192 Books is one of my favorite bookstores in New York.  Like, say, Book Culture in New York or Powell's in Portland, Oregon, it manages to at once be much- and widely-adored and still maintain the feel of a humble, little-known institution acknowledged only by the privileged few.  Founded by Henry Hold editor Jack Macrae and gallerist Paula Cooper, it has an excellent, considerably large collection of art books and many lovely surprises among the rest of its charming, if cramped, space.  The bookstore is host to readings by many of contemporary literature's finest writers; some upcoming events – both within the next week – include a reading by Edmund White and an interview with Stacey D'Erasmo.  Click on the store's highlighted name above to link to their website for more information.

For those unable to attend the readings in person, there remains yet an opportunity to hear them.  The terrific AIR, Art International Radio has a program called Channel 192, where one may find many recordings of authors' reading.  My next two posts will focus on readings that I particularly value, but I certainly urge you to check out the shows yourself by clicking above on its highlighted name; while you're out it, definitely take a gander at all the wonderful things AIR has to offer.