Updated 2008-09-11 07:11
| Arts & Crafts |
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| Beadworks Between your full class load, part-time job and raging social life, you surely have time to make your own jewelry. Or not. But if you absolutely, positively, must bead, stop by Beadworks. Both locations sell a colorful array of contemporary and vintage baubles from ones that look like little fishies to ones that look like candies. Can you believe we just used the word “fishies” in a book for college students? Sorry about that. Seriously though, they have these kickass glass fishies that would look killer on a necklace and they’re less than 4 bucks each. 23 Church St., Cambridge. MBTA: Red Line to Harvard. Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun Noon-7 p.m. 617.868.9777 167 Newbury St., Boston. | MBTA: Green Line to Hynes/ICA. Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 12-6 p.m. 617.247.7227. |
| Pearl Art and Craft 579 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. MBTA: Red Line to Central. Mon-Thu, Sat 9 a.m.-7 p.m; Fri 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun Noon-6 p.m. 617-547-6600. Artist & Craftsman Supply Whether you’re already painting neo-abstract expressionist self-portraits reminiscent of Picasso’s late work, or just buying materials for Drawing 101, both of these places (oddly located across the street from one another) will have the supplies you need. Both carry crayons, oils, construction paper and canvas, and both places seem to be staffed by (starving) artists who can advise you on which brand is best. A&C also has a Boston location. 580 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. MBTA: Red Line to Central. Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun noon-4 p.m. 617.354.3636. 957 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. MBTA: Green B Line to Pleasant. Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun noon-4 p.m. 617.202.4004 |
Attention lazy readers!
Wow, that worked. We call you a lazy reader, and you read what we have to say. Anyway, if you’re too busy or lazy to read new releases, a good alternative is to go listen to authors reading from their work. Check out these local book havens for upcoming writers they’re hosting.
| Books |
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| The Book Annex The snobby guy behind the counter can hook you up with everything from a rare Japanese version of “Harry Potter” to a vintage edition of “War and Peace,” but do NOT try to sell any books you bought from your campus bookstore at the end of the semester. Not even if you drop a course and you wanna get rid of the book mid-semester. He will tear you limb-from-limb and devour your flesh. Or maybe just sigh and say, “You students.” He works in a basement, though, give the guy a break. You’d hate a student trying to make a buck off you also. 906 Beacon St., Boston. 617.266.1090. |
| Harvard Bookstore Our favorite — not only because the staff has great taste (McSweeney’s, Sedaris), but because downstairs, you’ll find remaindered and discounted books, especially scholarly titles. Why pay full price for “Karel Teige: L’enfant Terrible of the Czech Modernist Avant-garde” if you can get it for cheap, right? Plus, they often have cool readings. See the sidebar for some of the other bookstores who hold readings. 1256 Mass. Ave., Boston. MBTA: Red Line to Harvard. Mon-Thu 9 a.m.- 11 p.m.; Fri, Sat 9 a.m.-midnight; Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 617.247.2336. |
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Rodney’s You know the best part about Dante? He’s just as good when highlighted by someone else, possibly even better. For used books, head to Rodney’s, whose 45,000+ titles are well-organized (although often not in alphabetical order) and cater heavily to the arts. 698 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. MBTA: Red Line to Harvard. Mon-Sat “around” 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 617.876.6467 1362 Beacon St. Brookline. MBTA: Green Line to Coolidge. Mon-Sat 10 a.m-9 p.m.; Sun noon-8 p.m. 617.232.0185. |
| Barnes and Noble You know what this place is. They have everything except character. Oh yeah, and sometimes they have cool readings. 800 Boylston St., Boston. MBTA: Green Line to Prudential. 617.247.6959. |
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Boston Public Library It’s like a book store, but free. Except, homeless people don’t get into fights in real bookstores. The All The World’s a Page lecture series on Shakespeare runs through Sept. 30, and will earn you serious brownie points with your profs. 700 Boylston St., Boston. MBTA: Green Line to Copley. 617.536.5400. |
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Brookline Booksmith This is where indie authors go to read. We suggest Dennis Lehane (Sept. 23), Billy Collins (Sept. 25) and absurdist author/PC guy John Hodgman (Oct. 22). 279 Harvard St., Brookline. MBTA: Green C Line to Coolidge Corner. 617.566.6660. |
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Porter Square Books This is also where the indie authors go to read. Check out their site for a full schedule. ‘25 White St., Cambridge. 25 White St., Cambridge. MBTA: Red Line to Porter. 617.491.2220 |
| Bikes |
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| Back Bay Bicycles Back Bay sells road and mountain bikes for both the novice and the Floyd Landis-wannabe (dope not included). 366 Comm. Ave., Boston. MBTA: Green Line to Hynes/ICA. Mon, Wed-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Tue, Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun noon-5 p.m. 617.247.2336. |
| The Bicycle Exchange Exchange. That means you can rent, and get a different bike each day. While this might seem excessive, it’s not a horrible idea to check in with these guys daily, as providing daytrip advice is part of their deal. 2067 Mass. Ave. Cambridge. MBTA: Red Line to Porter. Sun. Noon-5 p.m.; Tues.-Wed. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs.: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 617.864.1300. |
| Broadway Bicycle School This new and used shop is made for Pee-Wee Hermans with an exacting touch. They also specialize in repairs. 351 Broadway, Cambridge. MBTA: Red Line to Central. Tue 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed, Fri, Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thu Noon-8 p.m.; Sun Noon-5 p.m.; closed Mon. 617-868-3392. |
| Eastern Mountain Sports They’re called Eastern Mountain Sports. You’re in the east, and biking is a sport. Makes sense that they have bikes, right? 855 Boylston St., Boston. MBTA: Green Line to . Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun noon-6 p.m. 617.236.1518. |
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Ski Market What might not initially make sense, however, is that a place called Ski Market sells bikes. They’ve been selling them for over 30 years, so a name change probably won’t happen soon. Check out their site, as they often have free bike workshops. 860 Comm. Ave., Boston. MBTA: Green B Line to Boston University West. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat 9:30 p.m.- 6 p.m.; Sun noon-5 p.m. 617.731.6100. |