Best store for new books
With 700 cable channels and the advent of TiVo and OnDemand, it feels as though nobody reads anymore. Good thing there are still places like the Harvard Book Store. This best pick has books on every subject, including biography, food, art history, media studies, and architecture, as well as all the new releases. The extensive fiction section features selected reviews and recommendations thoughtfully written by staff members, and the basement is a used-book lover's dream. There's also an impressive author series, generous discounts for frequent buyers, and "remainders" - new books that are sold for 30 to 70 percent off. The store is organized and easily navigable, while managing to maintain a cozy level of disarray. Once you find a quiet little corner, you'll never want to leave.

Newtonville Books is one of the last remaining independent bookshops still in business, and based on its popularity with Phoenix readers, we think it'll continue to be so. It has signed first editions coveted by collectors, and the staff loves to special-order out-of-print books. A real book-lover's store, Newtonville sponsors the author-reading series Books & Brews, followed by drinks at a nearby bar, and Earfull, a marriage of readings and live musical performances held at Paradise Lounge. It also has just expanded with the Lizard's Tale, a children's wing. When it comes to customer service, literary savvy, and independent charm, you could say Newtonville Books wrote the book.

Harvard Book Store, 1256 Mass Ave, Cambridge, (800) 542-READ, www.harvard.com; Newtonville Books, 296 Walnut Street, Newton, (617) 244-6619, www.newtonvillebooks.com.