Bluestockings Bookstore.   (Photo: Shanna Ravindra)

Bluestockings Bookstore
172 Allen St., nr. Stanton St.; 212-777-6028.
Specializing in radical polemics, this bookstore is a fabulous place to make a like-minded friend or pick a political fight with a stranger.

McNally Robinson
52 Prince St., nr. Mulberry St.; 212-274-1160.
Though her parents operate the large Canadian chain of the same name, Sarah McNally’s Nolita offshoot is a completely independent—and personal—venture more likely to spotlight little-known writers.

Oscar Wilde Bookshop
15 Christopher St., nr. Gay. St.; 212-255-8097.
For 40 years, Oscar Wilde has been the preeminent spot for all things queerly literary. (As a multimedia gesture, the store also carries gay porn.)

Rapture Café & Books
200 Ave. A., nr. 12th St.; 212 228-1177.
It serves up free wi-fi and fair-trade coffee by day then hosts book readings, art shows, and live music at night.

Three Lives & Company
154 W. 10th St., at Waverly Pl.; 212-741-2069.
This indie stalwart stays true to the spirit of Gertrude Stein (author of Three Lives) via an enigmatic shelving policy that fosters interaction between customers and staff.

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