If you know me, I’m an avid reader that loves a good bookstore. If you’re new to Houston’s bookstore scene, here’s a list of some old favorites and new ones you’ll fall in love with.
📚 Brazos Bookstore
This Houston gem in Rice Village has been around since the 1970s, when Karl Kilian decided to open a bookstore that would help stimulate the city’s growing literary scene. Since then, the bookstore is a central location for readings, programs, and other events that recognize local authors and beyond. Later this month on Oct. 23, Brazos will host Tracy Daughtery, who has written a biography about the late Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist and screenwriter Larry McMurtry.
📚 Blue Willow Bookshop
This bookstore, on the corner of Memorial and Dairy Ashford, has been around for a while — since 1973. It’s remained a staple in the west Houston community, bringing in local and national authors for decades. I love how cozy and quaint this bookstore is and how it always reminds me of the one in “You’ve Got Mail” with Meg Ryan. Next Tuesday, check out a talk with Karen Walrond, author of “Radiant Rebellion,” on how to reclaim aging, cultivate joy, and resist ageism.
📚 Kindred Stories
Make sure to add this bookstore in Third Ward that highlights works by Black authors to your list. Terri Hamm first started the bookstore as a pop-up and online store in 2021 and later that year opened the brick-and-mortar location. Kindred Stories also hosts author talks, readings, and other community events throughout the year. On Oct. 21, Jada Pinkett Smith will discuss her new book, “Worthy.”
📚 Murder By The Book
This old favorite first opened in 1980, and it’s one of the country’s oldest and largest mystery speciality bookstores. For all you mystery fans, Murder By The Book, near Rice University, hosts authors for book signings and discussions all year long. On Thursday, the bookstore hosts Ritu Mukerji, author of the new thriller “Murder By Degrees.”
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CLASS Bookstore
A book-loving Houston couple started their bookstore as a pop-up highlighting Black authors. In 2022, the couple who originally met at Borders, decided to open a brick-and-mortar location on Texas Southern University’s campus.
I also want to shout-out Basket Books & Art , an independent bookstore and art gallery in Montrose, and SOA Co. Books, an online bookstore that highlights Black authors.
Did I miss your favorite book shop or want to share a book rec? Let me know 📘
