Book Dreams

A bit of inspiration with a lot of local charm

Hey, it’s Alexandra. Welcome to my weekly newsletter where I share my latest reflections on professional development & well-being.

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This week, I’m sharing a bit of inspiration with a lot of local charm.

  ☕️ Read time: 2 mins (best with tea or coffee)

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I spent a delightful Saturday exploring independent bookstores that showcase local talent—of which we have plenty in Montreal. Drawn & Quarterly was one of them. Plus the weather felt like Spring with fresh tulips stocked outside flower shops exuding the ultimate feel-good vibe.

My bookstore excursion was prompted by my friend’s friend’s book launch. This author combined her background in tech and medicine with her love of animals to create a fun story that teaches kids how the heart works. It’s called The Inside Scouts: Help the Kind Lion.

I was grateful to snag signed copies for my niece and nephew as gifts for Valentine’s Day. You can check out the book and order a copy of your own here.

Lunch at Lester’s

Our day also consisted of my first lunch at Lester’s—an iconic deli that’s been in business since 1951. While Schwartz's is considered the top place for smoked meat in Montreal (and I do love it), it’s rather chaotic and cramped. If your party doesn’t fill a booth you’re sardined in with strangers. Plus there’s always a long line up the street and the servers keep the turnover tight.

Lester’s on the other hand, is more cozy. They have a mix of tables and booths that, despite being close in proximity, allow you to have your own space. Plus there was no line and the place was only half full so the vibe was chill and we felt comfortable taking our time.

The food is just as good as Schwartz's and as a bonus, avenue Bernard is fun to browse. It’s lined with an array of book, flower, ice cream, coffee, and thrift shops, among other things.

Drawn & Quarterly

Overall, Saturday was one of those ultra-simple, perfect days that made me deeply appreciate where I live. Not to mention, the book launch was super inspiring since I plan to write a book in the future. Seeing it materialize for someone else made me excited about a local launch of my own someday—hopefully at a cool independent bookstore like Drawn & Quarterly.

Thanks for reading and have a wonder-full week,

Alexandra

P.S. The author celebrating her book launch recommended two local writing groups that were instrumental in her publishing journey. It goes to show a single event can be a catalyst in realizing a dream—in more ways than one.

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☕️ Let me know if you visit Montreal & we can grab coffee or tea.