Help Revitalize Books of Wonder (The Best Place Ever)

Once upon a time, Rachel and Megan were two young eighth graders very new to the world of YA books. They had read and loved the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, and were overjoyed to discover that Cassandra Clare would be doing a signing in New York City, just an hour away from their small New Jersey town. They begged Megan's mom to take them to the signing, and since she is the best, she agreed. The bookstore holding the signing was called Books of Wonder, and once these girls walked inside, they were in awe of what a wonderful place it was. That signing with Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, and Lauren DeStefano was one of the best days of their lives.

Our first author signing ever! This was when we introduced the homemade t-shirts. Also, we brought a mango and tomato soup because it's a joke from City of Fallen Angels.

Fast forward to about a year and a half later. Megan and Rachel have attended several events at Books of Wonder, and they've had the opportunity to meet so many great people. They relish the moments when they get to stand in front of the bookshelves at this lovely independent bookstore.

One day, they receive an email that absolutely crushes them. Apparently, Books of Wonder is having financial issues, and they need to raise 100,000 dollars in order to survive. Megan and Rachel are devastated by this news. This store is one of their favorite places in the entire world. They cherish so many memories of being inside of it. It has grown to mean so much to them in the past year or so. It can't close! It's supposed to stay there forever so that they'll always be able to visit it. They've been counting down the days until they're old enough to drive themselves to the store on the weekends so they could pass their time browsing the selection of books and enjoying the friendly atmosphere.

Okay, let's stop the third person storytelling because it's getting annoying. This bookstore? I LOVE IT. I need it to exist. It was opened in 1980, and it's one of the best bookstores in New York City, if not THE ENTIRE WORLD. It's such a great place. I don't want it to not be there anymore.

If you've ever been to this store or if you've heard of this store, maybe you can understand why I'm so sad that it might not survive. If you're interested, you can donate to this cause and help an amazing children's bookstore out. Here's the link for more information on how to donate. I'll definitely be donating.

If you're sitting there reading this saying to yourself, "I really can't spare any money," or "I'm broke I can't afford to send money to a book store," it's okay. We get it. But if you could spare just one dollar, or 5, something small. Even that would be one step closer to the goal. The store has 30 days to raise 100,000 dollars in order to stay open. That's a lot of money and not a lot of time.

Even if you don't donate, or you've never even heard of the store, just tweeting or tumbling or whatevering the link could really help. This store means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to other people. Anyone who's willing to spread the word would be really helpful.

Oh and also, for people who don't live anywhere near New York City, YOU CAN TOTALLY ORDER SIGNED BOOKS AND HAVE THEM SHIPPED TO YOU. Want a signed copy of City of Lost Souls? DONE. Or a signed copy of The Raven Boys? HERE YOU GO.

You have no idea how sad it would make me to see this bookstore close. It's been around for too long for it to just go away.

And now an extremely blurry photo of our friend Katherine, Megan, Rachel's sister Lauren, and Rachel. This was when we went to the Spring into the Future Event and met Anna Carey, Lauren Oliver, Veronica Rossi, and Tahereh Mafi.

I just love this bookstore. So this post was part fangirling (over a bookstore? I am actually fangirling over a store. I love my life. :D) and part PLEASE HELP THEM BECAUSE THEN I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER. Hopefully I got both points across somewhat well.

-Rachel

P.S.  A little side note from Megan: The owner of this store has honestly created the best place ever. There are a ton of first editions of books that are on display and they are so desperate to save this place they are giving them away. I'm having trouble putting into words how sad it would make me if this place closed. Let me promise you this: there would be tears shed! (YES. ACTUAL TEARS.) And you don't want to see my cry right? RIGHT? I will seriously love you forever if you help us Revitalize Books of Wonder.

-Megan