I fangirl about a lot of things, but nothing as much as books. As the holidays are fast approaching, I wanted to take a moment and fangirl about some of my favorite Indie Bookstores that could really use some support. By shopping local, you are giving back to the community and supporting local authors. Below are some of my favorite Local Indies that I visit regularly or have visited while traveling. Remember, most bookstore have more than books. Consider a gift card, a puzzle, a notebook, or other giftable items. * Shop from yours to Support Local during the holidays.
Vroman’s Bookstore
My local Indie is always Vroman’s in Pasadena. They have fantastic events, especially children’s literatures, and every single staff member is lovely. I’ve seen Marie Lu, Kayla Olson, Stephanie Garber; just to name a few. And don’t even get me started of Christmas at Vroman’s. This is truly one of the most magical bookstores that I love supporting and maybe, someday, I can get the chance to tour here myself.
Books of Wonder
When I arrived in NYC, I had books on the mind. With so many bookish events and panels to attend I truly was overjoyed to have the world at my fingertips. None is dearer to me than Books of Wonder. Not only does it serve the WCYA track at The New School (Writing for Children and Young Adults – aka where I am attending) but it hosts some incredible panels and solely focuses of Children’s Literature. Sure, I’ll also admit it was fun to people watch at The City Bakery before it closed (truly one of the saddest moments) where I had a chance encounter with V.E. Schwab.
Mysterious Galaxy
When I stepped into Mysterious Galaxy it was like a giant hug for my SFF heart. One of the talked about SoCal establishments, and there I was bobbing around the YA section fangirling because I had made the trip to San Diego and my first stop was a bookstore. Renown in the Science Fiction and Fantasy book world, Mysterious Galaxy, though hours away, is my SFF Indie of choice.
Parnassus Books
Another first-stop bookstore on my travels. When my sister and I decided to road trip through the South (pre Covid) we decided to spend a few days in Nashville. And I couldn’t leave without stopping by Parnassus which I’d seen and heard so much about. (bonus: I still have my notebook from here that is my travel dream book). It truly is a staple Indie.
Quail Ridge Books
This one, I haven’t been to. I’m fairly certain we only had a measly 24 hours as we stopped in Raleigh (on that same sister road trip) before flying home. But this has been on my bookish travel list for a very long time (and they support some amazing local authors).
Goldsboro Books
I couldn’t do an Indie list without the one that I dreamed of visiting. In another whirlwind tour de force (there’s a sister theme in our trips of cover as much ground as possible) We had 36 hours in London. Not much time. But I sacrificed going to the Globe for Goldsboro and it was worth it. Why? Because I got the last copy of their exclusive Legendary (Stephanie Garber) that I literally cried over in the store.
Bonus Round for Los Angeles
Quickly, here are some other fantastic local Indies in the LA Area that if you feel like support, you can.
So, go out and support Local! Save a bookstore, and share a love of reading.
Keep Fangirling
Xo, Camille
No Comments