New Story Community Books — Local services in Marshall

I wandered into this bookstore while killing some time and asked the clerk if they had "The Brothers Karamazov" in stock. The clerk struggled with the spelling as I commented that it was a very good book! The snide response I received was that "that is an opinion". The store did not have the book in stock.

The Brothers Karamazov is widely considered one of the best novels ever written. You can Google search: "Is the Brothers Karamazov a good book?" Here is the Google response:

"Yes, The Brothers Karamazov is widely considered a masterpiece of literature, praised for its profound exploration of philosophical and psychological themes. It is a complex and multi-layered novel that delves into morality, faith, human nature, and the human condition. While it can be a challenging read due to its length and philosophical depth, it's also frequently cited as one of the greatest novels ever written. Here's why it's considered so highly: Philosophical Depth: The novel tackles fundamental questions about good and evil, faith and doubt, free will and determinism, and the nature of suffering. Psychological Insight: Dostoevsky's characters are richly drawn and deeply flawed, offering profound insights into the complexities of the human psyche. Compelling Story: While philosophical, the novel also features a compelling plot with elements of crime, mystery, and family drama. Influence: It has influenced countless writers, philosophers, and thinkers, including Sigmund Freud, Albert Einstein, and Friedrich Nietzsche. Emotional Resonance: Despite its intellectual heft, the novel is known for its emotional power and ability to evoke strong feelings in readers. However, it's not without its challenges: Length and Density: The book is quite long and can be dense, requiring patience and commitment from the reader. Complex Characters and Names: The numerous characters, often with Russian names, can be difficult to keep track of. Philosophical Digressions: Dostoevsky frequently delves into philosophical arguments, which may not appeal to all readers. In short, if you're looking for a challenging, rewarding, and deeply insightful novel, The Brothers Karamazov is an excellent choice. If you prefer lighter reads, you might find it a bit demanding."

So, by most conceivable metrics, The Brothers Karamazov is a good book. It would behoove someone who makes a living selling books to not have such a contrary attitude towards customers when discussing a piece of literature that is widely considered to be a masterpiece. Maybe try reading it?

I also notice that the owner has provided snide responses to some reviews below, very...

I recently visited and was impressed by their extensive selection of books. They had a wide variety of genres, from fiction to nonfiction, and I was able to find several books that caught my eye.

However, I did notice that there was a heavy emphasis on left-leaning books, which could be a turnoff for some customers. While I appreciate the store's dedication to promoting diverse viewpoints, I think it's important for bookstores to strive for balance and offer a wide range of perspectives.

That being said, the selection of books was still impressive, and the staff were knowledgeable and helpful. They were able to offer recommendations based on my interests and even suggested some lesser-known titles that I wouldn't have discovered otherwise.

The store itself was cozy and welcoming, a relaxed atmosphere. It's clear that the staff are passionate about books and literature, and I appreciated their commitment to promoting reading and education in the community.

Overall, I had a positive experience at this bookstore. While there is a heavy emphasis on left-leaning books about gender, race, and LGBTQ in the childrens section, the selection is still impressive, and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend checking it out, even if you have different political views, as there are still plenty of great books...

This is a warm & welcoming bookstore. The book variety is wide and offers many books that support human rights and serve as excellent educational tools for both myself and my children. The children's area has recently been spruced up and is very cozy. In addition to books, they also have a variety of artwork, book themed merchandise, and fair trade chocolates. The owners are incredibly accommodating and will order any book that you are looking for that is not currently in their 15,000+ book stock. I HIGHLY recommend this shop and supporting this independent family-owned bookstore.

ALSO, kudos to the owners and employees who really stepped up to meet the need for continued education and reading during COVID. Your health practices, curbside pick-up, and shop by appointment options supported the customers while also taking everyone's health and safety into high consideration. You are an amazing example of how to offer quality service and customer...