This place is great. Chain book stores and online booksellers have their place--but there is something special about an independent shop, especially one that sells used books. Grey Matter is extremely appealing. You can walk in, poke around, sit and bury your nose in a book, or just soak in the atmosphere--no one will ask you if you need help finding anything, or bother you in any other way.

Serendipity rules in stores full of old books. Here's a bunch of mid-twentieth century science fiction, a large collection of literary theory, an enormous bookcase featuring art books from floor to ceiling, specialized books on philosophy, semiotics, theology, history, and everything else you can think of, and beautiful classics bound in leather. There's also a whole cart of $1 books--you just may locate an underpriced gem.

Move slowly. Whatever it is that catches your eye: take it down from the shelf and investigate. It might be meant for you. Or for your best friend.

It's loosely organized by broad topic but there's enough disorder to enjoy the random misplaced finds, and a few things piled up in corners that just might contain treasures.

I just learned that the beloved New Haven site is an outpost to a larger shop in Hadley, Massachusetts. I haven't been there. Yet. (I feel a road trip coming on.)

Hours: Monday -Saturday 10am - 9pm; Sunday noon - 6pm

Phone:  203-553-3180

Email: greymatternh@gmail.com

Website: https://www.greymatterbookstore.com/

Address: 264 York Street, New Haven, CT

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065028541128