Boneshaker Books

Aside from having the best name and logo combination ever, Boneshaker is incredibly good at packing a small space full of good books organized and chosen in such a way that it is easy to find yourself spending a little more than you intended and making a list of things you want to come back for. Boneshaker has a decent selection of zines, art books, and comics, as well as fiction and a good range of progressive and radical nonfiction that neither moves into neoliberal apologism nor goes off the cliff of conspiracy theory. The shop is staffed entirely by volunteers, you can get bicycle delivery, and they house the Women’s Prison Book Project. Awesome!

Boneshaker’s main downfall is that it is small. And although this means that it carries fewer items, it does not affect the quality at all. There are tons of books, from conventional fiction novels, to graphic historical novels, to non-​fiction personal accounts, to translated conversations about sex from the French impressionists.
Unlike most big bookstores, Boneshaker doesn’t feel overwhelming. You can see and look at most of the books without spending hours there. Conversely, you could spend hours if you wanted, as they have a nice little sitting area, as well as a play area for children.
Cat allergies beware, as there is sometimes a cat roaming around. I am told it is the landlord’s cat.
The other downfall is that the store is run by volunteers. This is not an issue in and of itself, often volunteers bring an enthusiasm that paid clerks often lack. However, volunteers can bring a lack of professionalism. The last time I was in the store there was a women complaining about buying her wedding dress. I’m not sure if she was a customer or a volunteer, but in a small space it was impossible not to hear her talking, even if she was talking at lower volume. I sort of felt like I was intruding on someone’s living room.
All in all Boneshaker is a great little book store to head to if you’re not really sure what you’re in the mood for, but even if you know what you want… you might be surprised!

This review is best enjoyed with the following apéritif:
This bookstore is the best tool you’ll find for putting your fury somewhere productive. The economy sucks! The corporations are buying our democracy! The earth is full of garbage! Kids these days have bad grammar and ugly shoes!
Yah, yah, yah, fine– but you won’t be able to do a damn thing about those helpful observations without getting yer facts straight first. That’s why you need Boneshaker Books.
They have books on everything you’re mad about. Angry about capitalism? Please help yourself to dozens of books that suggest alternatives to our happy little (effed up) economic system. Sick of watching the feminist movement wheeze through its 40-​year-​old song and dance? Pick up a few books from writers on the vanguard of feminist theory who can give you the what-​fer and some new ideas to bat around with your friends. Wanting to know why Minnesota is so freaking awesome? They have books on how the labor and progressive movement built this state to serve all Minnesotans, not just the wealthy few.
They also have well-​chosen fiction, some discount used books, Occupy publications, and a GREAT zine collection. Yes, their books are $ 15– but (prepare for the mantra) you’ve investing in your local radical community. It’s good for you. It’s a worthy investment.
In the timeless words of En Vogue, «Free your mind/​and the rest will follow.»

This is a small bookstore, but excellently curated. Every book I picked up looked like something I wanted to read.
There was a little bit of everything: fiction, nonfiction, YA, graphic novels, and zines.
The people working there were really helpful and friendly.
I can’t wait to go back when I have more money.

I am so delighted that Boneshaker has moved into our neighborhood, because it is fantastic! The selection of books, though still fairly modest, is first rate in its quality and variety. Boneshaker also has terrific gift items. I have been there three times so far and will go there more often, for sure, as the weather improves and I feel like strolling around the neighborhood. It is now my place of choice for small gifts.
Let me also add that this is a good place to buy books because we should all try to shop locally as much as possible! If we all go to websites like Amazon in search of bargains, sad to say there will eventually no longer be local bookstores. As a Seward resident, I beg you to please, please support Boneshaker. Local businesses make our neighborhood a good place to be!

Walking around Seward, I found this little bookshop hidden behind the 2^nd Moon Coffeehouse. It’s small-​ish on the inside, but filled with what looks like some harder-​to-​find books alongside classics and other pieces of literature written by Twin Cities locals. I’ll be going back once my paycheck allows me the chance to buy a book or two.