A look inside Brazos Bookstore. (Sierra Rozen/COURIER HTX)
There’s nothing that compares to walking into a new bookstore, breathing in the smell of fresh paper, and knowing that the possibilities of an adventure are endless.
I can’t remember a time in my life when reading wasn’t a major part of my days. My grandma taught me to read at the age of 3, and it was my choice of activity no matter where I was. Grocery store? Perfect time to sit in the cart with a book. Dinner table? Uninterrupted space to finish a novel. I even used to bring my books in the bathtub, which stopped when I dropped my beloved copy of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” into the water.
Just a girl who loves her books. (Sierra Rozen/COURIER HTX)
My credentials: at one point I was in three book clubs simultaneously, and I read 200 books last year. Because of all that, my lifelong love of books, and more than 15 years living in Houston, I consider myself an expert on the city’s literary scene. H-Town is filled with so many amazing independent bookstores, so next time you’re tempted to order from Amazon or Target, try stopping by one of these book havens instead.
Brazos Bookstore
2421 Bissonnet St., Houston
One of Houston’s oldest bookstores, (and one of my favorites) Brazos Bookstore is an iconic institution in the Bayou City. The store offers author signings, multiple monthly book clubs, and events like Story Time and Stich & B*tch.
Why I love it: The staff are always super friendly and down to offer uber-specific recommendations. They always carry new releases and have a great banned book section. It’s also where I got my first tattoo for Independent Bookstore Day, so it holds a special place in my heart.
LIT bookbar
611 Jackson St., Ste. B, Richmond
Located just outside of Houston, LIT bookbar combines two of my favorite things: books and artisanal cocktails. Browse through their selection of memoirs, romance, and fantasy before settling in at a table with a yummy beverage.
One of the many yummy cocktails they offer at LIT bookbar. (Sierra Rozen/COURIER HTX)
Why I love it: The store originally started as a book club, making them the perfect spot to host your own or just hang around by yourself and meet new people. There’s also a great coffee shop located next door in case you need a quick pick-me-up.
Good on Paper
250 W. 19th St., Ste. D, Houston
One of Houston’s newest bookstores, Good on Paper is a small but mighty shop that has a wide selection for everyone. The female-owned and family-operated store is located in a strip of shops in the Heights, which means you could spend a whole afternoon wandering up and down the street of boutiques and eateries.
Why I love it: The first time I stepped into the shop, I ended up having a 30-minute long conversation with one of the employees about banned books and our favorite novels. Plus, she threw in a free sticker with my purchase!
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Murder by the Book
2342 Bissonnet St., Houston
Not only do I love horror movies, but I also have a great love for horror fiction, making Murder by the Book my perfect place for all things thrilling and spooky. The store stocks over 25,000 books, mainly consisting of thrillers, cozy mysteries, crime, fantasy, and horror novels.
Why I love it: The store has such a great eerie vibe with its dark wooden shelves and low lighting, and has shelves upon shelves that you can get lost in for hours. They also sell their own themed candles and even have a mystery book box subscription that hits your doorstep monthly.
Blue Willow Bookshop
14532 Memorial Dr., Houston
Named after a china pattern, Blue Willow Bookshop is most known for its wall of 750-plus author signatures, and for being a great place for introverted and extroverted bookworms alike. Whether it’s a ticketed event, a book club, or a silent reading party, the shop has something for everyone.
Why I love it: Blue Willow Bookshop has been where I’ve met two of my favorite authors (hello Hannah Bonam-Young and Jonathan van Ness!) and it’s also my favorite spot to get book-ish merch.
Meeting Julie Murphy (left) and Jonathan van Ness at Blue Willow Bookshop. (Sierra Rozen/COURIER HTX)
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