BOOK STORE ROAD TRIP
UPDATED: March 25, 2023
Many of you who follow me on Facebook know that I post Kindle specials on a regular basis. Why you might ask am I encouraging more dollars into the pocket of Amazon and Jeff Bezos when independent bookstores struggle every day?
First, there’s the bargain hunter in me I cannot quell. When I see an amazing deal, I want to share it. Second, not everyone has the means to buy recently released hardcovers nor paperbacks at $10+ or want to wait months for a library copy. Third, a high number of purchases (because the price is low) helps an author’s ranking in sales. Amazon looks at volume with their algorithms. This pushes authors higher on lists and gains more exposure for them.
However, when I splurge and treat myself to a hardcover or paperback to hold it in my hands and be able to pass along to a friend, I shop local. Even better, when I’m traveling, which I do often with our nomad life, I love discovering hidden gems of independent bookstores. Over the past two years, I’ve gathered recommendations from readers across the country of their favorite local indie bookstore. Is yours on the list?
How wonderful to see the passion so many have for their local store. If you’re planning any travel, I’ve got plenty of book recommendations in my favorite genre, historical fiction, before you check out one of these shops – owners and authors will thank you! P.S. You can ask any indie bookstore to order THE UNLOCKED PATH and/or THE PATH BENEATH HER FEET.
While you’re traveling around, don’t forget Little Free Libraries. They are also a fun way to discover new-to-you books. There’s a handy online map to help you find these hidden gems.
LOCAL BOOK STORES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Even if these stores are hundreds of miles away, you can still support them through on-line ordering, or Bookshop.org.
I’m sure there are tons of other stores out there to support. What’s your favorite? Add it to the list.
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I’ve stopped at Haslams in St. Petersburg before. It’s the largest bookstore in Florida. I think it’s temporarily closed. I did start the 22in22 challenge in January! It’s so fun. I’ve enjoyed seeing all the bookstore pictures!
Thank you for sharing this list! I love stopping at bookstores on the road. Here are a few that I’ve discovered:
Pages in Manhattan, CA
Square Books in Oxford, MS
Back in the Day Books in Dunedin, FL
Black Bird in San Francisco, CA
Ernest & Hadley Booksellers In Tuscaloosa, AL
Collected Works Bookstore in Santa Fe, NM
Story On The Square In McDonough, GA
FoxTale Book Shoppe In Woodstock, GA
The Bookshelf in Thomasville, GA
Book Love in Senoia, GA
Just saw your adds! Updating the list now. Will definitely check out Back in the Day Books. We spend two weeks in the Clearwater area every January and have friends in Dunedin. Fun spot!
Thank you for the Indie bookstore list, it’s wonderful. So many books, so little time, as they say. Happy reading (and writing)!
This is fabulous!!
Two more local bookstores for me: Rudolph Girls in Westminster, MD (former teachers begin this store in 2021) and The Last Word in Mt. Airy, MD (new and used books).
Thanks Deb! I’ll be updating the list. Do you know if Rudolph Girls does any author events? I’m adding to my outreach list as well 😉
White Whale Books and Coffee in Pittsburgh PA
Sour Apples is available at Curious Iguana in Frederick, Md, a store already on your list.
And of course online at stores like Winchester Book Gallery in Winchester, Va.
Thanks!!
Book Seller in Grass Valley, CA, and Face in a Book in Elk Grove, CA, are two lovely oases in my region.
Thank you!!