What’s on Brooklyn’s nightstand?

In honor of NYC Independent Bookstore Week, we decided to hit two shops in Brooklyn—Greenlight Bookstore and WORD—to find out what’s being dog-eared by readers around the borough. Anna Perleberg of Bushwick, Brooklyn (left), recommends “How the Soldier Repairs the Gramophone” by Sasa Stanisic. “It’s the kind of coming-of-age story that actually involves some serious coming-of-age, which is why I think it’s so powerful,” Anna says. “The writing is amazing and the structure is really very interesting.” Here’s what some other Brooklyn literary types and visitors had to say.

Patrick Raymond, Downtown Brooklyn
Purchasing: “The Cost of Living – Early and Uncollected Stories” by Mavis Gallant

I first heard of Gallant in an English course in college. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I did remember my professor commenting that she was one of the finest earlier practitioners of the short story. I’ve been waiting a long time for this collection to come out. I love stories that take me to different places and I think Gallant really accomplishes that.

Roger McCubbins, Lincoln Square, Chicago
Recommends: “Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife” by Mary Roach

A friend of mine who’s really into horror recommended this book to me. The book follows Roach as she asks the big questions about the nature of the soul. There’s some really interesting material in here, like when she explores more deeply the idea of reincarnation.

Heather Frey, Oakland, California
Recommends: Author Jeanette Winterson

Her novels are both linear and non-linear at the same time. There’s also something so original about her prose. I especially like the first sentences of her novels.

Mitch Ratchik, Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Purchasing: “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy

I am buying “The Road” because I’m taking a trip soon and needed a quick read. A friend of mine recommended it to me and I am also into the whole post-apocalyptic literature thing. I’d also like to read the book before I see the movie…

Jesse Mcmanus, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Recommends: “Hot Potatoe” by Marc Bell

“Hot Potatoe” is a huge collection of comics and art by Marc Bell. Bell is a hero of self-publishing and absurd cartooning who does off-the-wall, subconscious stuff… This is the first time a collection of his fine art and graphic art has come out.

Erin Heiser and toddler son, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Purchasing: My First Counting Book, a Little Golden Book Classic

Well… I’ve been here [the children’s section] for a little, so I thought I owed it to the store to at least buy something. And, I also figured it’s a good time to start working with my son on how to count.

Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St. at So. Portland Ave., 718-246-0200

WORD, 126 Franklin St. at Milton St., 718-383-0096