A 'Legit' Books-A-Million
$550,000 books?! Say what, say whaaat?! The irony of Worth Avenue is that it’s all worthless. The irony of Worth Avenue [01] is that it’s all worthless. Old money [02], and everything smells like Chanel. And the homeless smell like Jo Malone. It’s a ritzy, dystopian beach town and no one pays you any mind unless you’re dressed in the same uniform—of sorts. But I refuse to buy into the club. So, there I was, walking the streets with no desire to rack up any more credit card debt.. Observing. But nestled between expensive stores, and privately owned galleries. A particular sign caught my attention. Raptis Rare Books [03] is something that stands out amongst it all. Less of a store. More of a gallery. A museum. Preserving history. With two floors of dark, pristine-polished oak shelves towering to the ceiling, lined with rows of books with leather embossed spines. The first editions [04] of literature that crafted humanity. With stories that continue to shape culture. Sound rich? Bouji? It is. Yet there’s something to be said about the preservation of artifacts done in such a way that brings to light a contrasted experience to what we run into with hallow brands these days. And they’ve got quite the collection of books that probably lived through more than all of us combined. The cheapest book here could cost you your rent. And walking out empty-handed stings when you’re on Worthless Avenue.
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