Intrepid former Algonquin intern David Bradley and his trusty sidekick, Lucky the Leprechaun, hit the road for a tour of (almost all) the coolest, hippest, greatest indie bookstores in the United States. Join us for the journey…

ALBUQUERQUE — Although I was still feeling good when I rolled into Albuquerque, I could feel a tumbling cloud of consternation start to work its way around me. I could no longer fool myself. I was displaced. My familiar forested hills and waving landscapes were traded in for flat, cooking desert and spiked, craggy mountains. The humid thunderstorms vanquished, replaced by thin air and vacant skies. Simply put, I was nowhere close to home.

But, with Lucky by my side, I knew that we could find a remedy for my burgeoning homesickness. Maybe a restaurant serving hot Southern food (preferably deep-fried) or a run-in with an overly polite stranger. Our search had yielded no results until setting foot inside Bookworks. Inside the walls of Bookworks lies a cozy, comfortable, book-filled existence. I was still in New Mexico, as the plump Southwest Literature section reinforced, but I wasn’t displaced. Here was a store that makes you feel completely at home; as cheerful in your own skin as it is in its furnishings. From the personally selected books to the handmade labels and the comfortable seating, Bookworks is a home to all.

Co-owners Wyatt Wegryzn and Danielle Foster answered our Algonquin Questionnaire.

When did Bookworks open?

Nancy Rutland first opened the store in October of 1984. Wyatt and I took over as owners in 2010.

What is the oddest non-book item that you have at Bookworks?

We sell bacon flavored lollipops that are surprisingly popular. I’m still a little afraid to try them, but people seem to like them.

What is you favorite Algonquin title and your favorite title to recommend for the summer?

We both really like Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron from Algonquin. This summer we really enjoyed And the Mountains Echoed from Khaled Hosseini.

Does anyone on staff have a unique talent that would be fun to highlight?

We have a gentleman on staff called Joe who is an expert beekeeper. And we mean an expert! He’s known throughout the state.

Is there a staff cocktail of choice?

Most of the staff are beer drinkers, and I’d say the local brewer La Cumbre makes our favorite. It’s a great (and award-winning) IPA.

Next stop: Warwick’s in San Diego.

*Note: The Lucky Tour posts are not in real time. David and Lucky have returned from their travels with great tales and many, many books. Stay tuned for more road stories…