Sometimes, authors are the ones who love books most of all. Whether you’re traveling this summer or planning a literary-themed road trip in the future, these 10 author-owned bookstores are well worth the visit. These shops are more than just places to buy books. They are a refuge from our busy world, and they serve as extensions of each writer’s creative persona. Here’s a curated look at their distinct vibes, history and specialties.
1. Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN
Owner: Ann Patchett
Rating: 4.8
Website: ParnassusBooks.net
The Vibe & History: Founded in 2011 by bestselling Whistler novelist Ann Patchett and longtime publishing representative Karen Hayes (with Patchett becoming the sole owner in 2022), this store rescued Nashville from a literary drought after several major book store chains closed. It feels warm, classic and inviting. If you visit, you may even meet Patchett’s famous shop dogs patrolling the aisles. There's also a Parnassus Books location at the Nashville International Airport.
Known For: A world-class selection of literary fiction, nonfiction and children's books, plus high-profile author events.
2. Books Are Magic in Brooklyn, NY
Owner: Emma Straub
Rating: 4.8
Website: BooksAreMagic.net
The Vibe & History: Contemporary fiction author Emma Straub and her husband Michael Fusco-Straub opened this quaint and quirky shop in 2017 after the beloved local favorite BookCourt shut down. The atmosphere is vibrant, family-friendly and unpretentiously trendy, with an Instagram-famous mural outside.
Known For: This iconic neighborhood shop features a poetry gumball machine, cozy reading nooks and multiple weekly events highlighting everything from indie debuts to bestselling authors.
3. Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West
Owner: Judy Blume
Rating: 4.8
Website: BooksAndBooksKW.com
The Vibe & History: Books & Books is a locally owned nonprofit bookstore co-founded by the legendary YA author Judy Blume and her husband George Cooper in 2016. Located within a local arts center and former Masonic Temple, the shop has a sunny, relaxed and artsy vibe that fits the area’s uniquely tropical atmosphere.
Known For: A fiercely curated selection of books across genres. Visitors enjoy the beautiful courtyard and cafe, and many book lovers have met Blume, who’s known to work the cash register.
4. Birchbark Books & Native Arts in Minneapolis, MN
Owner: Louise Erdrich
Rating: 4.9
Website: BirchbarkBooks.com
The Vibe & History: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Louise Erdrich founded this eco-chic bookstore in 2001. As a member of the Chippewa tribe, Erdrich uses the shop to showcase handcrafted art and furniture while supporting sustainable living and Native gardens. There’s a birchwood children’s loft and a hobbit hole reading nook where young readers can make lasting memories.
Known For: The shop is known for its unique collection of hard-to-find books, including titles by indigenous and Native American authors. The shop is home to several dogs and cats who provide book recommendations (at least on the website!).
5. An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA
Owner: Jeff Kinney
Rating: 4.8
Website: AnUnlikelyStory.IndieCommerce.com
The Vibe & History: An Unlikely Story is a kid-friendly bookstore and cafe built from the ground up by Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney and his wife Julie. Trust us when we say that the shop is anything but wimpy. Built on the site of a historic general store in 2015, the shop has a classic New England atmosphere. There’s plenty of room for book signings, author events, trivia nights and story hours for the kids.
Known For: This three-story shop features a traditional bookstore and cafe, a second-floor event space and Kinney’s own writer’s studio. Events are held nearly every day of the week.
6. Beastly Books in Santa Fe, NM
Owner: George R.R. Martin
Rating: 4.8 stars
Website: BeastlyBooks.com
The Vibe & History: When famed author George R.R. Martin isn’t penning his famous Game of Thrones series, he’s busy running Beastly Books in arty Santa Fe, New Mexico. Founded in 2019, the shop is located next to Martin’s indie art-house theater, the Jean Cocteau Cinema. Beastly Books is a genre-focused bookstore that specializes in sci-fi, fantasy and speculative fiction. The shop hosts a wide variety of events, from game nights to book clubs, tarot readings and writer’s circles.
Known For: The shop is a must-visit for Game of Thrones fans, and it’s a great place to pick up signed books, memorabilia and gifts.
7. The Lynx Books in Gainesville, FL
Owner: Lauren Groff
Rating: 4.9
Website: TheLynxBooks.com
The Vibe & History: Founded in April 2024 by acclaimed novelist Lauren Groff behind Fates and Furies and The Vaster Wilds, The Lynx Books has a contemporary, community-driven vibe. The shop bills itself as a general interest bookstore, but it's strongly committed to supplying books that are challenged or banned in Florida, including titles by LGBTQ+ or BIPOC authors and native Floridians.
Known For: The shop serves as an unapologetic advocate for underrepresented authors and voices. It hosts genre-themed book clubs, author events and Banned Books Yoga, which raises money to distribute banned and challenged books.
8. Nowhere Bookshop in San Antonio, TX
Owner: Jenny Lawson
Rating: 4.8
Website: NowhereBookshop.com
The Vibe & History: Jenny Lawson, the New York Times #1 bestselling author and humorist best known as The Bloggess, founded San Antonio’s Nowhere Bookshop in 2021. The bookstore's name stems from the comforting feeling of being completely lost in a good book. The atmosphere is quirky, comforting and slightly gothic. Book clubs, author events and craft hours are scheduled throughout the week.
Known For: In addition to offering a wide selection of new books and gifts, the shop has a coffee, wine and beer bar with a daily happy hour between 4 and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
9. Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books in Philadelphia, PA
Owner: Marc Lamont Hill
Rating: 4.7
Website: UncleBobbies.com
The Vibe & History: Part restaurant, party coffee shop and part bookstore, Uncle Bobbie's is a Black-owned bookstore that’s the brainchild of academic, author, activist and TV host Marc Lamont Hill. Designed to serve as a community living room, the shop serves coffee, tea, bagels and pastries. Uncle Bobbie's also organizes more than 125 annual author events through the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Known For: Marc Lamont Hill is dedicated to representing diverse voices and providing books to underserved communities. The shop’s selection emphasizes social justice, Black culture and marginalized authors.
10. Turn The Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, MD
Owner: Nora Roberts
Rating: 4.6
Website: TTPBooks.com
The Vibe & History: Bestselling author Nora Roberts, who also writes using the penname J.D. Robb, has owned this landmark bookstore since 1995. It’s housed in a colorful antebellum home in historic Boonsboro, Maryland. The shop has a well-stocked kids and YA room and hosts book clubs and events. It’s also a great place to find gifts or grab a cup of locally roasted coffee or espresso.
Known For: The shop is a must-see for Nora Roberts fans worldwide. Busloads of readers routinely travel here for author events, and the shop keeps all of her titles in stock.
For a deeper look inside how these stores operate and why books are so important to these authors, check out Ann Patchett's bookstore tour on CBS Sunday Morning, which details her personal journey as a bookseller.
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