Chapter #28: A Bookworm’s Guide to Los Angeles

Not included: In-N-Out, because it's terrible.

Feeling My Shelf is a bi-weekly newsletter about books, life, and well, life with books. Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and get comfy. First up, some recent reads.

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

Red embarks on a Spring-Break road trip with five of her friends. Their RV breaks down and they initially think it’s just an accident, but soon discover that a sniper is targeting them, hellbent on learning one person aboard’s secret. The twists were a little wild/a tad unbelievable, but I was smiling at the ending. Especially when I learned which character died, trust me, if you read, you’ll understand.

Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon

Have you ever finished a book and been so moved, thinking, “Wow, that was exactly what I needed to read?” Just me? Poppy Banks, a 30-something aspiring author struggling with self-doubt, is gifted a whimsical French villa by her mysterious aunt. She’s challenged with completing her novel to fully inherit the villa while learning to become the main character in her own life along the way. It’s refreshing and emotional. Like a younger Eat, Pray, Love.

This month marks five years in Los Angeles! Your twenties have a way of bringing out your adventurous side, even if you were once dead-set on small-town suburban life. For the record, that was never the case for me. Despite my small-town Southern upbringing, I always knew I was destined for city life. I just didn’t expect that life would eventually take me to a city on the West Coast.

Moving here came with many challenges. I had no job, no place to live, few friends, and no family. I also possessed a deep fear of the freeway, brought on by too many rewatches of Clueless. But somehow, I’ve survived and developed an infinity for oat milk matcha lattes. Oh, the look I got the first time I ordered one of those back at home in Louisiana.

Will I live here forever? The jury’s still out. But I do know that at this point in my life, there’s no other place I’d rather be. I mean, except for when there’s an earthquake. Or when I’m forced to endure L.A. traffic. Or when someone raves about In-N-Out. Ugh. You know what, let me quit while I’m ahead.

If you’re looking for good lattes and flaky pastries or where to buy your next read, here are a few places in L.A. that I love.

Bookstores

The Ripped Bodice 
3806 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232

A must-visit for every romance reader, it has a great selection of books, pins, stickers—all those random little things that no one needs, but no one can resist buying.

Reparations Club
3054 S Victoria Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90016

This vibrant “concept bookshop and creative space” is a Black-owned gem filled with books by Black authors in addition to a curated collection of products from Black-owned companies.

Vroman's Bookstore
695 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101

A Pasadena staple featuring a vast array of books, decor, and gifts. Also, there’s a wine bar!

Annabelle's Book Club LA
12200 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

This is the most adorable bookstore in Studio City. It has cute decor, a good selection of books, and friendly staff.

Octavia’s Bookshelf
1365 N Hill Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104

A small but mighty store inspired by and named after American science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler.

The Last Bookstore
453 South Spring Street Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Seemingly the most-recommended bookstore in this city. For that reason, it can get a tad busy no matter the day of the week. But it’s worth it, even if parking downtown sucks.

Coffee Shops

Alchemist Coffee Project
698 Vermont Ave #103, Los Angeles, CA 90005

Nestled in Koreatown, this coffee shop has AMAZING avocado toast. I know what you’re thinking. You came here for coffee not food, but hear me out. You can’t inhale caffeine on an empty stomach — or at least I can’t. Whatever. The coffee is good too, but seriously that avocado toast is everything.

Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen
Multiple locations

Truth moment: I first went here because of Issa Rae’s connection/co-ownership. But in the midst of fulfilling my fangirl fantasy, I stumbled upon the best damn lavender matcha latte and breakfast sandwich.

Coffee Commissary
Multiple locations

So many good things to say about Coffee Commissary! 1: Their triple-fried potatoes. 2. Their triple-fried potatoes. 3. Their triple-fried potatoes. Their iced matcha with cinnamon simple syrup is good too. But get the potatoes!

Go Get ‘em Tiger
Multiple locations

What sets their drinks apart from every other coffee shop on this list is their sweet, creamy almond macadamia nut milk. And it tastes as good as it sounds.

Bloom & Plume Coffee
1638 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Nothing brightens up a Saturday morning quite like a good latte and pretty flowers. Insert Bloom & Plume—a coffee shop meets floral studio in Echo Park.

The Palm Coffee Bar
2922 Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

A small shop that screams Palm Springs. There’s pink everywhere in addition to palm leaves and neon signs. The pastries are good (especially the ham & cheese croissant), but the true stars are their specialty drinks. My favorite is the Lucky Charm Matcha — which is just as it sounds. Matcha + Lucky Charms. Magically delicious.

Misc. Favorites

The Social Type
3197 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

A great place to grab a card, a new notebook, a new pen. Or even one hundred new pens. I’m not judging.

Tu Madre
Multiple locations

I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve ordered tacos from here two days in a row multiple times before. I’ve loved everything I’ve ever eaten—except maybe the churros. I swear by the fried chicken tacos and the crispy shrimp tacos.

Met Her At A Bar
759 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Three words: waffles, waffles, waffles. We’re talking fruity pebbles, matcha, Thai-style chicken and waffles, waffle benedict, and the list goes on. No reservations, so expect to wait for a little bit. Although, once you’re seated, expect really great service.

Harold & Belle’s
2920 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018

Harold & Belle's tastes just like home to me. Crawfish étouffée, catfish po'boys, and the list goes on.

This is L.A. so there are literally great tacos *everywhere* but some other faves are Loqui (I like the Culver City location) and Chicas Tacos (multiple locations), which is the first place I ate at as an official L.A.resident. 🌮

As far as museums go, my favorites are: the California Science Center, featuring the must-see Space Shuttle Endeavour, and Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, all about the history and cultural impact of movies.

Beach wise: My favorite for people watching is Venice Beach. My favorite for relaxing is Zuma Beach. My favorite for bonfires is Dockweiler Beach. And my favorite for when I want to more than just sit in the sand is Santa Monica Beach. The abundance of shopping and parking around the latter make up for how crowded with tourists it is.

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck about a commitment-phobe and hopeless romantic who go from enemies to friends to lovers. The cover gives me major fall vibes, and with Libra season nearly upon us, I'm ready to dive in.

Hollywood creatives share how they are staying sharp while on strike. Eight solo date ideas. Beyoncé’s birthday Renaissance show celebrated the depths of Black womanhood. Gilmore Girls-inspired coffee cake cookies are taking over TikTok. What you should read this fall, based on your zodiac sign.

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