Books

Nashville [1] has several good bookstores, and at least one is bound to suit your taste. Bookman Bookwoman Used Books (1713 21st Ave. S., 615/383-6555), in the trendy Hillsboro neighborhood, is chock-a-block with used books, including cheap paperbacks and rare must-haves.

Elder’s Books (2115 Elliston Pl., 615/327-1867), close to Vanderbilt and Centennial Park, is a book-lover’s bookstore. The store is packed with books, but not just any books. The collection is carefully chosen and includes many signed and first editions. Elder’s has an excellent collection of books about Nashville [1], Tennessee, the Civil War, and the South, as well as lots of other topics. Be warned that this is a store for book-loving adults, not their children. Noisy or misbehaving children are not tolerated.

For new books, head to Davis-Kidd Booksellers (Green Hills Mall, 615/385-2645), a Nashville [1]-based independent bookseller with locations throughout Tennessee. Davis-Kidd puts on a number of literary events, such as book signings, discussions, and readings.

Outloud! Books and Gifts (1701 Church St., 615/329-8006) specializes in books, videos, music, and gifts with a gay or lesbian theme. There is an adjoining café, special events, and comfortable couches for relaxing.

The newest addition to the Nashville [1] book scene is McKays (5708 Charlotte Pike, 615/353-2595), which sells used books, CDs, and DVDs. A Knoxville [2] institution for years, McKays moved to Music City in 2007. Calling itself a “free enterprise library,” McKays encourages readers to return books for store credit after they’ve read them.