Independent bookstores

Yes, I'm guilty of shopping for books at major chains like Barnes & Noble and Amazon, but I do try to support the indies every now and then. If you're giving the gift of words this holiday season, try one of the following independent booksellers:

• McNally Robinson Booksellers - a Canadian chain (can a chain be independent? I guess so) recently featured on Brian Lehrer's showon WNYC.


• The Strand (see also: Curbed:The Strand's New Second Floor) - the grandaddy of independent bookstores


• Powell's Books - Portland's answer to The Strand, great place for rare and used books


• Booksense.com - an association of independent bookstores across the country. You can look up an indie retailer near you