Independent book reviews, local bestsellers, and literary culture from the heart of Texas.
Our latest picks, reviewed by Austin's literary community.
The premise of Laurie Frankel's Enormous Wings—the title taken from an oft-anthologized Gabriel Garcia Marquez short story—is deeply intriguing. A 77-year-old woman moves to an assisted living facility after a small...
All Cordelia wants is a simple life. But when a previously unknown great aunt dies, she suddenly inherits the Chickadee Motel. It’s not as simple as a trip to Texas to sell and leave. The will has a stimulation that...
It is 1935, and Ray and Dolly, best friends, live in a small farming town in the Texas Panhandle. Things had been fine until a drought began. Now, people are losing farms and small businesses to the bank. Many people...
Lucille LeSueur shed the pain of her past when she relocated to Hollywood, became an actress, and was rechristened Joan Crawford. Her early years in Texas are marked by inconsistencies regarding her birth year and...
Martheaus Perkins' The Grace of Black Mothers is a powerful collection of verse that illuminates the resilience, sacrifice, and fierce love of Black mothers, aunties, and grandmothers. Through intimate portraits...
It’s 1999 in southern Texas, and the Evans women own and operate the only funeral parlor in town. When the dead start to rise, though, their business starts to become a bit overwhelmed. They haven’t seen anything...
Sophie Matthews is celebrating her sweet sixteen with an extravagant birthday party. Her stepmother, Dani, has made a fabulous cake, and her mother Kim, promised not to overindulge in the champagne. All of Sophie's...
Charlie Book has a strange job for the Texas Park and Wildlife Department, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He lives aboard the ship Christabel, a 19th century freighter that is half sunk off the coast of...
Real sales data from Austin's indie bookstores. Not the NYT list. What your neighbors are actually buying.
Support local. These are Austin's best indie bookshops.
603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Austin's largest independent bookstore since 1970. A community landmark with author events, kids' section, and carefully curated shelves.
5600 N Lamar Blvd #165, Austin, TX 78756
A thoughtfully curated neighborhood bookstore in North Lamar with a focus on literary fiction, nonfiction, and community events.
5555 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
The original Half Price Books flagship store. Massive selection of new and used books, vinyl, and media at unbeatable prices.
613 W 29th St, Austin, TX 78705
A small press and poetry-focused bookstore near UT campus. Hosts readings, workshops, and underground literary events.
1608 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Used and rare bookshop on iconic South Congress Avenue. A treasure hunt for book lovers with an eclectic, well-organized collection.
1801-A S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Chicano and Indigenous literature, zines, and community art. One of the oldest Chicano bookstores in the country.
Events, signings, staff picks, and literary happenings from Austin's bookstores.
Coming soon: live feed from Austin's literary scene
Coming soon: live feed from Austin's literary scene
Coming soon: live feed from Austin's literary scene
Coming soon: live feed from Austin's literary scene
Coming soon: live feed from Austin's literary scene
Coming soon: live feed from Austin's literary scene
This section will feature curated Instagram posts from local bookstores, author events, and literary happenings around Austin.