I missed it last year. Along with Otakon this was one of my bigger August events that I’ve been looking forward to. I had no plan of where I wanted to go. AND! I went out to “Emo Night Brookly” in Allentown the night before. Got in around 2 and set no alarm. If I can I don’t want an alarm set on the weekends. The need to sleep in is dire.
Day of the crawl, I ended up getting my life together around 1PM. The main place I wanted to go was Multiverse. Whenever I ask for content in the horror genre, they deliver. I made 5 stops in total, and 3 purchases. Stores had their own deals and they were all different. Some authors were even available on-site at a few. Along with deals there may have been a socializing component for customers. Like a lil mixer with some champagne or something. The crawl was all over Philly and people definitely came out to see what stores had.
This was my experience. Places I went and things I bought.💕
Multiverse
First stop. Wasn’t that crowded and they had some books and comics set up outside. I really enjoy this store. Not only can you find novels such as the one pictured by Tsamaase; you can find comics, manga, and other graphic novels. I’ve been collecting manga for some time. (I’m still kicking myself for not getting volumes of Deadman Wonderland at Otakon.) The shelves have started to overflow at this point. Death Note is a series I started reading in high school.
The comics I picked up are new to me. I’m a stickler for reading things in order, but was told I could read Epitaphs of the Abyss as is because it’s an anthology. I LOVE an anthology series to be honest. That love probably comes from watching season of American Horror Story. Although I was told I could read it any which way, I might hold off until I can get the first two issues.
Intermission: I stopped by two other bookstores that were nearby. Ones I’ve never been to. Didn’t leave with anything and I most likely won’t ever be going back to either one. Wasn’t my vibe.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
I was disappointed with my last two stops and knew Uncle Bobbi’s would have something to pique my interests. Haven’t been here in a while and was curious to see what they were doing for the book crawl. I got three books while I was there. Now due to my late start I’m pretty sure I missed the 5 for 5 raffle. You entered your name for a chance to win the opportunity to pick 5 books from an exclusive section. I only knew about this from checking their IG later.
Listen. Wasn’t much research being done, I had a few stores in mind and made the moves.
I picked the first two simply off the bases that history is important. History is extremely important. Our current government is trying to re-write history. Trying to sweep all of the nasty things America has done under the rug. We cannot learn from our mistakes if we do not acknowledge them.
No Holds Barred: A Dual Manifestation of Sexual Exploration and Power by Mandii B & Weezywtf has been on my list for a minute. I started listening to their podcast waaaay back in the day. To see them evolve into the brand and women they are today has been a beautiful thing to witness.
Big Blue Marble Bookstore
Never knew about this book store. I wanted to get one more stop in before it was all over. I will definitely be returning because I pulled up with only 30 mins left till close. A few others trailed in while I was shopping. I was drawn to the title by Mariana Enriquez because of the cover. Did a quick search online and reviews mentioned nothing but good things. I’m excited to dive into it. Miiigght save it for October.
I found Not That Bad edited by Roxane Gay on their sale shelf. I’m familiar with Gay’s work so I immediately grabbed it. When it comes to the field of human sexuality, I’m never done educating myself. Dope find if yah ask me.
Thanks for stopping by and reading about my lil adventure, slayers💕
I appreciate that I’ve been able to read for my own enjoyment lately. Knocked out Tender Is The Flesh and Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica in between flights. Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror edited by Jordan Peele accompanied me to the spa. The Black Girls Survives In This One fed my soul. (Real quick, my favorite line in the book: “This fear’s been passed down from some ugly root too long ago to remember.” Generational Trauma. The fears that reside in us from our ancestors.) I don’t know what to pick up next.
I’ve also been spending more time at the library. Get some work done and check out a few books. A recent library win was vol. 1 and 2 of Everything is Fine by Mike Birchall. An unsettling read, right up my alley.
Does your city have a book crawl? What’s your fave genre to read? Also, if you have any solid horror reads? PLEASE drop them in the comments. Manga, comics, books, whatever, I’ll take it.
Lingerie Slayer 
Thoughts?