Chapter #48: The One Thing I Do Every Time I Visit a New City

And why you should too!

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.

As the Wicked Watch by Tamron Hall

This mystery follows crime reporter Jordan Manning as she investigates the murder of a young Black girl in Chicago. Along the way, she uncovers systemic injustices and believes a serial killer is at large. This book caught my eye during a bookstore browse, and I immediately requested it on Libby. It’s a slow burn, not as thrilling as I hoped, and the frequent day-to-day parts were a little mundane. But overall, it held my attention, and the ending made me curious about the next installment in the series.

Louder Than Words by Ashley Woodfolk and Lexi Underwood

This Gossip Girl-style story follows Jordyn, a high schooler trying to reinvent herself at a new school. But her plans to lay low and make new friends are thwarted when an anonymous podcaster threatens to reveal damaging secrets about her past. It's YA, so a little soapy and dramatic at times. But that's why I read YA! Low-stakes drama. I guessed one of the "twists" pretty early but was indeed surprised by who the anonymous podcaster was. Overall, it's a heartwarming, easy read that explores friendship, forgiveness, second chances, and standing up for change.

Memphis, TN: novel.

I'll never forget the "Really, Alexis?" looks on my parents' faces when I asked if we could quickly stop during our trip to Memphis last year. Funny enough, it's the same look my brother gave me last week when I asked him to do the same thing in Dallas last week. In both instances, the lovingly annoyed but unsurprised looks weren't simply because I wanted to make stops. Instead, they were because of where I wanted to stop: bookstores, of course.

If nothing else, at least I'm consistent.

Whenever I travel to a new city, a bookstore is one of the first places I seek out. These literary havens offer more than just a collection of books—they provide a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of the place I'm visiting.

Stepping into a bookstore in a new city is like opening a portal to its culture. The selection of books, the atmosphere, and the layout tell a story about the community's values and interests. It's a chance to discover new voices and perspectives I might not encounter elsewhere. Local authors often grace the shelves, offering insights into the region's history, folklore, and contemporary issues. And the staff recommendations always help me instantly feel connected to the local reading community.

Dallas, TX: The Wild Detectives + BlackLit

Bookstores also serve as a sanctuary during my travels. A peaceful retreat amid the hustle and bustle of exploring touristy sights, dipping in and out of local restaurants, and dealing with unfamiliar traffic patterns. They give me a place to slow down, lose myself in a good book, and recharge for the next adventure. The familiar smell of paper, the quiet rustle of pages—it’s comforting.

Moreover, I love the serendipity of finding unexpected non-book treasures. Each bookstore always has its unique collection of stationery, stickers, and little trinkets. Sure, I don’t need more of these things, but I still buy them. These small discoveries become cherished souvenirs, each random bookmark or postcard carrying memories of the place where I found them.

Seattle, WA: Elliott Bay Book Company

Interacting with local booksellers is another highlight. They often share great recommendations for books, coffee shops, and hidden gems that only a local would know. After hearing that I'm a visitor, they’ve also given me gifts or discounts.

So yes, I will derail plans on any and every trip just to visit a bookstore. It’s a tradition that enriches my journeys in countless ways. It’s a habit that combines my love of reading with my passion for exploration, allowing me to experience each destination through the lens of its literary culture.

The next time you find yourself in a new destination, consider doing the same—you never know what adventures await between the stacks.

How to find bookstores in new cities

• IndieBound.org: Use the Indie Bookstore Finder to search by city, zip code, or address. You can also filter your search by various identities, such as Black-owned, or woman-owned.

• Bookshop.org: Use the store locator to search for nearby locations by entering an address or postcode.

• Good old-fashioned word of mouth: I either cyber-stalk bookstagrammers in cities I’m traveling to, clicking tagged bookstores in their photos, or ask people directly—friends, coworkers, newsletter subscribers. And on that note, if you’ve got bookstore recommendations in Portland, Vegas, or Austin, drop them in the comments!

P.S. In case you’re visiting Southern California anytime soon:

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

First up, I’m diving into an ARC of The Wedding People by Alison Espach (out on July 30!). The story follows a woman recently separated from her husband who checks into a luxury hotel and becomes an unexpected wedding guest after befriending a bride in an elevator, changing both women’s lives forever. Then Honey by Isabel Banta, a coming-of-age story that follows the rise of a singer navigating fame in the late-90s and early-2000s.

Romance bookstores are booming. All the Emily Henry books being turned into movies and shows. What to read when it’s too hot to do anything else. 10 books Colin Bridgerton would love. NetGalley for newbies. How celebrity book clubs actually work. The moms are horny. 33 cookbooks that everyone should own. Writers to watch. What Nickelodeon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark can teach horror writers. New rom-com The Villain Edit puts a dark twist on a Bachelor-style reality TV love story.

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