Last week I traveled to Chicago to visit my family. I always browse through the bookstore to see what is new and what is selling.

But lately I’ve noticed the misrepresentation in these stores. Not only is there is an absence of books that are a part of national conversation, but there is a lack of authors of color and an absence of different voices in general.

This is reflective of the dilemmas within big chains. They are not curated, they are marketed. And marketing does not always accurately reflect public interest, current conversations, or even good writing. What it does reflect is where the money flows.

And this is disappointing because airports are a great place to pick up a read, especially when you have an unexpected delay or a long layover. They are a place where cultures meet and come together and leave together to new places. It is a place of exchange and the bookstores within airports should function as a microcosm of this diversity.

While you can find some good reads at airport bookstores, I encourage readers to examine the selections and consider other options. Instead of buying books at the airport, you can try listening to audiobooks that support independent bookstores or else research independent bookstores at your next destination.

Find a local independent bookstore here!

Share your Airport Bookstore experience with me! @everyotherbookstore