This week, I’ve been doing research on local bookstores, but I also took a break to read more travel articles.

Bookstores

“Her Life Is a Real Page-Turner” by Jan Hoffman
The New York Times, October 12, 2011

A profile of a young, philosophical bookseller in New York and her latest bookish investment.

“Independent Bookstores Add a New Chapter” by Neely Tucker
The Washington Post, August 17, 2011

In a terrible economy, how do bookstores like One More Page, Politics and Prose, and Bbgb survive–and even thrive?

“It’s the End for Borders, But How Are Independent Bookstores Faring?” by Molly Finnegan and James Melia
PBS NewsHour, Art Beat, July 21, 2011

Indie booksellers across the country weigh in on the support they receive from the community and the challenges they still face.

“The Economics of Saving Independent Businesses” by Matthew Yglesias
The Atlantic: Cities, Urban Wonk, September 20, 2011

Should urban building permits favor independents?

“What’s the Next Chapter for Independent Booksellers?” by Louis Llovio
Work It, Richmond, August 21, 2011

“Independent bookstores have had a long-running battle against gathering forces that seem determined to wipe out neighborhood shops. From the expansion of big-box stores in the 1990s to the current e-book craze, selling books in the past 20 years has become a competitive sport.”

“Olsson’s Books and Records Abruptly Closes” by Sommer Mathis
DCist, September 30, 2008

After 36 years as one of Washington’s premier bookstores, Olsson’s closed, seemingly without warning, one fall day in 2008.

“Overridden With Debt, Olsson’s Ends Long Run” by Anita Huslin
The Washington Post, October 1, 2008

The subtitle blames declining music sales, but the text notes pressure from some of the Big Six publishers to collect debt.

“Trover Shop Bookstore Closing on Capitol Hill After 51 Years” by Kate Kilpatrick
The Washington Post, July 7, 2009

“Bookstore enthusiasts walking along Pennsylvania Avenue during lunch break yesterday were confronted with sobering news: After 51 years in business on Capitol Hill, Trover Shop is closing.”

“Downtown Trover Shop to Close” by Missy Frederick
Washington Business Journal, March 2, 2010

The chain, with other locations that sold books having also closed, saw sales falling steadily. “Now, you just send your cousins a text message to wish them a happy birthday,” co-owner Al Shuman said.

“Lambda Rising, Gay Bookstore and Community Center, Closing” by Paul Schwartzman
The Washington Post, December 8, 2009

“Deacon Maccubbin, Lambda Rising’s founder, said that he has accomplished all he had intended when he opened the gay-oriented bookstore in 1974 and that ‘it’s time to move on.'”

“Lambda Rising Bookstore’s Closing May Open New Book” by Amanda Hess
Washington City Paper, The Sexist, December 7, 2009

The closing of Dupont Circle’s iconic bookstore has a silver lining: now the owner can begin work on a book about “life at Lambda Rising.”

Travel

“Love That Lingua Franca” by Daisann McLane
National Geographic Traveler, Real Travel, September 2011

“You don’t speak Thai, they don’t speak English? Your basic French may save the day.”

“A Day With the Pygmies” by Boyd Matson
National Geographic Traveler, Unbound, September 2011

The host of National Geographic Weekend spends a day with oygmies in the Congo, noting their small footprint–literally and environmentally.

“Travels of the Fat Man” by Keith Bellows
National Geographic Traveler, One on One, September 2011

“Univision’s popular ‘El Gordo’ has visited 80 countries–following his palate and his eye.”

Factual Research

“The Many Lives of Hazel Bryan” by David Margolick
Slate, October 11, 2011

“In the most famous photo of the Civil Rights era, she was the face of white bigotry,” Margolick writes, but in reality, she tried to prove that everyone can change.

“Tom Friedman Needs a Factchecker” by Erika Fry
Columbia Journalism Review, October 7, 2011

CJR calls out the bestselling author on the figures he tosses around during public appearances.

Subscription Saturday is a way for me to keep track of the print and digital articles that I’ve read and, in most cases, recommend, this week.