In October, Indigo won an order blocking a website calling for a boycott of the bookseller. The case, largely ignored by the media, revealed a new and unlikely front in the struggle in Canada between the movement for Palestinian liberation and Israel’s powerful supporters, one which could have ramifications for other solidarity efforts.

In August, anonymous activists created the website IndigoKillsKids.ca, which has been endorsed by the Canadian BDS Coalition and other pro-Palestine organizations. The site, borrowing Indigo’s visual style, told visitors to boycott the company, promoted the September 25 day of action against it and offered links to various BDS resources. It was the latest phase in a years-long campaign to boycott the bookseller over the HESEG Foundation — founded and run by Indigo CEO Heather Reisman and her husband, Indigo’s owner Gerald Schwartz — which offers scholarships to Israeli army veterans without family in Israel.

Soon after the site went live, Indigo’s lawyer demanded it be taken down, and two weeks later filed a suit requesting an order for all major internet providers in Canada to block the site. The court granted the request, first under an interim decision issued September 19, and then with a two-year injunction on October 23, effectively shutting down the offending website along with several social media accounts for the foreseeable future. That month, it was reported that Israel’s military had killed at least 16,900 children in its assault on Gaza.

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5 points

Honest question: if I’m avoiding Indigo and Amazon, what’s a good (preferably Canadian) online bookseller?

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5 points
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Add another one to the “do not buy”, bookoutlet/book depot, they closed their physical location in Niagara but still exist online. Their CEO is tied to some dodgy right wing “Christian” think tank called the Ezra Institute

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4 points

Well shit, I really liked Book Depot, or at least their physical space in St. Catharines.

I’m less sad it’s gone now.

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A pseudo-answer, because it’s all I know, that probably won’t be as helpful if you’re rural: I’ve gone to/called/emailed a local independent bookstore, given them the book details (the like the ISBN), they order it, and then they call me when it’s ready for pickup. Prices have been fair.

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2 points

That’s a good idea I hadn’t considered. Thanks!

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1 point

Maybe rethink buying new books and look for used at local book stores? I know not always ideal, and some don’t have inventory searchable online, but when it works, it’s a great way to support local

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2 points

I can give that a try, although I’ve not had luck finding used copies of what I want in the past. Thanks.

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1 point

Use a library

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So, what about new releases that we want to read? Should we just say no?

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1 point

You may not get them the week they’re released but I see lots of “new” (within the past few months) releases at used book stores. Some of them do sell new as well. Depends on your shop I guess. Anyway, just a suggestion…sometimes I try my best and still end up having to use Amazon :/

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