I won a fill a tote coupon from their booth at Yelp's annual event and had a chance to finally stop by. They have a limited selection of books and I went in without really knowing what I was getting. Their concept of their book store as an immersivd sensory experience is something I hadn't heard of before and was really intrigued by. West was able to assist me and recommended a couple books that happened to be on my TBR. She was very friendly and helpful in guiding me with the experience. Their selection of sensory items were all cute and I ended up choosing a pair of socks, sparkling tea, and a cup. Depending on the genre of the book of your choosing, there is also a playlist that goes along with it. I think it's also awesome that they have a lounge space where they can host events. It's amazing to see the growth of this concept that started out as a subscription box, and now has a brick and mortar here in Orlando. Overall, I think it's a great concept that allows customers the chance to fully indulge and expand their reading experience beyond the pages. read more

Authentic Books - Build a tote selections - Bookstores Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This is not your average bookstore, it's a beautiful immersive reading experience awakening all 5 senses. Located in the walkable Ivanhoe District just outside of Downtown Orlando, Authentic Books is a truly delightful sensory escape for book lovers or anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind, unique & affordable experience. I chose the "Build an Experience" and was completely drawn in... You get to choose a lovely curated Authentic Books tote bag and fill it with sensory elements of your choice: something to taste, smell, and touch, the book itself for sight, and a QR code to a Spotify playlist for hearing that perfectly sets the mood while you read. All for only $39! Every detail felt intentional, creative, and a little magical. They also have a dedicated space for group workshops and events--think book clubs, candle making themed parties, and other creative gatherings--which makes it more than just a place to shop, but a place to connect. With its inviting scent, stunning aesthetic, and peaceful ambiance, Authentic Books creates a full sensory experience you won't forget. Grab a friend and plan to build a tote or attend a workshop soon! read more

See all

I found this place at the Yelp event at the science center. I love the concept of what they do and decided to go into store. They had a special theme for the month of April with more of a Gothic feel. With the books in marchandise to match. The $40 grab a tote is an amazing deal. I was able to get a book, glass cup, candle, and lip gloss. They also had a special QR code for music you can listen to while you're reading your book (at home) depending on what genre it is. Such an amazing concept and one that I would highly recommend if you're a book lover. Immerse yourself in your stories and allow your senses to be taken over while getting lost in a good book. The service was super friendly and helpful. It seemed like she knew a lot of the different books and could help find one that fit what I was looking for. read more

Authentic Books - Book wall - Bookstores Near Me - Orlando, Florida

See all

I have visited this shop several times, usually to fill my tote with goodies, but mostly I love the events they host. Each event offers a great opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers, get creative with fun activities, and I always leave feeling satisfied and happy, so they are worth every penny. Everyone who hosts the events or works at the shop is a pleasure to interact with and provides excellent service. I also appreciate that the books and goodies are always new since they rotate often. I love supporting small businesses, and this one will always be at the top of my list! read more

See all

I've visited in the past to purchase a book but this time l opted to partake in the build a book experience and it was such a nice and immersive experience. One that I highly recommend! It's $39 but comes up to $46 with taxes. There's an array of items to choose from to fulfill your sensory needs. I selected the Brew linen spray for the "touch", the "Femme Fatale" candle for the "smell", a lemon, ginger, and turmeric tea for the "taste" and a novel called Middle of the Night by Riley Sager as the "sight" option. This would make a great gift for someone else or a great solo date to treat yourself! Not to mention, it's woman owned and black owned. It doesn't get any better! read more

See all

I absolutely love authentic books they have books for everybody and it's an experience. This is a cool business idea and the staff are kind. This is a unique cool book store that opened up in the area. For 35$ you can get a bag and I absolutely love the tumblr that came with the book and my candle! It came with a drink as well (mocktail). It's a cute area to take a friend. read more

Before going to dinner, we stopped in to this super cute shop. You can make your own book. What? You pick one book and three items of your choosing at a fixed price. The items are adorable. They range from homemade candles that smell great, glass jar cups, apparel, self care goodies, or a drink. Dude. It was so cute. I want to go back when I have lore time, and energy, to peruse all the fun things. The employee was so nice telling us about the shop and answering all of our questions about books that were on display and the book box. 21.09.2025 read more

Authentic Books - Choices. 20.09.2025 - Bookstores Near Me - Orlando, Florida

See all

The atmosphere is warm, quiet in the best way, and really inviting. Think soft lighting, shelves you actually want to explore, and a crowd that feels like they're there to enjoy the space, not just rush through it. It's perfect for a low-key date, solo unwinding time, or even catching up with a friend without yelling over music. read more

A bookstore with a sensory experience. I love going to this bookstore. The experience is unlike any other. You can get a book, a candle, something to snack on and curated playlists all in one shop. They host some of the most unique experiences throughout the month. I've been to a jewelry making workshop and a sensory experience for a movie release. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Orlando. read more

Authentic Books - Bookstores Near Me - Orlando, Florida

See all

Authentic Books is an amazing bookstore in Lake Ivanhoe. They have a whole sensory selection for a truly unique experience. The staff are always so sweet and engaged and eager to help. They even had a used book section! My favorite part of this store is their events. They put on really fun events book beading, teas, and murder mystery games! Also, you really get a lot for the amount you pay, it's a great value. read more

We heard about this place at a yelp event and couldn't wait to check it out! Located in Ivanhoe Village, this quaint little book shop makes reading an entire experience! They recieve new books every week and pair the book to have all your sense emerged while reading. Choose a bag, book, and 3 items (such as lotin for touch, candles for smell, and a drink for taste for a phenomenal budget friendly price) for an incredible experience while getting lost in your imagination and relaxing with a ready thats inspired by your sense choices! They also offer in store experiences with candle making and scent shops! I cant wait to return for a new book and senses experience! read more

See all

Such a cool concept!!! I love the idea of not only immersing yourself into the world of a book mentally, but also physically. Authentic Books provides such a unique experience for book lovers and I love what they have to offer for book lovers. If you don't know -- Authentic Books started as a subscription box that would send books and other fun goodies (candles, food items, knick-knacks, etc.) that related to the book itself to allow the reader to bring the book to life even more. The shop is a real life version of that AND has plans to make itself a community space where book lovers can gather. They also stay true to their subscription box roots by allowing you to create your own book bag, complete with your own choice of books and goodies! For some of the candles, the owner partners with the author of the book to create unique candles and items that are specifically designed for their book. The selection is a bit small and limited right now, but the service is fantastic and I'm sure they'd be happy to order specific books by request. They've already begun hosting book-centric events and have plans to open up a coffee shop next door. Overall, they're a great addition to the Ivanhoe neighborhood and I'd highly recommend them for all book lovers. read more

Authentic Books - Bookstores Near Me - Orlando, Florida

See all

Happy #nationalbookloversday My daughter and I love books. We love well written stories of all kinds. She likes more thrillers than I, who enjoy less thrillers, more love & connections. We also love a bookstore. @authenticbooks in Ivanhoe Village is the cutest. It's a small business, owned by a black woman who clearly loves books & invests in self-care. Spoke to her briefly and was inspired to broaden my book genres and recommended a new author. It was very emotive for me to experience this beautiful bookstore that with such care curates wonderful books, both hardcover and paperback, totes, self-care beauty items such as face masks, cozy socks, soy candles, tea bags, drink mixes, linen sprays & journals. All in an effort to encourage us to create an ambiance of relaxation. Build a book experience for $40. Grab a tote, pick a book and fill with three more items described above It's magnificent. Please visit this store, follow on socials, and be on the lookout for the events they host. Be mindful of the hours of operation. Friday 11AM-6PM Saturday 11AM-6PM Sunday 10AM-2PM Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday 11AM-6PM The website has lots of info https://www.authenticbooks.com/ read more

See all

This is such a fun little bookstore and such a great idea for enhancing the book shopping experience. For $39 you can grab a tote bag or box, pick a book and then fill it with 3 more items. I selected 2 up up chocolate bars (milk chocolate and salted caramel) and some hand lotion. The chocolate bars are from the UK and is hands down the best chocolate I have ever had. They have a really great selection of books from romance to sexy lit to thrillers. I highly recommend this bookstore if you are ever in the area and will definitely be visiting again when back in Orlando. read more

Not sure what to say, to quote the young lady at the desk "We are an unconventional bookstore." Small selection, maybe less than 100 titles. She said it is a subscription thing. Not sure, certainly caters to females. She did tell me a local bookseller that would be more in my wheelhouse. I don't want to say anything negative so, good luck to them. read more

Authentic Books - Bookstores Near Me - Orlando, Florida

A few girlfriends and I checked out this spot and had the best time looking around! We put together our Build a Book experience- one tote, book and 3 items. Not only was the book selection awesome, the little goodies to fill the tote were super cute! They ranged from fun drinks to handmade candles and roller perfume! I highly recommend stopping by. The owner is super friendly and really helpful with recommendations! read more

See all

WHAT A CUTE CONCEPT!!!!! Such lovely service. I truly think it's a great deal to pay $39 for a book and three fun items! I will absolutely be coming back and will be checking out their monthly workshops. I am so glad to hear that this place is expanding to include a 'third-space' where people can come to enjoy coffee while reading or studying. Can't wait!!!!! read more

Authentic Books - Bookstores Near Me - Orlando, Florida

See all

Cutest little shop! A must see if you love books! The location is perfect while you're waiting for your brunch spot across the street white wolf. read more

Authentic Books - Bookstores Near Me - Orlando, Florida

My son bought me a 3 month subscription last December. It's been 11 months and have only received 2 out of the 3 boxes. I sent multiple emails which they would respond at times but I havent heard from them about my final box. The boxes I did receive were nice but the lack of shipments and commitment to receive the full 3 boxes is forcing me to warn others I wish I could get my final box read more

The store has a great concept. I loved the sensory experience and the concept. Would like to see a more diverse selection of books. The owner was really sweet and helpful. The price was awesome. read more

Such a cute little shop. It doesn't have toooooo many books but it's more about the experience, I feel. I got a candle, enamel pin, and a cute cup. Also the service there was amazing, the person that helped me (Tiffany) was so nice and recommended me a great book after asking about my tastes and previously read/loved books. Honestly the price point is great for everything you get! Will definitely be back! read more