Spotlight on Bookstores: The Village Bookstore in Littleton, New Hampshire

The Village Bookstore

Rose MacDowell’s The Lost Book of Mala R. was published a few months ago by Random House / Bantam. The novel brings to light an intriguing period of American history with thorough research and rich detail.  In it, a teenage American gypsy in the 1940s predicts the future of three troubled women in present day California. When these women stumble across the journal in a yard sale, their lives are forever changed, and a compelling mystery evolves.

In this Spotlight on Bookstores post, Rose MacDowell writes about a special bookstore in New Hampshire’s White Mountain area. Rose writes about the main street of Littleton (literally, Main Street), conjuring up images of Norman Rockwell paintings and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The town sounds fantastic – with its emphasis on local culture and creativity — it’s about 2 1/2 hours from me; I’m planning a spring/summer weekend getaway!

Here’s what Rose has to say:

inside The Village Bookstore

If there was ever a quintessential New England bookstore, The Village Bookstore in Littleton, New Hampshireis it. The setting – on Main Street in a picturesque small town, complete with winding river, white-steepled church, and historic brick buildings – is only the beginning of this sprawling store’s charm. Inside are tall wooden stacks crowded with unusual books from publishers like Moose Country Press and Hobblebush Books, which focus on local history and storytellers. In addition to the usual bestsellers and book club favorites, there are dozens of books of obscure White Mountain lore, stories about the region’s settlers and explorers, CDs by local musicians, and guides to every hiking trail and ski slope in the Northeast. The children’s section is a riot of picture books and toys, with colorful mobiles hanging from the ceiling. It’s no wonder the floor is usually scattered with cross-legged kids.

League of NH Craftsmen Gallery in Littleton

One story down from the bookstore is The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, a gallery filled with jewelry, pottery, crafts, and photography, all made by local artists. This helps make The Village Bookstore feel like an artistic hub, where all things local and creative have a home. Shop upstairs for books, toys, and music, downstairs for folk art and hard-turned wooden bowls. I love coming here a few snowy days before Christmas to browse, read, and look for gifts. Outside, the trees and buildings are strung with white lights, while inside, the store is brightly-lit and smells of wool sweaters and hot chocolate. The Village Bookstore is everything I love about New England, New Hampshire, and the White Mountains: a unique, small-town experience you can’t find anywhere else.

To read more of the author’s writing, please visit Rose MacDowell’s website where you can read an excerpt of The Lost Book of Mala R.  She loves to hear from her readers, and enjoys meeting with book groups – in person if possible, or via web, Skype, or conference/phone.