About Bookshop Handpicked books on changing topics

It is no coincidence that the books in the small concept bookshop About Bookshop at Linienstrasse 114 in Mitte look like carefully selected art; after all, owner Gesine Tosin is an art historian and curator. Every three months, she researches literature of all kinds on topics such as "laziness" or "friendship", thus creating an ever-changing world.

The current theme in the About Bookshop is "Shifting", and this time, too, Gesine Tosin has brought together novels, essays, picture books and even children's books, none of which seem to have been added arbitrarily. The passionate reader draws from an extensive fund of her own favourite books, adds new publications, classics of world literature, but also insider tips and sometimes the odd pretty accessory.

She presents all this in an equally successful ambience: self-built shelves stand in front of unplastered or light-grey painted walls in the About Bookshop. Neon-yellow table legs and bright fabric panels set cheerful accents. The aroma of freshly made espresso from an old Faema coffee machine and various seating options invite you to linger. If you like, you can study the clear assortment at length or let Gesine Tosin introduce you to something.

1 | 4

Either way: The About Bookshop is a tranquil place. Everything invites you to linger and slow down. But customers looking for a specific book can also be helped, because any book can be ordered within a few hours, as in any other bookshop. And if you can't make it to Mitte, there is also an online shop. But it's much nicer to drop in regularly, explore the lovingly curated selection and have a coffee with Gesine Tosin.

Constanze Hallensleben

Founder Creme Guides