Two Independent Booksellers Share Insights on Curating Their Collections
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Lucy Yu, the owner of Yu & Me Books in Manhattan, and Emma Straub, the owner of Books Are Magic in Brooklyn, recently sat down to discuss their strategies for stocking their shelves with new and diverse stories. The two prominent New York City booksellers shed light on their individual approaches to curating their collections, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of independent bookstores.
Specificity is key for both Yu and Straub when it comes to selecting books for their stores. Yu’s focus on immigrant stories and writers of colour helps guide her selection process, allowing her to offer a wide range of perspectives to her customers. She emphasises the importance of broadening the definition of immigrant stories and continually expanding the variety of literature available in her shop.
While many retailers might rely on bestseller lists or popular trends to inform their stock choices, both Yu and Straub take a different approach. Yu mentions that she and her team at Yu & Me Books have an intuitive curation process, prioritising language and narratives that delve deep into the human experience. Instead of chasing trends, they focus on creating a curated selection that reflects their unique tastes and values.
Straub, on the other hand, pays close attention to her customer base’s preferences when selecting books for Books Are Magic. She tailors her collection to cater to the evolving tastes of her diverse clientele, ensuring that her shelves offer something for everyone. By stocking a mix of classic works and new releases from a variety of authors, Straub aims to create a catalogue that is both inclusive and engaging.
Both booksellers understand the importance of diversity in their collections and strive to feature writers from all backgrounds. Straub highlights the prevalence of mysteries and biographies in the second location of Books Are Magic, reflecting the specific interests of that demographic. She emphasises the importance of showcasing a wide range of voices and perspectives in order to provide a well-rounded reading experience for her customers.
In addition to their curated collections, Yu and Straub also recommend specific titles to their patrons. Yu praises Arundhati Roy’s memoir, “Mother Mary Comes to Me,” for its powerful storytelling, while Straub lauds Margaret Atwood’s “Book of Lives” as a captivating read. Their personal recommendations offer insight into their individual tastes and preferences, giving customers a glimpse into the books that resonate with them.
As independent booksellers, Yu and Straub play a vital role in shaping the literary landscape of their communities. By prioritising diverse voices, unique storytelling, and customer preferences, they create welcoming spaces where readers can discover new and exciting narratives. Their commitment to thoughtful curation and personal recommendations underscores the value of independent bookstores in fostering a love of reading and a sense of community among bibliophiles.