Like most writers I’m an absolute sucker for a good bookstore. So as you can imagine I died and went to big, bad book heaven when I found Books & Books along Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach.
This isn’t just a book shop. It’s an all singing, all dancing way of life, and is only one of five wonderful locations dotted around South Florida.
In Miami Beach, the store starts out on the road, with a beautiful tree and fountain lined cafe on the sidewalk. Β Shaded by parasols and with table service, this is where you can just grab a quick coffee, or sit for hours over lunch with friends whilst discussing your latest book choice! Follow the signs, and you enter a high undercover walkway, which has more tables (for those inconvenient tropical storms) and a magazine selection any other store would be jealous of – including some of the best writing, design, art house and music magazines I have ever seen. This lovely teaser takes you straight into an open air courtyard, full of palm trees and colourful modern art. And by now we’re not even in the actual bookshop!
Once inside the store, beyond the courtyard, the only word which could closely sum up how I felt on entering is…. Wow.
Sleek and modern whilst retaining tradtionality, and very, very cool… the Books & Books shop is somewhere I could sit (and did) for hours on end. With big, comfy chairs, different treasure-trove rooms, and a Fashion and Design section which literally made my jaw hit the floor, this is the sort of place you could get lost in. A literary labyrinth of fabulousness…
And, unbelievably, I’ve been told this isn’t even their main shop! Their Coral Gables store is where they hold most of their author events and is even more stunning by all accounts. Next time I am in Miami I will definitely be heading on over there to check it out. I urge you all to do the same!
Have a look at the gallery below for more Book Porn! π LB x
Helen V Anderson says
Thanks for these drool-inducing pics!
Literature Bitch says
No problem Helen! π Could have taken many, many more! LB x
Natalia Sylvester says
Beautiful pictures! Makes me homesick for Books & Books! I grew up in South Florida and moved about three years ago, and their Lincoln Road and Coral Gables stores were my favorite. I have very fond memories of spending hours there…when I was first starting to write my novel, I’d get together at both stores with my writing group and sip on their amazing Chai. I met some amazing authors at their book signing events and even had a chance to read at the CG store as an undergrad writing student at UM. So glad you had a chance to discover this gem!
Literature Bitch says
Thank you Natalia, glad you liked the post! It certainly is a fabulous store π Certainly worth taking a trip back for, I’d use it as an excuse for a cheeky vacation π LB x
Danielle says
What a fantastic article! Loved the pictures and the recommendation. Thanks LB! You Rock! π
Phoebe H says
Totally love this store and your pics really do it justice! What a fantastic piece π Makes me want to go to Books & Books right away!