Book Soup, Sunset Blvd.
(Continued from Reading L.A., Part 1)
With a glowing review of Brand Bookstore in Glendale, one might wonder why even come back for more? We know the number one place in the greater Los Angeles area for delicious reading, beautiful organization, and a friendly, elderly, quintessential bookie-esque owner. But, it’s summertime and there are a lot of books to be read. Tucked away as they seem to be, there are also more than one worthwhile bookstore in L.A.–and one infamously Los Angelean characteristic that detracts from the trek to the illustrious Brand: traffic. So, here are a few summer reading options that keep you out of the hot, traffic-filled Los Angeles thoroughfares and in the presence of a calm, contemplation-inducing independent bookstore.
NUMBER TWO: BOOK SOUP
It seems quite fitting that, upon my arrival at Book Soup, I promptly walk straight into an authorial reading. At first, I think there is something strange about the store’s quiet and then, there it is the voice over the microphone!
I’m not the only one who didn’t know about the Scott Heim event tonight people walk in, then, hush, hush but, according to the Book Soup schedule and staff, it’s a pretty commonplace event.
“Almost nightly,” the cashier tells me. “At least five nights a week.”
Situated in the heart of the Sunset district in West Hollywood, Book Soup is the perfect locale for celebrity readings and sightings. Yet, despite its trendy location, tucked between a Lebanese restaurant (next to an intriguing member of the Antiquarian Booksellers League?) and the Sunset Strip clubs, this retailer of new books maintains a comfortable and distinct air.
Tonight, Mr. Heim reads about “Evan Carnabie” and a small-town murder in the wood-floored right corner while the rest of the shop, which extends back more than side-to-side, offers zig-zagged rows of quality reading material.
For those with high-class, no nonsense, firsthand taste, Book Soup is hands down the most aesthetically pleasing shop. It’s also the perfect place to buy a gift.
The immaculate black shelves are high and strong and have a clear sense of curation without being overbearing. A few choice covers face outwards, displaying an enormous array of hardcover architecture and design books, colorful cuisine collections, and coffee table art books behind frosted class.
To be honest, it’s nice; it’s pretty which I’m perfectly fine with in this case because there’s substance behind the pleasing display.
Especially helpful is the diverse range of recommended reads, displayed on a designated “Staff Shelf” with hand-written reviews and anecdotes attached. They range from novella to biography and the personalized reasons behind the choices are interesting you almost feel like you’re getting a friend and a book.
Book Soup sells more than traditional books, as well. Outside, you’ll find an extensive newsstand, complete with alternative, lesser-known magazines and all the local celebrity gossip; by the stairs (sorry, no upstairs section though), international travel guides; in the back right corner, a playful children’s section; and throughout, creative cards, kits and albums.
Book Soup is a vendor of new books with the cramped, winding charm of good literature and all the supplies that come with out. Need a canvas LA bag? Seashell sticker kit? The floating letters on the front door spell it out: We’ve got it A-L-L.
Hanging over the shop’s back desk is a yellow bumper sticker that sums up the shop pretty well for over 31 years, Book Soup has confirmed that “Reading is Sexy.” [Imagine Nancy Drew-like redhead with librarian glasses and book in hand.]
Book Soup is open everyday from 9 AM to 10 PM. Parking is available in the rear of the store, off Nellas Street.
8818 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90069, 310-659-3110
Check in next Monday for Part 3!
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