Browsing books at the Houston Airport
Who knew a layover at Houston Airport could be so book-filled?
Recently on the way to visit family over the holidays, Praveen and I had a brief 1.5-hour stopover at Houston George Bush Intercontinental airport. Both directions -- coming and going.
Since we flew Continental airlines we spent most of our time in the "C" and "E" terminals. Both contained a smattering of Hudson newstands which contain the typical air travel fare: daily newspapers, weekly magazines, sodas, water bottles (now profibited from being carried on board), candy and the latest thrillers and a few leftover literary bestsellers next to the chewing gum.
Hudson News kiosk and newstands in IAH Terminal "E" and "C"
More interesting though was the "independent bookstore" Fully Booked in terminal C with a larger selection of books including movies in DVD format to play on your laptop computer or portatable player. It seems they've tried to be innovative in their design and layout of the store, a long sofa snakes between the shelves inviting browsers to take a load of their feet and sit awhile. Heavily laden with bestsellers, you will find a decent sections for childrens, travel, and business books. (Not surprising for an airport bookstore you suppose.)
In the more spacious terminal "E" terminal you can even find a half-scale sized Borders Books. Although Borders initially started as an Independent bookstore back in Ann Arbor, MI -- we now identlfy them as a big bad chain making it harder for smaller independents to stay in business (along with Amazon and other pressures on mom & pop retail stores we all hear these days.) But still it isn't a bad place to spend a few minutes if you didn't pack all of your desired reading material or want to browse for that next read. They even have a Gloria Jeans coffee & sandwich kiosk attached if need to grab something to munch on your flight.
Authors note: from the Houston Airport System website it appears there may be a "Simply Books" in Terminals C & D. Altough we didn't get a chance to peruse these, we did see that this is a concept store brought to you by HMS Host, the same company that brings you newstands, and other airport retail outlets across the globe. You're welcome to send us a photo and review if you are familiiar with this one.
Safe travels and happy reading!