Lauriat's Books - Boston and the Suburbs

Lauriat's Books served as the greatest chapter of my interest in books as a kid.

The Boston-based book chain that dated back to 1872 not only helped spark my interest in reading (ahh, the Curious George, Encycopedia Brown and Richard Scarry books!) but also offsetting the boring tendencies of mall shopping. You know, like shoe shopping at Tom McAn and Filene's and the cosmetic counter with the sales ladies in white lab coats (still don't get this one) at the former Jordan Marsh.

There was something about Lauriat's that made for a far more rewarding book shopping experience than Barnes and Noble and Amazon. They always seemed to have the books I was looking for and other gems not yet discovered. Additionally, Lauriat's created a nice layout without crowded aisles. They hired employees genuinely interested in books. The lighting and low-pile carpeting were pleasing and the overall store spotless and with a clean smell -- not that musty book odor. They must have vacuumed that place day and night, I had thought as a kid.

Unfortunately, Lauriat's liquidated (hey, nice alliteration!) in 1999, ending many a relationship between book lovers like me and a local book chain. Chains like Barnes and Noble and the former Borders crushed great book stores like Lauriat's. I think if Lauriat's survived, Amazon would have further dominated this smaller gem of a book chain.

It stinks how big business has taken over the smaller booksellers. Taking away Lauriat's was like making sure I'd never see a best friend again.

There's hope, however, as many local book shops have found a way to currently survive. I'm sure it's noit easy but I have all the respect and admiration in the world from these brave small business owners who take passion, pride of ownership and connection to the community rather than just making the big bucks.

I just wished Lauriat's was still part of that mix. It's too bad that chapter had to come to an end.