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…

HOUSTON — Houston is hot. I’m sure you know this intellectually, but it’s a whole other story when you come sun-to-face with the physical reality. There’s North Carolina hot — the sun is a bit of a bother, but the thick humidity weighing down on you is what really gets you sweating. There’s Arizona hot — dry as a tumbleweed with the sun frying everything in sight. And then there’s Houston hot. The worst of both worlds. Air so heavy you think you’re breathing water, sun so strong you get an insta-farmer’s tan.

You need to be inside. You could create a circle of fans aimed towards the center and plop yourself down in the middle. Or you could save on the electric bill, and make the drive to Brazos Bookstore with their sleek decorations and superbly knowledgeable staff. Brazos is a haven for all book-lovers, but it’s a must if you’ve got a hankering for literary fiction. There are some big ole brains working at Brazos, and they love nothing more than cracking open the latest thinker and delving into its depths.

General Manager Jeremy Ellis answered our Algonquin Questionnaire.

When did Brazos Bookstore open?

Brazos first opened in 1974. Back then it was across the street at the end of the block.

What is the oddest book on your shelves?

I like quite a few odd books, but nothing can match the cover of Shivers Down Your Spine by Alison Griffiths.

What is the oddest non-book item in your store?

The staff favorites are these temporary tattoos from a Brooklyn based company called Tattly. 

What is your favorite summer recommendation and your favorite Algonquin book?

I’m a fan of The Other Typist for the summer. It has a really clear voice and a nearly Gatsby feel to it. And the whole staff loved Bill Roorbach’s Life Among Giants from Algonquin. We are definitely a fiction-loving staff.

Are there any odd talents on the staff?

There are plenty of artists on staff. And we have an avid Twitterer everyone should take a look at. Give @petfurniture a look.

Is there a staff cocktail of choice?

No cocktails come to mind, but there’s always a stock of beer in our fridge. 

Next stop: Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston.

*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…