With a Barnes and Noble in nearly every city, Mercy students may be reluctant to leave the comfortable atmosphere and stocked Starbucks café to venture out into the less uniform world of independent bookstores for their copies of The Great Gatsby or even just the newest John Green book. Yet, they may be surprised what they find. What many perceive as a dying industry, others consider alive and thriving. Each shop creates its own identity and specialty. Here are a few local favorites.

The Next Chapter Bistro and Books
Location: 141 E. Main, Northville
Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. (Sun.-Tues.), 7:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. (Wed. and Sat.) 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (Thurs.-Fri.)
Contact Info: (248)-465-0010
Specialty: Selection ranges from popular best sellers to local authors.
Why You Should Go:
The Next Chapter is the ideal place to browse for books and enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends at the café. Although it is a small bookstore and cannot offer the range bigger bookstores can, its selections are diverse enough that there is always something new to find. French students should bring along some homework and set the mood with one of their specialty crepes.

John K. King Used and Rare Books
Location: 901 W. Lafayette, Detroit
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.)
Contact: (313)-961-0622
Specialty: Rare vintage books and used books with a variety of subjects
Why You Should Go:
Possibly the biggest bookstore in Michigan, John K. King boasts a selection of over one million titles in nearly every subject. Located inside what used to be an old glove factory, the bookstore spans three floors and can only be navigated by directional signs. Shopping at John K. King is not a short affair; it is an all-day adventure.
“It’s like entering a world full of possibilities,” said senior Gabrielle Barthel.
The store keeps its old- school charm by not using an electronic database or even a new cash register. The prices may be a setback for some, but those who appreciate used books and first editions won’t mind the dent John K. King makes in their wallets. If the main location is inconvenient, try visiting their other two stores, located at 22524 Woodward Avenue in Ferndale and 5911 Cass Avenue in Detroit.

Literati Bookstore
Location: 124 E. Washington, Ann Arbor
Hours: 10 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (Mon.-Thurs.), 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (Fri.-Sat.), 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (Sun.)
Contact: (734)-585-5567
Specialty: Wide selection of fiction, nonfiction, and local authors in both paperback and hardcover
Why You Should Go:
As a recent addition to the bustling independent bookstore scene of Ann Arbor, Literati emphasizes a connection to their customers. Many of the books have handwritten recommendations from employees and customers are invited to type a message on the typewriter by the lower level entrance. Literati’s selection is impressive and well organized, but more impressive is the variety of events it maintains. If you are a reader eager to find a community, check out Literati’s book club or attend a book signing.