Reading Around The Globe: Some of My Favorite Bookstores
Ever since I was little, I have always found peace in reading books. Although my obsession began with simple children’s books, the passion for a new story has always remained strong in my heart. I’m sure I have my mom to thank. An English major herself, she has always encouraged frequent bookstore trips, making sure that my reader's hands are never left empty. Over the years, she and I have been able to discover some of the coolest independent bookstores all over the world. Although books can be found anywhere, sometimes the break from Barnes and Noble can be a fun new experience. Independent bookstores are the best bookstores, and these are some of my favorites.
Virginia Highland Books: One of my favorite ways to spend a weekend is to go to Virginia Highlands. Just a quick journey out of Atlanta, it is a cute little neighborhood filled with lots of fun small businesses. The bookstore itself looks like a set from “Gilmore Girls”. Each time I am there I half expect to see Rory Gilmore curled up with her favorite classic. Besides its perfectly picturesque exterior, the store has an incredible setup inside. The typical bookshelves are surrounded by tables organized by category. From romance to horror, the choices really are endless. I really enjoy VH Books because I find myself picking up books that I never would have searched for before. I can also confidently say that I have never been able to leave the store empty-handed. For all of the cozy small-town vibes, this bookstore is perfect.
The Last Bookstore: I have often said that if I had not grown up in Atlanta, I would have loved spending my adolescence in Los Angeles. The culture and arts are so vibrant, and around every corner, there is some cool new store opening up. When my family chose The Last Bookstore as one of our destinations during a holiday, I was super excited. Aside from the intimidating name, the store encapsulates the art of shopping for a good book – LA style. This literary treasure is no ordinary experience. The palace-like building has a book tunnel that can only be described as magical. The entire time I was inside the store, I felt like I was in the depths of a reader’s wildest imagination. It is definitely safe to say that anyone making the trek to the West Coast should include this spot on their itinerary.
Daunt Books: My mom has always said I am a bit of an anglophile, and I think that definitely rings true for literature. The last time I was in London, I had the chance to visit Daunt Books with my mom and grandfather and the experience was nothing short of a traveling book lover’s dream. The shop is somewhat small and cozy, and its Edwardian feel really creates a warm and comfortable feeling. The thing that stood out most to me was the store’s beautiful classics. Although I wouldn’t deign to conquer books like War and Peace at my current age, Daunt’s beautiful covers are enough to turn me into one of Tolstoy’s biggest fans. When I inevitably left the store with my hands full of books, I also acquired a tote bag that will surely remind me of my travels for years to come. If I have the chance to travel to London again, this shop will be first on my ever-extensive list.
These bookstores have all played a special part in my return to being an avid reader. Whether local or international, each has its own quirks that make the experience much more enjoyable than a quick trip to Barnes and Noble. I highly recommend them all, and I hope you find happiness in these shops just as much as I did. Let me know if you check any of them out, and happy reading!