Eight Bookshops...

The Writers' Museum, Edinburgh

...because I tried hard to remember ten spots I loved but it didn't work. Why is it anyway that we feel the need to top-10ing?

8. Chapters (Parnell St., Dublin)

Most favourite shop in Ireland as it holds books on everything (with an emphasis on Ireland, naturally). And staff is very friendly.

7. Blackwell's Bookshop (51 Broad St., Oxford)

On top of being located in the prettiest place, Blackwell has in one building an extensive range of Tolkien's Harper Collins publications, all the Greek and Latin classics in the original language, any classics you could dream of, as well as overpriced cookies and tea. Needless to say, a lot of nerds around, too.

6. Green Apple Books (506 Clement St., San Francisco)

I had a day off in San Francisco during a "working" trip, and as I had brought an almost empty bag that was to be filled with books I needed to find a supplier. As this was my first time alone in an english-speaking country, I thought I had landed in heaven when I opened the door and saw shelves full of books written in English which didn't seem to be overpriced. That's how I ended up at Green Apple, and bought the original six volumes of "Tales of the City" by Armistead Maupin.

5. Saint Georges (Wörtherstr. 27, Berlin)

In posh Prenzlauer Berg, this is a nice bookshop with a lot of secondhand items. English of course.

4. East of Eden (Schreinerstr. 10, Berlin)

The best independant secondhand English bookshop in Berlin. They also have plenty of little treasures in other languages. Several rooms, books from ceiling to floor, and event little gigs from time to time.

3. Diogene (29 rue Saint Jean, Lyon)

In Lyon's historical city centre, I regularly do a pilgrimage there, wallet in hand.

2. Ex-Libro (22, rue des Frères, Strasbourg)

Ten years on, the owners still remember me. Very friendly book lovers and always my favourite authors on display. In days of yore, my favourite spot to hang out.

1. Page 12 (doesn't exist anymore)

I grew up in that shop: it made me discover Zola, Balzac, Jardin, Beauvoir, Kundera. Sadly replaced by a hairdresser. Times change.