Ursina's Shelf - LA for book lovers
Issue 70
Fellow travelers,
I recently returned from my second trip to Los Angeles this year. In March, I hit an unusually rainy week, while last month was brutally hot. Both times I was lucky to find respite in bookstores, which I’d like to share with you today.
This is a continuation of the book lovers issues; prior cities featured: Zurich, Berlin, London, and New York.
Book Soup in West Hollywood (8818 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood)
My take: I enjoyed the orderly calm of the floor-to-ceiling shelves of this store on the otherwise busy Sunset Boulevard. I liked the staff pics with their hand-written recommendations so much, I ended up leaving with two recommended books, breaking my usual rule of only one book purchase per bookstore visit. In addition to extensive fiction sections, there are also lots of art, film, and music books. (Link to their site).
Bonus tip: If you cannot make it to the store, they have a small outlet in LAX’s international terminal (airside).
Picked up here: Other People’s Clothes and The Westing Game (see the cozy mystery issue).
Refuel nearby: For a fancy and surprisingly plant-based meal drive to nearby Crossroads, where I had dinner with Kelly. (Link to the restaurant’s site).
Counterpoint Records & Books in Hollywood (5911 Franklin Ave, Hollywood)
My take: This second-hand books and record store is an oasis. I could have spent hours among these well-aged wooden shelves, records bins, and books. It’s best for when you are ready for a break in a quiet slow atmosphere. This is a place of meditation, not one for a quick find. (Link to their site).
Picked up here: The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster.
The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA (453 S Spring St)
My take: This shop with new and used books is huge with an enticing aesthetic that definitely has Instagram appeal. I had fun exploring the quite literal maze and the artisan shop-in-shops upstairs. This is a place to visit if you are attracted to the look of books, like color-coordinate books that can be purchased for aesthetic purposes and a book tunnel. (Link to their site).
Picked up here: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Refuel nearby: Grand Central Market is a must-visit within walking distance. This upscale food court with different stands offers a breadth of options. I had the best vegan ramen and an enormously tasty breakfast burrito (for dinner). There is so much more I want to try on future visits. (Check out the vendors here).
Currently reading: The Tempest, which is Kyle’s favorite Shakespeare. (For plays to read at home, check out issue 15)
Thanks as always for reading and a special thank you for all the kind responses, likes, and messages to the anniversary issue. Thank you! And yes, every comment and share can help someone new discover this newsletter :)