An Edmonton bookstore has been named one of the world’s best by readers of a British current affairs magazine. The Economist included Magpie Books on its global list of top bookshops in a recent edition of the publication’s Plot Twist newsletter, based on reader recommendations. The independent bookstore, located in Edmonton’s Ritchie neighbourhood, opened two years ago. It specializes in works by Indigenous, Black, racialized, queer and trans authors, and carries a range of titles, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and cookbooks. Co-owner Julia Julie King-Yerex called the recognition from The Economist “humbling.” “We have really great customers that we love and appreciate, and it’s really nice to know that they love and appreciate us back,” King-Yerex told CTV News Edmonton last week. She said the bookstore’s three staff members learned they had made the list after a customer emailed to say he had recommended them. King-Yerex said Magpie Books’ appeal lies not only in its selection of authors and titles, but also in the store’s intimate atmosphere. “People come in all the time and tell us that they’ve never seen these books before,” she said. “We have a really niche curation. We like to highlight a lot of smaller presses and underrepresented authors, so I think people come here for that, as well as for a stronger sense of community than they might find at a bigger store.” With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Evan Klippenstein
