FEEDING FELLOW BOOKWORMS: LOS ANGELES EDITION

By: Samantha Molina

This one goes out to all our fellow bookworms – especially those in Los Angeles. 
Since Logue Social founder Morgan Messing and I completed our bachelor’s degrees in English
this May, we’ve missed our book-based seminars and lectures. That’s how we found ourselves
turning to a hybrid: book talks.

When mentioning book talks to anyone our age, they often ask how BookTok – the book side of
TikTok – created a physical location. Although BookTok has yet to manifest a real-life venue
(wishful thinking, we know), book talks are a close second. 

If you’re wondering what a book talk is, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Book talks are
events wherein authors discuss their latest work, share a reading, and answer questions from
audience members. Typically, bookstores host them. 

While we aren’t the first to discover book talks, we have discovered how overlooked they often
are. That’s why we want to do our part in sharing a few of our favorite stores offering book talks
in Los Angeles. 

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1. BOOKSOUP – WEST HOLLYWOOD
   Situated on none other than the Sunset Strip, Booksoup exudes an unmatched creative energy.
   Hosting anywhere from three to six authors per week, Booksoup provides an array of book talks
   to choose from – whether fiction, nonfiction, or anything in between is your jam. If you want to
   interact with authors in a meaningful way or meet fellow bookworms, Booksoup is the place for
   you. There’s nothing quite like sitting in their cozy storefront, surrounded by people who
   appreciate books as much as you do. 
2. DIESEL, A BOOKSTORE – BRENTWOOD
   Going to Diesel is like catching up with an old friend. Located at the Brentwood Country Mart,
   Morgan and I have known the bookstore since we were little girls. As our book tastes have
   grown with us, so has our love for Diesel. This location (the other being in Del Mar) usually
   presents one to three book talks each week, spotlighting renowned or up-and-coming authors.
   Because Diesel’s book talks can attract both intimate and large crowds, we recommend reserving
   a seat in advance by purchasing a signed book online. Before the book talk begins, pick up your
   book from Diesel’s staff and take it to the back patio. Then, enjoy the book talk and ensure that
   you ask the author to personalize their autograph at the end.
3. SKYLIGHT BOOKS – LOS FELIZ Set in the heart of Los Feliz, Skylight Books’ rustic feel is honed by an indoor tree cascading over its bookshelves. Even though we’re newcomers to the scene at Skylight, it’s too good of a spot not to mention. On an average week, Skylight holds about five book talks in the evening: a perfect post-work activity. In addition to book talks, Skylight offers the Coyotes Book Club, which meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. All are welcome, so make sure to check out their upcoming events.
4. THE LAST BOOKSTORE – DOWNTOWN
   The Last Bookstore is an L.A. classic: the area’s biggest store for new and used books. If you’re
   a bookworm seeking to immerse yourself in literature, there’s no better place than The Last
   Bookstore’s maze of shelves. This spot puts on one to two book talks a week but will sometimes
   skip a couple of weeks in between. Even though there aren’t any future events scheduled at this
   time, we have no doubt that The Last Bookstore has something exciting in store for the near
   future.  
5. ZIBBY’S BOOKSHOP – SANTA MONICA
   Have you ever craved a certain type of book but not known where to turn? If so, look no further
   than Zibby’s Bookshop. The store categorizes genres by moods (like “when you want to escape,”
   “when you want to laugh,” and so on). As such, Zibby’s has quickly made a name among local
   bookworms since its February opening. Not only that – Zibby’s consistently arranges an
   impressive book talk lineup, hosting two to three authors every week. Zibby’s book talks never
   fail to promote page-turning reads complemented by enticing discussions. I’ll admit it: we’re
   obsessed with this place. 

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No matter which bookstore you gravitate towards, we hope you’ll love their book talks as much
as we do. Oh, and one more thing: bring a friend. It doesn’t get much better than a good book, a
good author, a good friend, and maybe even a good meal afterward!