Brays Books

Okay, I have to say that I prefer second-​hand bookshops a lot more than I do new bookshops, namely because of the treasures that you can find within. However, that does not mean that if I see a new bookshop I will automatically walk past it, as I didn’t do with this one. I was wandering along Darling Street, exploring Balmain, and I came across this place so I decided that I would check it out (as I do when I find an interesting book shop). Okay, there wasn’t anything that fantastic about this place, and as I have suggested it is basically a new book bookshop, but it was still quite nice. I found a couple of titles that interested me, and the owner was quite nice. Okay, it isn’t a place that I would probably return to in a hurry (especially since it is in Balmain) however it was still quite nice and had a reasonable collection.

While Brays Books might not always have the exact book in stock that you want, they are excellent with special orders, doing all the tracking down for you, at no extra cost. It’s an idiosyncratic, dorky sort of place, and a veritable Balmain institution. So get off Amazon, and give Book Depository a break, and support your local booksellers.

Step aside Kindle and iPad, there is absolutely no replacing the feel and smell of an actual book. That woody, inky aroma is in full effect inside Brays Books. In fact, it kind of comes over you like a cloud when you waltz through the shop’s doors.
I found Brays to be a very curious little bookshop indeed. From what I could tell, they have three sections in their bag. If you’re looking for a cookbook, any kind of culinary almanac at all, you can likely find it here. And what about travel books? With atlases, travel guides and travel related fiction and non-​fiction at your fingertips, I recommend you pop in here before you next step on an airplane. And if you happen to be under the age of 10, or know someone who is, Brays delivers in the children’s department as well. They have picture book classics and fiction for those readers who are stepping into the land of more words than pics.
But, wait a second, what if I am looking for some good old fashioned adult fiction? With a rinky dink little case along one side of Brays, I had a hard time believing their selection was anywhere near complete. But I guess I can’t be too hard on an independent bookshop. As they die out like orchids in the garden of retail, I’m sure Brays can use all the support it can get.

A boutique bookstore on Darling street, Balmain. I love these places. Each one has its own feel and vibe, and there’s no place like a good bookstore. Theres some good variety among the shelves, so you know theres no hidden agenda behind the store, just a bunch of popular books for sale.
The place is colourful and inviting, the staff are great, and helpful when you’re trying to find something, although if you’re on a mission, I guess a boutique bookstore isn’t where you’d go. But still, a great place to browse and get into the reading zone.