I don’t know if you’re like me but I easily succumb to peer pressure.
Not necessarily in a bad way (nothing cliché or directly detrimental to my health). I’m just really bad at saying no.
So when I was asked to talk about a cool place in Baltimore, despite the fact that I only ever leave Charles Village to go to BWI, I said “Why the heck not!”
So here’s what’s up: If you’re here for a legitimate store review, this is not going to be exceptionally helpful; You might as well just be checking Yelp. So this is where I say, a la Lemony Snicket: Turn Back Now.
After losing my wallet last week in Gilman, I made the fiscally responsible move to go to Normal’s Books and Records in Waverly.
The great thing about a lot of the quaint shops in that neighborhood: It’s less awkward to go to a music store and buy nothing than doing the same at a cafe.
The shop is located at 425 E 31st St. I already complain about walking to Guilford from campus, so I personally think it’s a little far, but it’s probably quite reasonable.
If, unlike me, you are unfazed by the prospect of a 15 minute walk, you should be just fine.
I strolled in after passing it the first time. Currently the building is swathed in a fashionable white tarp and the “ Normal’s Books and Records: From the obscure to the indispensable” sign sits on the floor outside. Very trendy.
The interior of Normal’s has a classic, cool-vibe-trendy-90’s movie first date thing going for it.
If you’re polite and/or nervous, you’ll read the sign asking patrons to put their bags at the front desk. Go leave your backpack up there, and then awkwardly keep glancing back to make sure it hasn’t been stolen.
For the record: My bag was fine. No stealing of any kind, except for when my friend photographed recipes out of a cute New England-inspired cookbook.
True to its title, Normal’s also sells records.
You can find albums from cool categories like “tasty gems” and “Cheapo! 1$.” Jazz is a thing. I’m sure other genres are a thing.
I never really got into buying records because of several logistical issues, namely: Why? I suppose I could play them if I was ever the type to entertain in a dorm.
However, if you know someone who does have a record player, then a record is definitely a personal and thoughtful gift to give, and Normal’s is a great place to get fancy ones.
A big part of that experience is the actual bookstore.
So, in the name of exploring a new place and thorough investigative journalism, I traversed to the aptly named, “Literary Room.”
Generally I think bookstores are like going to a new restaurant. Sure, maybe it has a ton of interesting and delicious dishes on the menu but there’s just way too much stuff to eat/read.
Then all of a sudden the waiter is already all the way around the table, so you just default to the same, safe thing that you order every time.
So I end up flipping through the first book I recognized the title of (Gone Girl) rather than actually broadening my literary horizons.
Don’t let my decision mislead you though: They’ve got hella books up in this place.
There were so many books, in multiple rooms. I kept losing track of the friend I had brought between the stacks, and whenever I called her name some stranger would pop around the bookshelf confusedly with a “hey kid, where are your parents?” kind-of-look on their face.
I cannot be too sure of the way that books were organized; There were some obvious division of themes (“Poetry” and also “Caving”), but overall it was a very overwhelming experience.
If and when this review inspires you to visit, though, definitely let me know what was up with their alphabetization system (or lack thereof).
Overall I would recommend Normal’s. The store’s biggest shortcoming is that it closes at six; You have to head over fairly early.
I suggest pre-dinner, since I’m assuming that this is a first date move, and you’re the type to go on a dinner date since you’re also the type to own a record player.
Or, you know, don’t go. Peer pressure is bad.
