As a pretty New England town by the sea, Madison, Connecticut, has one of the most vibrant small town bookshops I’ve ever been to … R. J. Julia Booksellers. Named after the owner’s grandmother Juliska — Julia in English — the bookstore has been Madison’s beloved gathering place for many years.

The first time I visited R.J. Julia Booksellers (sometime in the 1990s), I immediately fell in love. It was already a bustling bookshop way back then and is even more so today. As you walk through the store, you’ll see portraits of famous people who have visited the bookstore proudly displayed on its walls.

To say that R. J. Julia Bookstore is the main reason why I love visiting Madison each fall is not an understatement. The last time I was there, I impulsively decided to film the bookshop for an episode of The Book Lovers Series. Since it was an impromptu visit, I didn’t have a chance to arrange an appointment with the bookstore. During filming, a bookseller suspiciously approached me to ask what I was doing. Soon, another lady – possibly the owner or manager of R. J. Julia – came by with more questions. I explained to them both that I was filming for an upcoming episode of The Book Lovers Series. Sensing negative vibes from the ladies, I apologized and immediately stopped filming.

Having been a customer of R. J. Julia since the 1990s, I felt stung by my beloved bookshop because of the way I was treated that day. Since I started the Book Lovers Series, I have filmed many bookstores, both with or without an appointment. None of the bookshop owners or workers has ever been upset or treated me in any way rude or unkind. Everyone has been so nice, much appreciative and welcoming. I was deeply shocked and surprised at how I was treated at R. J. Julia for doing something well-meaning and totally innocent. This episode of the Book Lovers Series was filmed on that day.

I still visit R. J. Julia Bookshop whenever I’m in Madison and still think it’s one of the coolest bookshops in New England. But my affection for the bookstore is no longer the same because something I once loved and treasured so much ended up hurting me deeply. C’est la vie.

R. J. Julia Booksellers
768 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT 06443
(203) 245-3959