218 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY
As I approached the pink, scripted signage outside the shop, I wondered how many people have been able to visit both Ripped Bodice locations. I wonder how many people realize how the new(ish) Brooklyn location absolutely nailed the easy-going and brightly decorated vibe of the Los Angeles shop. The atmosphere is fun, the patrons are enthusiastic, and the store does a great job of exploring the many facets of the romance genre.
The shop is one large room extending back from a brightly lit area in front where booksellers sat at the front desk. Nearby were all kinds of stickers, bookmarks, cards, shirts and sweaters, hats, socks, and other merch promoting the brand/store, as well as displays of staff picks, new bestsellers, featured book club selections, and autographed books. Old book pages adorn the walls and the floor is covered in black-and-white pinwheels set against a pink background. Everything feels bright, light, and cozy.
The walls of books and rows of shelves going back into the further reaches of the shop contain about every sub-genre of romance literature you can fathom, everything from mystery, paranormal, and romantasy to lgbtq+ and erotica, not to mention historical romance, contemporary, YA, and romance novels that have topical categories like workplace romance, foodie romance, tearjerkers, enemies to lovers, sports, and so on. The breadth of subjects is impressive, and of course it expands into the non-fiction realm as well with some memoirs, advice, and poetry.
There is a space toward the rear set up for author readings and events, and of course the bathroom is an iconic element to the shop. Not only is it notable to even have a bathroom available (you wouldn’t believe how many don’t once you start visiting hundreds of shops) but they encourage folks to leave notes on colorful Post-it notes, creating a wall of solidarity and encouragement for future visitors. The shop feels like so much more than a bookstore, but a curated space to support and encourage romance, love, and acceptance. I may not be a romance reader myself, but I absolutely believe we need much more of all this in our world. Big cheers to The Ripped Bodice, and here’s hoping they can keep going with further successful expansions!
Atmosphere – A bright, colorful shop with decorative floors, pages adorning the walls, and vast displays of lively book covers from authors old and new.
Quality – The books were all new and in excellent shape.
Quantity – They have loads of books here covering a wide array of genres and sub-genres. If romance lit is your thing, this is the best place to be.
Diversity – As noted already, the range of sub-genres represented within the romance world is impressive, and they do a great job of promoting the unique aspects of different styles of romance stories: workplace, royalty, sports, ghosts, etc.
Affordability – New books at new prices.
Amenities – The shop has plenty of merch and gifts, plus a restroom and events. They are also near plenty of cafes, coffee shops, and food spots.
Location – In Park Slope near 5th Ave and Union. We walked a dozen or so blocks from the subway stop by Barclays Center, and it was a very nice walk.
Customer Service – The staff on hands were all helpful and seemed very happy to be there.
Overall – Look, romance readers simply can’t do better. From the fun, welcoming atmosphere to the breadth of romance sub-genres and topics available, this is the absolute best in the business for readers of what my beloved Granny liked to call her “smut books.”
