In the movie version “The Neverending Story” (which the author, Michael Ende, hated by the way), the main character Bastian Balthasar Bux enters the bookstore of Karl Konrath Koriander, to hide from his bullies. This place reminds me of that shop, though Howard, the owner, is much friendlier than Karl Konrath Koriander. Once you enter, Howard usually gets up to greet you and ask whether you know the layout of the place. If you don’t, he will give you a brief overview. I’ve never seen this anywhere else and always thought that this is a nice gesture. On the other had, he is probably doing it because he can’t see the entrance from his desk because the view is blocked by several shelves.
The place doesn’t specialize on a specific topic. It has shelves for Art, Politics, Local and World History, Poetry…the usual. Right in the center, in front of the counter, you’ll find a sofa and some chairs but they are usually buried under books, so sitting is not an option. The rarer books are behind glass and you have to ask to see them. While there are plenty of fiction books, they are a bit all over the place, which makes the hunt more enjoyable. In the back end of the shop are shelves with softcover books that go for $1 each. It’s a mix of crime, mystery, drama and old-school SF&F. There is even a small section for children’s books.
For me, the place comes over as quiet and cozy. The shop is divided by several shelves which will give you a feeling of privacy. Sometimes the owner plays music but it’s never too loud or distracting. And while he is not a chatty person, he is friendly and helpful. Last time I was there we talked about badly written books. I shared my distaste for Roald Dahl and he trash talked Edgar Rice Burroughs. Good times.
Location
Teaneck is in Northern New Jersey. If you are coming from Manhattan, taking the 175 bus would be the best option. While taking the car is obviously faster, the toll you would have to pay for coming from New Jersey to New York are pretty high. At the time of writing you would pay ~$13. Ridiculous.
Contact
+1 201 836 5500
450 Cedar Ln
Teaneck, NJ 07666
United States
Hours
The shop stays closed on Mondays. On other days Howard usually opens around noon. Depending on the day he closes between 17:00 to 20:00 o’clock. Definitely check on Google before you make the trip.