Review of Market Block Books in Troy, New York

It was a lazy Saturday and my husband and I had zero plans. So, after doing a little research on some local shops here in Troy, N.Y. I said to my husband, "Honey... wanna go to the bookstore with me?" He said "sure" even though I could tell that was the last thing he wanted to do. I drag him to bookstores all the time. Another item on my list of to do things was to visit a local antique shop, now that seemed more his speed. But, none the less he agreed to join me on my quest to visit Market Block Books.

It wasn't hard to find, that's for sure. We drove down River St. and we couldn't help but notice the huge building right at the corner with the name "Market Block" wrapped around it's top layer in yellow. The building is quite stunning when you come up on it, beautiful architecture. After finding a place to park, which can be difficult if you're visiting during a rush in downtown Troy traffic (which I believe is any time between 3 and 6 p.m.), we waltzed inside.

Upon first entering, I noticed how quaint the shop looked. To my right were the "literature" books, including a mix of new and old authors. What I particularly liked about this section, and this is something you'll never find at a large Borders or Barnes and Noble store, is the taped index cards in front of books labeled "Staff Picks." A simple summary of the book from the staff member's point of view and his/her rating (in his/her own handwriting, even) lies on an index card hanging on the shelf in front of the book of choice. Of course, this tactic drew my attention to certain books and now I have a whole list of things I just "HAVE TO" read! So, needless to say I really like the idea of displaying staff picks. And, it wasn't only in this section, it was all throughout the store that I got to see what books were "books of choice," so to speak.

Another thing I liked about Market Block Books is the amount of customer attention paid. If there's one thing I dislike, it's going into a large bookstore and having a staff member come over and ask you if they can help when they actually can't! I'm sure you've all experienced this:

Staff Member: "Hi, can I help you?"

You: (look up from book that you were interested in, even though you're supposed to be looking for the other book that's required reading) "Um.. you know, yea. Sure, there is something you can help me with. I need to find this book 'Memory: Or Is It?' by A and B."

Staff Member: "Um, yes... let me go search that in our database."

You: "Thanks!" (Now, I've got to follow him over to his database to search for this book, I wish he didn't offer to help, I can type the title into the database at one of the many computers around the store.)

So, I'm sure you've experienced this kind of situation before. At Market Block Books you won't experience this. Especially if you talk to a guy named Stanley. He seemed to know everything while I was there. I heard numerous questions about whether they had this or that and this guy knew it all- "Tell 'em Stanley sent ya."

This is just another benefit of going to a small bookstore: the staff. And, I've failed to mention the other sections within the store which include: mystery, horror, history, performing arts, reference, cooking, etc. Overall, I felt very comfortable in this particular store and I probably will go back. That said, I recommend you do the same!