Feast After Famine: Is Shopping at the Bookstore An Antiquated Concept?

Our is probably like most Barnes and Nobles. The instant you walk through the front doors, you're confronted with two paths: books on the left, NOOKs on the right. 

It's a little like good vs. evil for me, a former bookstore clerk and newspaper reporter. I have a soft spot in my heart for dying industries, I suppose.

I browsed the aisles and filled my arms with Christmas gifts for the kids, my goddaughters, a dear friend's girl. All told, I spent $100 on six picture books and a children's dictionary. At the check-out, I put back three $10 LED book lights I know Esme, Desmond and Josephine would use. And love! Money is limited, the mortgage calls, austerity reigns. 

I wonder how much longer we'll have the option to go left, to wander through aisles surrounded by imaginary worlds and historical drama, mystery, politics, art and reference materials. Certainly, the days are numbered if bookstore stalwarts like me are putting things back on the shelves and walking away.