by WB Intern Kate Dowdy
A bookstore is a beautiful place. The Writing Barn owes its community to the rich literary life of Austin, and much of that life occurs around bookstores. They’re not only a place to showcase local or underrepresented authors, but to gather and discuss. Below are three great bookstores you can shop from to support local Austin businesses.
Reverie Books is a local bookstore in South Austin offering a wide selection of new releases. The shop highlights independently published books and banned books; it’s also a place to meet with authors and book clubs. Check out this Austin Chronicle 2022 winner in-person or online for a hot new bestseller, old classic, or hidden gem. Then hop over to Quack’s next door and get a danish.
The Little Gay Shop is not just a shop, but a place for LBGTQ+ people to meet. The shop’s backyard vibes, complete with fairy lights and potted plants, all hide an interior that packs a punch. Entering, you’ll see walls of t-shirts and buttons in bright colors and snazzy designs. You’ll also find an amazing selection of books: LGBTQ+ studies, memoirs, and fiction – from rom-coms to sci-fi. Stop by for “Real Queer America” by Samatha Allen and “Heartstopper” by Alice Osman.
Book Woman is a bookstore that specializes in queer and feminist literature. It’s been in Austin for 47 years, hosting author events, showcasing marginalized authors, and providing a large selection of books, from new bestselling fiction to theory. Pick up “Shout your Abortion” by Ameila Bonow or “Iron Widow” by Xian Jay Zhao when you next go here.
Click here for more independent bookstores in Austin to visit.
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About the Author
Kate Dowdy is a senior at St. Edward’s University studying Writing and Rhetoric. She’s also an Austin native you can find at any bookstore in the area. Her favorite genres are sci-fi and romance, especially if they’re combined. As she works towards publishing her first book, Kate hopes to dig into the connections that make a disconnected world worth living in.