In her book "The Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books," author Azar Nafisi reflects on the dramatic changes in the landscape of independent bookstores between her first book tour in 2003 and her subsequent tour in 2009. She notes that many beloved bookstores had either transformed significantly or completely disappeared, highlighting a sobering trend in the literary ecosystem.

Nafisi mentions specific bookstores that made a mark on her journey, such as Cody's in Berkeley and the branch libraries in Philadelphia. She emphasizes the loss of literary spaces like Harry W. Schwartz in Milwaukee and stores in Harvard Square, as well as local favorites in Washington, D.C., like Olsson's and Chapters, indicating a broader decline in cultural hubs crucial for community engagement with literature.