I've been following your channel for about 2 years and you with Uncarley reignited my love of reading with your recommendations and commentary. Funny enough I just got back from a trip to London and I loved the Waterstones on Grower St where I got a few UK books not yet available in the US. I've been to New York too and I must say the Tube is easier to navigate than the New York subway. New York people are tough and intimidating because of the harsh city but they are kind people. Strand on Broadway is a must, it's the American Shakespeare and Co. P.S. I enjoyed Pizza Girl too (althought I wished the main character changed a bit more in the end) but you need to see the US cover, I'm pretty sure it won an award.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Sunday Book Shopping Vlog in NYC? Excuse me while I clear my schedule to watch a British nerd go to Barnes & Noble and hopefully be successful in achieving a library.

[@jmsl910]

what? you calling our king a nerd???

[@vanshika9261]

@@jmsl910 read the title of the video ✋😭

[@tjlewis5035]

Glad you liked the Barnes&Noble! Also hope you get a chance to go to the Strand (truly book overload, and every book nerd in the city HAS to get a tote from the Strand). And if you get a chance there's a Shakespeare & Co passed Columbus Circle that's really quiet and cute most days. Hope you get to explore some of the bookshops in the outer boroughs too! Welcome to the city!

[@kittyandmicktorooo]

Cafe Con Libros (and add on a food stop at Ursula BK!!) in crown heights! Also Greenlight Books in fort greene, Book Thug Nation in Williamsburg, and Community bookstore in Park Slope. Archestratus in greenpoint is really cool but their books are mostly food related.

[@RolyGuacamole]

I love your excitement for books and just the vibes you have moving to NY! Have fun and hope life is going well

[@mirandasun6386]

I 100% recommend visiting Yu & Me Books! it's the first Asian American woman-owned bookstore in NYC, and the owner, Lucy Yu, is so friendly. plus the name of the bookstore is a fantastic pun, which I feel like you'd appreciate :)

[@greendaybeanfiend]

B&N was heaven when I was a child! It was a bit of a different experience then because they used to have these big comfy chairs everywhere. 😍 Have you heard of Powell’s? Portland would certainly be a flight to get to, but so, so worth it!

[@Hannah-sy3ws]

Ah yay Jack, glad you’re enjoying the city so far!!! I hope I bump into you while you’re here

[@jaredvlogs8891]

I'm korean and my last trip to nyc was like 5 years ago. but i cannot forget the first time i stepped into Strand bookstore. i bought this gorgeous vintage hardcover of jane eyre and everytime i look at it, i think of strand bookstore. you must go there...

[@TaylorSwiftGleek]

Jack living his best life makes me so happy 😀 ❤

[@hollybxoxoxo]

holy fuck. I live in New Zealand and that barnes and Noble actually makes me want to cry. we have like, one good book store, and it's so small, and I'm so SAD

[@ursulasakurako]

Never related to a yt comment so much!

[@julietijerina8176]

Sounds like a business idea!

[@catherinehuang4144]

bookstore recs I haven't seen much down here: bluestockings (a cooperative that supports the community; tons of zines, theory, and queer lit), sweet pickle books (for used books and pickles!), and yu & me books (focus on uplifting asian voices). there's also two shake & co.s in the city if you're feeling nostalgic (though they have closed the coziest one). have fun in nyc!

[@sarahberry8299]

as a new yorker I'm so excited to see you explore the city! I'm sure you're already planning on it but def hit up mcnally jackson, book culture, and books are magic, and the strand like you said! also there's a super cool used bookstore on the upper west side called westsider books :)

[@zemelatmenberu4989]

Jack Edwards, I absolutely adore you. Your videos make my day.

[@AO2437.]

My first Barnes and Noble visit was in Chicago with some friends and… it's great! Got a book on chocolate history, harvesting, creation of products etc. You'll have your library soon enough I’m sure!

[@melissagrindon9074]

It's really sweet how you say that listening to other people inspires you but in fact you're actually inspiring all of us! :) x

[@shabora112]

AHHH I'm loving these vlogs!! GIVE US MORE!

[@nita0507]

As an Australian…$30 for a hardback sounds so reasonable 💀 I barely blink when someone tells me what they paid for a book anymore…😭

[@allisonmiller116]

Bluestockings is a must see! It's got an amazingly curated selection of radical books, creative categories, and cute, kitschy items

[@alexh8716]

Came here looking for this!! Also Word Up uptown, and their sister stores Recirculation.

[@isfpoisson]

Can't wait to see a video on the Strand! It's a must for me every time I visit NYC

[@laurenschenck5355]

Thanks so much for everything Jack glad you enjoyed barns and Norble in NYC ❤

[@violetfinch1]

James Daunt took over Barnes and Noble pre-pandemic - you can see his style of bookselling/book merchandising in there!!

[@emilyreal166]

yooo if you're in NYC you should go to Strand!!! place is lit

[@LCp1RickIlls]

Word. Strand is way better than Barnes & Nobles. Even the one at Union Square.

[@ivettemercado7259]

Glad you had a good time at B&N. NYC has a good amount of independent book stores, could even be a fun way to visit different boroughs, my faves are Cafe con Libros and WordUp Community Bookshop

[@greerandersson5447]

i'm going to new york at the start of next year and i'm literally so excited, like I cannot even begin to describe. loved this video!

[@sarahanditakarina1726]

the skincare part is a sign from the universe damn i should take care of my skin today thanks jack ✨

[@jmsl910]

yea, i didn't like that bit. it felt a bit affective. i hope our baby isn't growing away from up

[@akidthesedaysyaknow1237]

This is coming out at four am, am I setting an alarm just to get up and watch it??? YESSS

[@thedavidj1996]

Omg same. See you at 4 am sis 😭

[@joeknecht429]

It’s exciting to be looking at all these titles and noticing a bunch of stuff that is on my Libby TBR 😂 It’s also amazing how much I’ve learned about literature in just a couple of years! Happy reading, mate. Also, have fun in NYC 👍🏻

[@kyratulippetalvideos]

JACK U HAVE TO GO TO THE STRAND! It’s a nyc bookworm’s dream ❤️❤️

[@conniek275]

You should definitely hop around the B&Ns because their selection of buy 1 get 1 50% off books differs by store and doesn't always match the online selection!

[@InkCat44]

Omg I didn’t know that thank you for dropping that lil tip !! 🙏

[@mishyy]

NYC, books, and Jack content, we’re getting TREATED

[@cindyfreese254]

BN is great to peruse. Glad you’re also visiting the smaller independent bookstores. ❤ TJs is an absolute MUST here in the states.

[@Caroline_444_27]

I cannot wait until you have a full library!! I am living vicariously through you

[@themildrumpus]

No offense, Jack...but this is the equivalent of going to Dominos for NYC pizza. You also live dangerously close to The Strand (just down a couple of blocks away) where you could have picked up your quintessential tote. Also, the Brookies at Trader Joe's are life-changing. Welcome to the city.

[@justwonder1404]

Imagine living in London and moving to New York while staying surrounded by books. Dude has won this life.

[@laurenshults]

watching whilst procrastinating writing an article!! virtually bookshopping is the best. thx, Jack

[@lovelyliteraturelady]

Hello, Jack! 👋🏻 I was SO excited to watch this video and you delivered 🙌🏻 I wish that we could go book shopping together! Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite grocery stores; I’m glad you like it! Quick B&N tip: Ask for the online pricing to get a better deal. There are usually discounts on the website but you can only take advantage of this in stores if you know to ask the employees when you’re checking out. Can’t wait to see future videos of you touring independent bookstores! ❤️

[@filibusterfirework74]

Books are magic and the center for fiction are amazing and I also absolutely love Yu & Me which is the only Chinese owned book store (I believe) in NYC. Also please go to our libraries :) they are incredible

[@icarlyrocks1011]

Jack, you’re finally in my city! Now our love story can begin LMAO 😂 I’ve never been to the Strand bc it seems overwhelming but I went to a used book and record store recently called Mercer Street Used Books & Records and they have a cool neon sign in front with somewhat quirky books inside lol

[@AnnaSalinas17]

It’s so exciting that you’re on this side of the world! But also, not you coming here as soon as it starts getting cold 😭😭 it’s going to be such a blast being here though, I hope you have an amazing time here!

[@audreys.9456]

watching you have a field day in barnes & noble for the first time made my day!! I'm a student at Ole Miss/ the University of Mississippi, which is in Oxford, MS (which was the home of William Faulkner and his inspiration for most of his work)! If you're ever thinking about traveling elsewhere in the states I would highly recommend coming here. It is the absolute cutest place, your typical "small" southern downtown with a square, and the famous Square Books store is something you would absolutely LOVE here!

[@kavya12kohli]

I am so jealous of you! Can we switch places? Ur life is so exciting from this side. London, Paris, New York, wow!

[@lunalavender5027]

If you know anyone in the states that may have an active B&N membership. Ask them if you can use it; all you need is their phone number and you can get 10% off each item. And if they have a FREE Educator membership (Pre-K to 12th), they get 20% off books and other select items. Just be aware, some stores may enforce the “Educator Only” policy.

[@readingpastbedtime]

This! I stopped paying for BN membership years ago and got the educator card instead. I do work for a school district though (library media tech) so it qualifies.

[@margaretgeorge3903]

Fantastic book shop, looking forward to your next visit 🎉

[@karsoncasey7630]

this video made me giggle! I love Jack so much!!

[@ariadnabenimeli1918]

Please Jack, do a vlog of visiting NY library🤩🤩🤗

[@sophiaisabelle0227]

They say Barnes & Noble is one of the best book stores out there to exist. Never been there myself, but hopefully I will, if granted the opportunity. I don’t live in the States so that explains why. I’m sure this blog will be interesting.

[@bethbcrafts]

The great barrier relief product is AMAZING. Also, the packaging is unbelievable. The way that pump is designed means you use every single drop of the product - then everything is recyclable.

[@Ella-fv4hm]

Go to the strand!! Or in Brooklyn there’s sooo many small and cute bookstores that have a beautiful layout FULL of books.

[@sam6277]

Video idea: can you visit the place where the cover of A Little Life is taken ??

[@juliab482]

You should have come to Germany during summer. You were able to travel as much with busses and trains as you like for only 9€ per month. 💗

[@user-qt5hv7fn4t]

OMG I was waiting for this I wish there are exclusive scene of the indoor for the ppl like me who never went there before cuz most of the bookstore vlogs feature only few aisle.

[@aarabhiblackdale7724]

JACK OMG THANK YOU FOR BLESSING US WITH THIS

[@hiya_mate]

STRAND STRAND STRAND STRAND

[@ingridcarter9407]

I would love if you’d read and review “My story” by Marilyn Monroe herself. I just found out about this book, because someone who reviewed “Blonde” (on Netflix) said they should’ve made the movie based on her own book. I am really tempted to read it and I wanted to know your opinion on it

[@livia-mariaciurica1283]

I’d like to see that too

[@miaviolets4roses]

trader joe’s and barnes and noble are my favorite places ever and it makes me so happy to see jack experiencing them 🤗🤗

[@saraackerman8019]

Can't wait for you go to The Strand! You'll love it!

[@ChrisAsHell]

buy One Hundred Years of Solitude and read it NOW!!!!

[@ChrisAsHell]

is my duty as a colombian to make this request, but I genuinely believe it is top 3 best books ever written

[@nandanigupta6909]

I agree definitely one of my favourites

[@levgorlov7246]

"30 dollars!" oh jack, in Israel where I'm from all books cost around 30 bucks - usually makes me order them from book depository. Greatly enjoyed this video! much love

[@sotruereal]

Palestine*

[@savannahsnoddy484]

First Barnes and Noble Visit!!! 😱👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 so exciting!! I remember going my first time when I was a child it actually is a very impressionable childhood memory even though at the time I was not a reader.

[@ellarose1685]

Jack I'm sososo excited for you and this era. New york is the best

[@StaticWaffle]

I see you showing off your calvins

[@FSydneysider13]

How do you go to a bookstore and buy only ONE book? I need to know.

[@vrindam1247]

You spend all your budget on 1 book. That's how 😅

[@anntecz]

When it costs $30 then you know....

[@FSydneysider13]

That's a fair point 😂

[@munajedski]

Jack has never been to B&N! So excited for this!!!! The magazine section in fall is my favorite. Also, Starbucks 🙂

[@tessreadstoomuch]

OMG! I'm from NYC and live abroad now but the Union Square B&N was my childhood and also where I went in between classes at Uni (there and the Strand, which you HAVE to visit because it's impeccable). I'm glad i don't live in the states anymore but I do miss New York bookstores with my entire soul. Go to Books are Magic in BK too! Emma Straub owns it with her husband

[@paularunslondon]

Damn, Jack sneaking in a peek of his Calvins like he’s not trying to thirst trap us!

[@johnley.youtube]

THIRTY. THIRTY DOLLARS.

[@gcsegovi]

As a born and bred New Yorker, the other bookstores that I would recommend are Kinokuniya (best and largest selection of Japanese literature), the Strand (must get the quintessentially NYC Strand tote bag from there), Westsider Books (resident cat librarian and just a lovely opportunity for bookstore photos with their piles of books in every inch, the wonderful smell of yellowing books etc), Three Lives & Co. (for a cozy west village day) and so many more! Welcome to the circus!

[@minpodcastdagbog]

Yu and Me books in Chinatown was THE best bookstore I went to, when I was in New York this summer. I also liked Books are Magic in Brooklyn, The Strand, McNally Jacksons at Seaport and Three Lives and company.