Best Book-Lover Destinations in Manhattan & What I'm Reading This July

My first summer in Manhattan, I've found myself leaning into some classic and highly informative books to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple - if only in my head. My favorite part about living in a city packed with bookstores, world-class public libraries, and cozy cafes is that there's no shortage of spaces where you can read or stumble into your next favorite book. Keep reading for a few book recommendations and spots to explore when you find yourself with some time to kill in New York City.

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari - Strand Bookstore, Union Square

I kept peeking at the copy of this on my phone, but it wasn't until I found a used hardcover at the Strand Bookstore in Union Square - for a fraction of the listed price - that I finally managed to deep dive into this book. Personally, I hate reading on my phone and just love the feel of a real book.

Sapiens felt like reading an extended version of Bo Burnham's “How the World Works." I learned a lot, but boy does it hurt. 

At the same time, it felt like a great reminder of what it means to be human. Harari takes us on a journey from early human history to the present day, exploring how we got from cavemen to Wall Street stockbrokers, and what we might've lost or gained along the way.

I appreciate the way Harari was able to entertain me throughout even the gory or seemingly dry sections. My attention span might not be what it once was - thanks TikTok - but this book was worth the read.

Manhattanites: If you've never been to the Strand Bookstore near Union Square, this is a serious book-lover's destination that you cannot sleep on. I ran straight here the first time I got to NYC after hearing Fran Lebowitz gush about it in an interview. She wasn't overexaggerating about how magical this place is. I'm secretly hoping to run into her here one day, but I'll probably be too focused on books to notice her - even if she asks me to get out of her way. There are over 18 miles of books, many that are out of print or rare, at incredibly low prices. I'm not sure how their books are so cheap, but I'm not going to question it.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway - The Strand, Upper West Side

I was at the Strand on the Upper West Side when I spotted the prettiest copy of The Old Man and the Sea and decided to read it. My husband was already reading it on his Kindle and had been excitedly showing me excerpts that got me intrigued. A few pages in and it was already breaking my heart in the best ways.

Hemingway's book tells the story of an old Cuban fisherman who struggles to catch a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. It's a beautiful tale of perseverance, pride, and the human spirit. 

I somehow managed to get an English degree without ever being asked to read any Hemingway. Or if I did, I might've Spark Notes that one... Either way, my first venture into his work left me wishing I'd read it sooner. But maybe I wouldn't have appreciated this book a few years ago like I do today.

The Strand in the Upper West Side is a mini version of the one downtown with a solid selection of books. It is dog-friendly too, so if you are walking by with your pooch you can still snag a bedtime story! It feels a lot more like a local destination than a tourist attraction. I picked up Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman while I was there to read next month. If you haven't seen the TV series based on it, after reading the first page I can already say they nailed the adaptation. Go figure out where it's streaming and watch it!

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut - Book Club Bar, East Village

I am a huge fan of Slaughterhouse-Five and have wanted to read another Vonnegut book for some time. I was at the Book Bar in NYC looking for a book to read while grabbing a drink when Cat's Cradle caught my eye. The only other Vonnegut book they had was the one I already had, so I went for it. Within minutes I could tell it would be a wild read but as with any Vonnegut, it was impossible to guess where it was headed until it was over.

The Book Club Bar is a cute little bar/cafe/bookstore where you can relax in the heart of East Village with a drink as strong as you need. If you're new to the city, this is a great spot to make friends that share your love of literature - they even host dating events!

If it's too loud to read for you, just walk a quick mile down 3rd Avenue for a cozier destination. Cafe Reggio, in Greenwich Village, is another great spot in Manhattan to unwind. This laid-back cafe, featuring beautiful artwork and stained glass, was a favorite of David Bowie's before he died. They also happen to have the best peppermint mocha I've ever had, and I've had a lot of peppermint mochas. 

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Manhattan is truly a book lover's paradise, offering a perfect blend of literary history, cozy reading spots, and an endless supply of books. Whether you're diving into a classic like Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea, exploring human history with Harari's Sapiens, or embarking on a satirical journey with Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle, you'll find the perfect spot to do so in the City that Never Sleeps (cause we’re up reading one… last… page). From the iconic Strand Bookstore to the charming Book Club Bar and the historic Cafe Reggio, there's a reading nook for every mood and preference. So grab a book, find your favorite spot, and lose yourself in the world of literature right here in the heart of New York City.