Oh my gosh, this is all SO excellent. Especially the “Books by the Foot” department!! 🤯
When I turned 16, my birthday wish was to go to NYC for the Richard Avedon portrait exhibit at the Met. (I was/am a huge nerd, and I can’t believe my dad said yes.) We visited The Strand while we were there, and I got a copy of Avedon’s “An Autobiography” that adorns my coffee table to this day. It’s the best memento from a very special trip—one that solidified my obsession with photography! So I have the absolute fondest memories of my visit there.
We need Andy and a camera on you, stat! Seriously though - this whole thing could be a show or at least a web series. I could hear your candor and humor through Caroline's writing and this place/job/etc. is so interesting!!
Wow! I'm so jealous of your tour and so happy you shared it with us. This is one of my non-negotiables when I'm in NYC. The first time I went I had to check a whole new suitcase on the way home because I bought so many books. It was the BEST!
I want a wall of books about fog in my house! And, I want to read about cocktails and secrets while having a cocktail. But really, I just want to know all the secrets. This was such a delightfully fun read.
This was just so lovely to read. 🤗 Whilst different from your essays in many ways I so enjoyed every sentence and photo as if I was walking round there too. Thank you for enlightening me once again on what’s out in the world to know and see Caroline. x
This is one of my favorite letters ever! I had so much fun! Also, while I'm apparently pitching shows, I'd watch (or read) a series of you touring book stores across America, or dare I say, THE WORLD?
I'd also like my own show where I solve small crimes and one of them will be focused on WHY THE JAZZ RECORDS AND PHILOSOPHY BOOKS?
Also, today's card reading reminded me of the book "How To Be Perfect" by Mike Schur (creator of The Good Place) about all the different philosophers and theories over time and the last chapter cracks me up because basically it's like, "Clearly, there's no ONE way to be perfect. Pick the stuff that resonates, leave the stuff that doesn't and just calm down." It's a good one!
Oh my gosh, this is all SO excellent. Especially the “Books by the Foot” department!! 🤯
When I turned 16, my birthday wish was to go to NYC for the Richard Avedon portrait exhibit at the Met. (I was/am a huge nerd, and I can’t believe my dad said yes.) We visited The Strand while we were there, and I got a copy of Avedon’s “An Autobiography” that adorns my coffee table to this day. It’s the best memento from a very special trip—one that solidified my obsession with photography! So I have the absolute fondest memories of my visit there.
Amazing 10/10 would tour guide again ♥️ still waiting for the ghosts to show up…
Any day now... I'm sure of it. (Maybe the ghosts are responsible for the sinkhole?) Best tour guide ever. Thank you again!
We need Andy and a camera on you, stat! Seriously though - this whole thing could be a show or at least a web series. I could hear your candor and humor through Caroline's writing and this place/job/etc. is so interesting!!
I love The Strand. Thanks for the tour. I never seem to make it past the front part of the first floor.
The first picture has three copies of my brother Daniel's novel "Bar Maid."
Kismet.
Wow! I had no idea. But I did feel drawn to photograph this particular little stretch of shelf. Kismet indeed.
It’s a good book!
The tour was so awesome!!! Love how much Cristen loves her job.
As an east coast transplant, this is one of many NY landmarks I’ve yet to visit. Reading about The Strand was the essence of a joy-ride! 🙏🏼❤️
It’s (clearly) a very special place. I’m sure you’ll love it!
This entire post needs to be a mystery series !
Haha, right? With Cristin hosting, in various literary costumes.
Wow! I'm so jealous of your tour and so happy you shared it with us. This is one of my non-negotiables when I'm in NYC. The first time I went I had to check a whole new suitcase on the way home because I bought so many books. It was the BEST!
I want a wall of books about fog in my house! And, I want to read about cocktails and secrets while having a cocktail. But really, I just want to know all the secrets. This was such a delightfully fun read.
This was SPECTACULAR 😍😍😍 Also BOOKS BY THE FOOT 🤯🤯🤯 Incredible!
This was just so lovely to read. 🤗 Whilst different from your essays in many ways I so enjoyed every sentence and photo as if I was walking round there too. Thank you for enlightening me once again on what’s out in the world to know and see Caroline. x
Loved the tour. Books are sacred to me. They have saved my life. Thank you so much for that beautiful tour❤.
Loved all of this!! 💛✨
Thank you, Meg!
This is one of my favorite letters ever! I had so much fun! Also, while I'm apparently pitching shows, I'd watch (or read) a series of you touring book stores across America, or dare I say, THE WORLD?
I'd also like my own show where I solve small crimes and one of them will be focused on WHY THE JAZZ RECORDS AND PHILOSOPHY BOOKS?
Also, today's card reading reminded me of the book "How To Be Perfect" by Mike Schur (creator of The Good Place) about all the different philosophers and theories over time and the last chapter cracks me up because basically it's like, "Clearly, there's no ONE way to be perfect. Pick the stuff that resonates, leave the stuff that doesn't and just calm down." It's a good one!
Books r rad. Also, I love Cristin!
Agreed. On both points!
Great piece! I also ❤️ Rob Chast.
Thank you! (And yes, truly the best.)
This tour was an absolute delight to read
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.