New Year, New Leaf

In the new year, why not give your brain a fun and fresh new fitness goal of reading more? Getting lost in a good book is the perfect way to unwind and escape the chaotic days ahead, and Wilmington has plenty of locally owned bookstores that offer thousands of options for even the pickiest reader. 

BURNING PAGES BOOKSTORE  

Location: 707 South 16th Street, Wilmington  

Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; grand opening Jan. 11 

JESSICA TOBIN, the owner of Burning Pages, Wilmington’s sole “Romantasy-Only” bookstore, believes romance has been an underrated genre until recently, as she notes more and more romance-only bookstores have opened their doors.

“We need to stop thinking that it’s not okay to read and talk about romantic plotlines and spicy scenes or that it’s something to hide, because there are so many levels to this genre and ways for people in all stages of life and even trauma to connect to the stories they read,” she says. “I wanted to create a place, a home, where romantasy lives, and the book-lover community can find something they never knew they needed.”

Upon opening this month in the Cargo District, Tobin looks forward to a spicy book club, themed trivia and movie nights, book release parties, and local romance author collaborations. 

Favorite novel?  

“I don’t have one, but I have a favorite series … Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas destroyed me emotionally in the best way possible.” 

Most underrated book?  

“The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth – yes, the books are 100% better than the
movies.” 

OLD BOOKS ON FRONT STREET  

Location: 249 North Front Street, Wilmington  

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m., closed Wednesday 

“Wilmington’s iconic, family-owned bookstore, connecting good people with good books since 1982.” Old Books on Front Street is a Wilmington staple, and any book lover will fall in love with this historic landmark in downtown Wilmington. 

Managing partner GWENYFAR ROHLER has her own literary favorites as well!

Favorite novel?  

“I read Good Omens once a week, so I should probably say that.” 

Most requested book?  

“You can ask for something specific, and I will do my best to get you there. But, we are really a browsing bookstore. With more than 2 miles of books, it is a place to let the books find you.”

Most underrated book?  

“The Oxford English Dictionary, my all-time favorite and truly under-appreciated.” 

PAPERCUT BOOKS 

Location: 200 Market Street, Unit 100, Wilmington  

Hours: Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 

“Independent bookstores are the bumblebees of modern businesses – frankly, no one knows how they fly or operate, but they’re sure as hell cute to look at and important to the survival and joy of our communities. With your support, we hope to keep Papercut alive, joyful, and thriving for many years to come!” 

Owner HOLLY BADER shares some of her favorites below.

Favorite novel?  

“Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger. It’s the perfect book for when you’re overly sensitive and forget how to live in the world.”  

Most popular seller of the holiday season?  

“The Dune series, Chiltern Classics, and fantasy genre special editions (with sprayed edges) because they make great gifts.”

Most underrated book?   

“Ghosts by Edith Wharton – it’s good enough to put Edgar Allen Poe in a chokehold but is largely forgotten. Anything written by Eva Ibbotson – criminally underrated – and women’s contribution to the horror genre is severely underappreciated.” 

The Roasted Bookery 

Location: 1102 Castle Street, Wilmington  

Hours: Hours vary  

“Your local, indie bookstore where representation matters in Wilmington, NC. Welcome to The Roasted Bookery, your source for inclusive, diverse literature for all ages. Our independent bookstore centers modern works written by folx from the BIPOC, API, Differently-Abled and Queer communities,” the store states. Owners JERRY and ERIN JONES weren’t immediately available for comment on favorites, but they recently spoke with the Greater Wilmington Business Journal.  

In addition to their storefront in the Cargo District, the Joneses sell their BIPOC- and LGBTQIA-focused books online and bring them to local markets. They also host a book club and pop-up “Grown Folx” book fairs. 

“I think that bookstores can serve as that third place that folks need, outside of home, outside of work or school, a place we can come together,” Jerry Jones says. “No matter how fast they are, delivery services, Amazon, just can’t replicate that.”

To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.

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