A weekly tip sheet for shoppers
The Word on the Street festival, which turns 15 this weekend, features avant-garde fare from the city's specialty booksellers. If you can't get to Queen's Park on Sunday, here are some niche bookstores for the voracious reader.
Bakka-Phoenix Books, 598 Yonge St. A collection of more than 10,000 books makes this stalwart the place to go for science fiction, fantasy and horror. Knowledgeable staff are not shy about sharing their opinions.
Sleuth of Baker Street, 1600 Bayview Ave. A superior selection of mystery and crime fiction. While there's plenty on the main floor, you can ask for backlist titles housed in the off-limits basement.
The Nautical Mind, 249 Queens Quay W. An eclectic selection of nautical lore, naval charts and cruising handbooks make this Harbourfront store a must visit for any water enthusiast.
The Beguiling, 601 Markham St. The two floors of this Annex store are overflowing with everything from 1930s comic books to today's finest in manga. Be sure to check out the prints and posters on the walls -- many are by artists featured on the store's shelves.
Theatrebooks, 11 St. Thomas St.
Indulge your inner Bard with a visit to one of Toronto's older bookstores. Concentrating on theatre, film, opera and dance, the store is nirvana for anyone interested in the performing and cinematic arts.
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