Spotlight on Bookstores: *The Book Shop* in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts

Another week, another wonderful Spotlight on Bookstores guest post! Linda Teitel wrote this piece; she’s the author of the middle-grade novel Angus MacMouse Brings Down the House (Bloomsbury 2010). Angus is a mouse who holds the key to a successful opera company – culture, humor, and a crowd-pleasing ‘moral to the story’ = fun!

When she’s not writing (or sharing her work via school and library visits), Linda teaches at a preschool; she also enjoys spending time outdoors and on the water of the North Shore. You can read more about Linda Teitel on her blog, lindateitel.blogspot.com.

I’m especially pleased that this essay spotlights a bookshop that’s within driving distance for me – yes, another warm-weather field trip! Linda supplied one of the exterior photos; the snow-covered yard and interior shot are from The Book Shop’s website.

She also shared a few interesting facts about Beverly Farms, a seaside town north of Boston:

• John Updike lived in Beverly Farms during the latter part of his life
• In 1907 Beverly Hills, CA. was named after Beverly Farms because it was famous for President Taft vacationing there!

The Book Shop
40 West Street (Route 127)
Beverly Farms, Massachusetts
978-927-2122
www.realbookshop.com

If you are like me, you delight in finding a wonderful, unique bookshop with character and charm. Whether you stumble upon it by chance, or you hear about it from a friend, it’s always a special moment when you first walk through the door, your senses tingling with anticipation. I promise, you won’t be disappointed when you visit The Book Shop in Beverly Farms.

If you’re not familiar with the North Shore, Beverly Farms is the easternmost section of Beverly, about twenty miles north of Boston. You can even take the Commuter Rail there (the Rockport Line), hop off the train, and be just a few steps from The Book Shop and a number of other delightful small shops and eclectic eateries.

As you come into the village by car (on Route 127) The Book Shop is easy to spot–– it will be either the first establishment you see, or the last, depending on the direction you’re traveling. The building itself couldn’t be more inviting because it is actually a house. So, when you walk in the door, you immediately sense the intimate atmosphere, and the friendly staff makes you feel right at home. As you wander from room to room, each one seems more enticing than the last, with a surprisingly large selection of books, including many that have been handpicked to suit local interests and tastes. The cozy room upstairs for children’s books is (of course!) my favorite.

The children's section of The Book Shop

A visit to The Book Shop is invariably an enjoyable, relaxing experience and I always leave with a smile on my face and a bag tucked under my arm. Like the big stores, they offer 20% off the New York Times hardcover best sellers. But sometimes my bag doesn’t contain a book–– often it’s a beautiful card or a special little gift (wrapped for free, of course).Since its beginning in 1968, The Book Shop has been deeply committed to local schools (about a dozen of them!) and the community. The staff works tirelessly on book fairs and other fundraisers that help support school libraries and reading programs.

On a personal note, I have been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm of the owner and her wonderful staff. When I first introduced myself as a new author, I was touched by how excited everyone was for me. And whenever I have needed help or advice for an event they have been right there, with everything I needed. With their expertise I know that I never have to worry, and everything will go smoothly.

The Book Shop is everything you might hope for in a charming village setting, where the shops and businesses take pride in quality, individuality, and excellent service, not only to townsfolk, but also to the many travelers that find their way to this delightful seaside community. I hope you can visit soon!