Spending Hours at Book Soup

Yup, that’s hours up there. Every time I visit Book Soup I feed the meter for 2 hours and every time I leave it’s close to expiring. I’m a bookstore addict and I’m not afraid to admit it.

Like Skylight Books, Book Soup is an independent Los Angeles bookstore. Actually, it’s more than that. It’s an institution. It was founded in 1975 and has been a staple of the Sunset Strip ever since. And it’s been a staple of mine for several years now. Every once in awhile I decide I need a visit so I head on over, walk through the door, and take a deep breath. The smell is amazing! Really, there is no smell like the smell of a book.

But that’s not the only thing I love about the store. It’s also so, so cozy. The height of the shelves, the way they curve…it makes me feel like I’m in my own little world. It’s just me and the written word.

And the selection! So much to choose from. I love the cookbook section.

And the bargain section (such good deals!).

But most especially, I love the film section.

Book Soup has the largest film section out of any of my local bookshops. I always check out the rest of the store and save this section for last because this is where I’ll stay for quite awhile. I love looking at the biographies and memoirs…

and especially the picture books. Classic Hollywood picture books are a weakness of mine. I collect them by the droves and love to look through them over and over. Every time I visit Book Soup my wish list grows and grows.

Besides the selection, Book Soup also holds lots and lots of great readings. One time I came to hear Sloan Crosley and got to meet her and have her sign my book. It was fabulous.

So dear to my heart you are Book Soup.

Book Soup
8818 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069