Gift Guide: The Local Book Shop
Last year I did a bevy of Gift Guides filled with all sorts of fun suggestions from kitchen gadgets for the cook to self-care items for the overworked to unique items for the hard to buy for in your life. However, one arena was woefully neglected and that was the reader.
So, today, if you’re looking for a gift for the literary ones in your life, I offer you several options where you can find the perfect gift, connect with a local entrepreneur, and support a small business all in one felled swoop.
Of course, I could give you a bunch of book suggestions, but I believe it’s more fun to introduce you to a variety of wonderful independent bookstores throughout the United States that will welcome your interest.
Each one of these bookstores is staffed with knowledgeable men and women who know their inventory. With a phone call, they would be happy to help you find the perfect gifts for those readers on your Christmas lists.
The local, independent bookstore is the backbone of a community. It is where people who love to explore the literary world from every genre to every interest can find their tribe. Without further ado, here are a few bookstores that know of that are really excellent places for readers to go.
Parnassus Books
Cofounded by author Ann Patchett and her business partner, Karen Hayes, in 2011, Parnassus Books has grown to be just the sort of book store an independent bookshop should be.
An independent bookstore is a place where local authors should be showcased. If you’re at Parnassus and looking for some local color, then you’ll want to check out the selections within the store of local authors and local interests and arts. This means that Parnassus is a place where you can really discover a lot about the area.
Furthermore, because they are lovers and purveyors of the written word, the staff will be happy to take you through their uniquely curated inventory to match you or the person you’re looking to buy for to the perfect read.
Of course, books aren’t the only things you’ll find here. There are assortments of quirky boardgames, card hames, trivia games, bookmarks, journals, pens, and even socks.
Furthermore, Parnassus welcomes not only human interaction and connection, but canine as well. Not only that, but you can check out their calendar and see the variety of esteemed authors that will be visiting their store, whether in person or virtually. Ive had the opportunity to meet wonderful authors there, many of whom I have written about here at Whiskers, such as Kate Quinn, Deanna Raybourn, and Tasha Alexander. Heck, you may even run into Ann Patchett on one of her frequent visits.
This is only a taste of what you can expect were you to visit Parnassus Book in Nashville in person.
However, I am well aware that many of you cannot do this. Have to fear! Parnassus has a wonderful website that allows you to pre-order titles, order titles that are of interest for you, or browse staff picks and a variety of suggestion lists. Furthermore, I know from first hand experience that the staff if more than happy to take your phone call, answer any questions that you might have, and provide help to any literary problem you may have.
The Foxtale Book Shoppe
I’ve written of The Foxtale Book Shoppe before. Nestled in the idyllic little village of Woodstock a hop, skip, and a job from Atlanta, Georgia, The Foxtale Book Shoppe is a unique experience no book lover should miss. (I wrote more about Foxtale Book Shoppe in this post.)
What I especially love about this book shop is how they catalogue their inventory. Rather than placing books under genres and alphabetically, Foxtale Book Shoppe staff will select a book that they recommend, put it on prominent display on the shelf and then have books in a similar vein beneath it. I appreciate this so much as a reader. It has helped me to find authors who I would not have any other way because it is the topic of the novel that piqued my interest.
The staff at Foxtale is warm and welcoming. They are happy to chat about books, which is their passion, and nothing makes them happier than to pair you with your perfect read. They also have a handle on the local authors, too. You could easily bump into Karen White here as this is her bookstore.
They have a well curated website with book suggestions in the same vein as the suggestions in the shop, but if you are looking to order from them, may I suggest a phone call so that you can experience the classic Southern welcome you find at Foxtale Book Shoppe.
The BookMark Shoppe
If you live in the New York City region, The BookMark Shoppe is a great little independent bookstore in Brooklyn that you should visit.
I had a chance to go to this shop several years back when they hosted a mystery event where Sherry Thomas, Deanna Raybourn, and Beatriz Williams mingled with their readers during a cocktail hour.
Like most shops in NYC, The BookMark Shoppe is a small space crammed full of books. Really, it’s a reader’s paradise. Like many independent bookstores, they have more than just books. They have literary themed candles, games, clothing, and bags, so even if you’re not sure what book to buy for the reader in your life, you can augment their wardrobe or their living space with literary themed items.
Their website allows for pre-orders of upcoming books as well as inventory that they have in shop. If you don’t see a book that you’re interested in on the site, a simple phone call will put you in touch with a staff member who knows their inventory and whether they have or can procure what you’re wanting.
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore
If the person you’re looking to get a gift for has penchant for fiction, particularly mysteries, thrillers, and historicals, then the Poisoned Pen is a MUST. Whether you purchase from them via phone, gift a Bookclub membership, or simply stop by their website, you will see what a unique little shop this bookstore really is.
Started in Old Town Scottsdale in the Art District in 1989, this independent bookstore was founded to provide a niche for those readers from all over the world who love mysteries and thrillers especially. Since that time, they have hosted numerous conferences including the esteemed Left Coast Crime conference.
Poisoned Pen is known for the bevy of author events that they have put together, whether in person or virtually. Truly, if you live near or find yourself near Scottsdale, Arizona, then you may want to put Poisoned Pen on your list of places to see. You may even bump into Diana Gabaldon as this is her home bookstore.
Poisoned Pen has a comprehensive website that provides numerous resources for you on your journey to finding the perfect read. First off, they have a shop website that you can browse; pre-orders are available here, as well as gift cards if you don’t know what you want to get that particularly difficult someone in your life.
They have a blog, a facebook video, and podcast section where you can explore author interviews and book suggestions. There’s a section with staff picks; there’s even a section where you can meet the staff, too. Make sure you check out their calendar of events as well as there may be some virtual events you might want to check out.
Like Parnassus and Foxtale, Poisoned Pen also has a handle on local authors and interests. So if you’ll looking for some suggestions for on Southwestern reads, give Poisoned Pen a call, drop them an email, or connected with them via social media. They have an engaged and enthusiastic staff that want to help you in any way they can.
I am all too aware of how difficult it can be to find independent bookstores in your area. That does not mean that you are held hostage to the region where you live. Thanks to internet innovations, you are more than able to support a bevy of independent bookstores from all over the country through Bookshop.org.
Here’s how it works. When you get to the Bookshop.org website, you will see Choose a Bookstore in the right hand corner. Click there and when the new page loads, you will be able to plug in your zip code. Using your zip code, you’ll be able to select the closest local bookstore to you. Pick the bookstore that you want- I’m including ones below that are worthy, but see if there’s a local bookstore near you. After you’ve selected your bookstore, proceed to put together your order on the website. Once your submit your order, check your email for your order and tracking details. Bookshop.org will ship your items directly from their distributor and the profits will go directly to you local bookstore. It’s a win-win for everyone.
The Oxford Comma
The Oxford Comma is my local bookstore. They are a small endeavor, and, like so many small businesses, opened weeks before Covid emergency declarations forced them to shut down. Thankfully, they are now open and doing well. However, as small business, particularly small bookstores, are struggling to compete with the Amazon and big box stores, every purchase matters.
That’s why The Oxford Comma has partnered with Bookshop.org. It gives them an internet presence and allows readers from all over the region- rural or otherwise- to participate in supporting a local small business.
However, if you are looking for some used books that may be difficult to find, a phone call to these lovely ladies will put you touch with someone who knows their in-store inventory.
Fairytales Bookstore and More
Nashville is a hopping town. There are a lot of changes happening there. Lots of building and expansion. But, in a small little nook, there’s a quaint children’s bookstore called Fairytale Books. This is one of the smallest bookstores that I’ve ever been to, but it’s still a lot of fun.
So, if the reader in your life is a young one, then please make your purchase from Fairytale Bookstore and More. And, if you happen to be visiting Nashville, put this place on your Must See list.
Small businesses have really taken a major hit in the last couple of years. Between the Covid lockdowns and restrictions and now rising inflation and the deepening recession, they really need people who have purposed to support them. Every single purchase is appreciated. So, when you’re making your list of gifts, please remember these places. They provide an inestimable service to each of their communities. We don’t want to see that disappear.
Below are three more posts with links to US based small businesses.
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