The pearl in the oyster of a bookstore. It makes me sad I do not live closer so this could be my…read moreregular book haven. The world needs more book stores like this. While I was purusing, I heard the sales associates helpiing others with book searches and book club information. It sounds like they have a number of book clubs going at the same time which makes me green with envy. Somebody please open a bookstore like this in Santa Clarita Valley, Ca.! At the time of my visit there was a children's reading event going on in the children's section. There were young adults picking out their spring break reads. There is also a courtyard and coffee shop somewhat attached. I did not try the coffee, but will the next time I am in Manhattan Beach. This is a charming bookstore, well designed, with sooo many staff picks and recommendations. Make sure to pay them a visit when you are in the area. And if you live close by, I hate you :) I paid to park on the street very close to the shop, however there may be other parking I am not sure. Happy Reading!

This was my far the smallest bookstore. But, it was legit on the ocean. Views to die for. Parking…read morewas a struggle. We finally found 25 min metered parking. The store was busy. The shelves were too close together. You couldn't bend down to read the titles without your butt knocking down a book shelf. The service was friendly. The neighborhood was very lively.

This is a safe haven for those walking around Venice beach!!! When I saw the storefront sign, I got…read moreinstantly excited and dragged my partner in! Hahaha The store is well organized. It's situated behind a restaurant. It is actually quite spacious and has a ton of great books of all genres. A ton of popular, recent books! Loved the environment and how it's a gem tucked away at the beach.

I love this bookstore in Venice Beach. Something about the zines in the section by the front door…read moreand the fact that one of my favorite healing authors books was being displayed prominently when i walked around a corner (so i bought it) made it feel comforting and homey. The people who work there are really knowledgeable. If you're in Venice Beach and get a chance to stop by, check it out. It's the kind of bookstore that makes you want to slow down, wander, and maybe leave with something you didn't know you were looking for.

I have been dying to come to The Ripped Bodice for so long and my husband had a random weekend off…read moreand decided he would take me. We are coming from San Diego so it was only a 2ish hour drive, we found parking right away which was really nice and I was so so excited to check it out. As soon as you step in you're greeted by such a whimsical display of books and I was instantly obsessed. The bookstore is really large and has so many great options for romance books, ya and some children's books plus tons of bookish merch. It was really hard to choose which book to get, but I ended up getting a paperback of Eldritch by Keri Lake, a magnetic book marker and a tote bag, thank you to my husband for that. I love the little Ripped Bodice tote, instead of a paper bag, they offered a reusable tote for I think $2-5? Which was a fun little souvenier! Also super dog friendly everyone was so sweet to our little Kodi!

I cannot say enough great things about this romance-focused independent bookstore. But here is a…read morevaliant attempt: 1. Expertise -- If you are new to the contemporary romance publishing scene, walk in here and be amazed. There are sooooooo many romance titles under every conceivable subgenre, and the choices are almost endless. But maybe you're looking to expand your list of favorite authors or dipping your toes into romance for the first time, and you feel overwhelmed. Fear not! Walk right up to the friendly staff and just throw out ideas. My friend asked for recommendations of romance that involves: (a) career women who takes care of everyone and needs to prioritize herself; (b) older women with life experience looking for love; (c) romance by black women about black women, just to name a few. The lovely staff member said, "I got you!" and proceeded to walk us around the store to show us her recommendations and share why she loves them. Her passion is infectious! My friend found a stack of books she's excited to read. 2. Creativity -- from the moment you walk in the door, the fanciful and whimsical decor catches your attention and exudes joy and wonder. But don't just admire the flying books all the way to the ceiling or the pink skeleton in a Ripped Bodice t-shirt. You must check out the "water closet" before you go. Trust me on this one. 3. Inclusion -- The Ripped Bodice doesn't just do romance, they do sex-positive, inclusive representation. You'll find curated selections on romance with disability and LGBTQ+ representation, romance by BIPOC authors, non-fiction books about women's sexual health and pleasure, menopause, polyamory, trans bodies, etc. and a gigantic LGBTQ+ rainbow flag made of romance covers. And have I mentioned their monthly stand-up comedy show, which features different comedians who have relatable and funny materials without the mysogynistic cringe. This place is a safe space for people of all genders and sexual orientations. 4. Community -- The spirit of community is everywhere in this amazing bookshop. You see pictures of the sisters who started and own the shop and their family (including kids) on the wall. They have book clubs for fans of historical, fantasy/paranormal, LGBTQ+ romance and more. They have a writing club that reads a book together and discusses what works and what could be better. They have book launches and author talks, including a ton of local authors as well as national phenoms. They attract people from all over and are ultra-local at the same time. And you feel like you belong, no matter who you are. Bonus: the store is in the heart of Culver City. Farmer's market, fancy ice cream, movie theatre, and a cafe that plays soccer all the time... they're all right here. 'Nuf said. Go check them out!!

A new woman-owned indie bookstore on the west side! Great selection, including some used books…read more($5-10), and varying across all genres and age ranges. I also saw they had some signed copies of certain books! They have a book club available & are opening up a cafe right next door. I love that they have staff recommendations peppered all over the store. You'll definitely find what you're looking for here, or it'll find you. Can confirm this will be a neighborhood bookstore on rotation for me.

Such a cute lil bookstore. I love when bookshops make an effort to be a hub for the community by…read moreoffering in store events and GGB has book clubs and other neat things. This is a great place to pick up your next book for a summer reading challenge. Also worth noting that this has a gender neutral bathroom so our trans and NB friends and neighbors are more than welcome here. Street parking available. I parked in a residential area between Pacific and Wade, and it was a 7 min walk.

My first time visiting Taschen and I was amazed. I left with 2 new books! They are perfect art…read morebooks for the coffee table. They have a nice selection with a small upstairs sitting area. The decor and art work is amazing of course ....make sure you look up at the ceiling to catch the beautiful art. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I plan on checking out their other locations as well.

This is a very beautiful bookstore. I came to check out the books, and they have a big selection…read more It reminded me of the time I was in my college library.

A small bookshop -- but don't be fooled! Its shelves are carefully curated with (usually) one copy…read moreof each book organized by prompts like: When you want to... ... laugh ... cry ... tremble And instead of having to walk through aisles and aisles without knowing what to pick, the curated shelves offer selections of great books that I want to read! And they have comfy seating and a cute dog. 'Nuf said.

This is a quaint little bookstore near one of the trendier parts of Santa Monica. I went for the…read morefirst time last month, and I look forward to my next visit. Came to attend a walking book club with The Preoccupied (check them out on IG) where our walk ended here. One of the strengths of this bookstore is that they feature local authors. The author we walked with actually had her book featured at Zibby's. I like that they support local talent because LA has been through so much this year already. When I came here, it was a little warm inside. Now that could've been because of all the people coming in post-walk but there may have been a chance the AC was having some issues. Now for your frugal auntie tip: participating in The Preoccupied's walking book club provides you with a couple Zibby's related benefits. Upon completing your walk and meeting up at Zibby's, you're rewarded with a 20% off discount at the store to be used right then and there. The book club also meets near Alta and 10th or 11th, which means you can find free residential street parking. Free parking is such a precious commodity in LA, and if you're up for an additional quick walk, consider this during your next visit. Come support this local business that's supporting other locals!

My SIL is fond of reading - she once went through that 800-or-something-page Harry Potter book in…read moreone day. I, on the other hand, am the complete opposite. I only read when I'm in the mood and read only something highly recommended. I came through here to see if they had anything by Mitch Albom I haven't read yet. (He's one I sorta follow.) Found one immediately! It'll come in handy on a long flight! Service was under par. The two workers didn't look like they wanted to be there. Meh. The selections are pretty vast for a small spot. I'd still recommend it if books are your thing.

Lemme say I live Book Soup- have been a customer at the original shop since the late 80s. Was…read morepleased to see a they have a spot at LAX. But Tried to make a purchase before my flight. There seemed to be two people working the shop. One told me the other person would be right with me. The other person was too busy doing other things (walking around aimlessly holding a NY Times ) to actually ring up a customer. People have flights to catch- patience and waiting aren't always viable in such situations. Had to leave without making a purchase. Thanks Book Soup.

A really great used book and record store where you can find a little bit of everything for a…read moredecent price. The inside is literally filled floor to wall with books and records which is a literal dream for a bookstore lover. The owner is also the nicest guy and plays some great tunes while you shop around. Also always available to help you find exactly what you are looking for, and knowledgeable in what he has for sale. We have been 2-3 times now and plan to make this a regular stop in the future!

Total gem on Main Street. It's part bookstore, part record store, part time machine. Smells like…read moreold paper, good vinyl, and pure nostalgia. Rocco, is super helpful and easy to talk to. If you don't see what you're looking for, he'll usually help track it down.