In the tumult of the holidays, a visit to the bookstore can provide a welcome bit of peace.
Even better? When you stride through the doors of your local independent bookshop with a fistful of sure-fire suggestions, ready to make friends and family happy with excellent, locally sourced books.
And so we’re here to help. ‘
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We reached out to local independent booksellers across Southern California’s Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties to get tips for holiday book-buying, and these booksellers — real readers with taste and insight, not algorithms — came through with more than 100 recommendations for fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, horror and beyond.
If you don’t see a store near you, check out the Book Pages Independent Bookstore Map (https://bit.ly/BookstoreMap) for the nearly 90 bookstores in and around Southern California: Keep that link handy; you never know when you’ll need it.
So read on for a range of great suggestions that you can use in a store in your community, and since you’re the one making the list, be sure to pick something up for yourself, too.
Annabelle’s Book Club LA
12200 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818-683-7323, hello@annabelle’sbookclubla.com, @annabellesbookclubla
Holiday books on our radar:
“Good Spirits” by B.K. Borison | “I loved ‘First Time Caller,’ so very excited about any new B.K. Borison,” says bookseller Lindsay.
“Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan | “Keegan is the master of the short but impactful novel. While not a conventional holiday story, it’s set against the backdrop of Christmas and follows an ordinary man reckoning with the status quo. They made a movie last year, so you can watch the adaptation when you’re done,” says bookseller Emily.
“Secret of Secrets” by Dan Brown. | “Dan Brown hooked me years ago with ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ and I’m ready for another late-night page-turner. ‘Secret of Secrets’ promises the same mix of puzzles, history, and high-stakes suspense — perfect for cozy holiday reading!” says bookseller Archer.
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Red City” by Marie Lu | “As someone who grew up devouring YA dystopian books, I adore ‘Legend’ and recommend it often. I can’t wait to pick up ‘Red City,’ Marie Lu’s adult debut,” says bookseller Archer
“We Could Be Rats” by Emily Austin | “I picked up ‘Everyone in this Room Will Someday Be Dead’ when it first came out, and I’ve been looking forward to each year’s new Austin release ever since. The next one comes out in January, and I couldn’t be more excited,” says bookseller Emily.
More recommendations: “The Road to Tender Hearts” by Annie Hartnett, “Hot Wax” by ML Rio, “Sunburn” by Chloe Michelle Howarth, “Open Water” by Caleb Azumah Nelson, “Katabasis” by RF Kuang.
SEE ALSO: 100 books for Christmas and holiday 2024 recommended by Southern California bookstores
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Bel Canto Books
2106 E 4th Street, Long Beach, 562-294-3319, @belcantobooks
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Death by Dinuguan” by Mia P. Manansala | “We’re so excited for the final book in Manansala’s Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series, filled with meddling aunties, mouthwatering Filipino food, murder, and mayhem,” says Jhoanna Belfer.
“Lightbreakers” by Aja Gabel | “I can’t stop thinking about Aja Gabel’s fantastic sophomore novel about time travel, grief, and the pleasures and challenges of art-making,” says Belfer.
“Water Mirror Echo” by Jeff Chang | “For nonfiction fans, I’m recommending Jeff Chang’s epic biography of martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. It’s exhaustively researched and hugely entertaining, showcasing the tremendous impact Lee had on his contemporaries and future generations,” says Belfer.
More recommendations: “The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, “Gaysians” by Mike Curato
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Black Cat Fables
415 S Myrtle Ave Unit B, Monrovia, 626-269-3129, @blackcatfables
Holiday books on our radar:
“The Twelve Cats of Christmas” by Feather Flores, illustrated by Carrie Liao | “I am obsessed with this book. It’s a feline take on the classic carol that ends with ‘…and a kitten under the tree.’ It’s so adorable I had to get an extra copy for myself,” says owner Nicole.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott | “A classic Christmas story, we chose this one for our December book club. We have several special editions in stock with beautiful clothbound covers and sprayed edges that make a perfect gift.”
“How Winston Delivered Christmas” by Alex T. Smith | “This is an Advent book that tells the story of a darling mouse named Winston who sets out to personally deliver a lost letter to Santa. It’s a great gift for parents and littles.”
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell | “We read ‘Hamnet’ for book club last month; Maggie O’Farrell is one of my personal favorites. Looking forward to the movie adaptation!”
“Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid | “A refreshing, triumphant, queer love story. I was impressed by how the author handled timely and sensitive topics. I appreciated that the ultimate message of the book is about found family,” says bookseller Miranda.
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Cellar Door Bookstore
473 E. Alessandro Blvd., Suite B, Riverside, 951-787-7807, linda@cellardoorbookstore.com
What we’re reading and recommending:
“When We Ride” by Rex Ogle | “This is a beautiful depiction of two teenagers struggling to find their way out of poverty while remaining true to their ride-or-die brother. Heart-wrenching, uplifting, the questions it raises will haunt us until we do right by kids like them.”
“Mother Mary Comes to Me” by Arundhati Roy | “Roy narrates the audiobook, and I so recommend it on Libro.fm. You will want to read this if you have a mother (yes, that means all of you), if you want to understand the modern history of India, and if you love writing that makes your heart stop with its power.”
“Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories” by Cynthia Leitich Smith | “Seventeen Indigenous writers imagined a place where young people could go when they need a bit of hope, healing, and wisdom delivered by elders, along with some comfort food. These are stories we could all use right now.”
“Dead of Summer” by Ryan La Sala | “This has it all: heart-fluttering teen romance, friendships to die for (literally), a strangleworthy villain, teens coming of age in DIFFICULT circumstances, and a queer-friendly island community you will so want to join. Read this!”
“The Lilac People” by Milo Todd | “This is a book about the silencing of voices, the horrible toll exacted when we can’t be who we are, and about the sacrifices a person is capable of for those they love. Powerful, beautiful, and necessary!”
“The Great Mann” by Kyra Davis Laurie | “This is a rich retelling of ‘The Great Gatsby’ from the perspective of wealthy Black 1945 Los Angeles, intertwined with the inescapable legacy of racism. Set this next to ‘James’ on your shelf and discover historical fiction anew!”
“Border & Rule” by Harsha Walia (Haymarket) | “This book will haunt you and deeply alter the way you think about migration, both here and throughout the world.”
“One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” by Omar El Akkad | “In this important book, this award-winning journalist explores disillusionment with a system that allows genocide. Perhaps this book will be the catalyst for the change we doggedly hope for.”
SEE ALSO: Where’s your nearest independent bookstore? Use our map of nearly 90 booksellers
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Children’s Book World
10580 1/2 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-559-BOOK, childrensbookworld.com
What We’re Reading/Recommending:
My two favorite books to share this holiday season are new middle-grade fiction from two award-winning L.A.-based authors, according to Brein Lopez, Children’s Book World’s general manager.
“Let’s Get Together” by Brandy Colbert | “This is a Pasadena-based spin on ‘The Parent Trap,’ which is a perfectly funny and modern take on a beloved story,” says Lopez.
“Candace, the Universe, and Everything” by Sherri L. Smith | “This is about three girls who experience the same wormhole via their school locker, but 40 years between them. Now all three, as tween, middle-aged, and elder, must work together to figure out how it all worked. I love these books,” says Lopez.
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dym books & boba
2057 N Los Robles Ave #10, Pasadena, 626-314-2496, @dympasadena
Holiday books on our radar:
“Book of Lives” by Margaret Atwood, “Pick A Color” by Souvankham Thammavongsa, and “The Isle in the Silver Sea” by Tasha Suri
What We’re Reading/Recommending:
“Untethered Sky” by Fonda Lee, “Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon, “The Dawn of Yangchen” by F.C. Lee, “The Art of Prophecy” by Wesley Chu, “The Empress of Salt and Fortune” by Nghi Vo, “The Jasmine Throne” by Tasha Suri, “The Isles of the Gods” by Amie Kaufman
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Fables & Fancies
50 W. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, 626.665.8856, fablesandfanciesbooks.com, @fablesandfancies
Holiday books on our radar:
“Storyteller” by Dolly Parton | “She is the greatest to ever do it (‘it’ being literally anything) and now you can read all her stories in her voice and maybe cry because you love her so much,” says Ana Buckley
“The Dead of Winter” by Sarah Clegg | “A smart and spooky look at the dark origins of holiday folklore. Learn why people used to fear winter,” says Liv Ficke-Anderson
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Eternal Ruin” by Tigris Girma. | “It is the sequel to ‘Immortal Dark,’ a dark academia enemies-to-lovers about vampires and African culture,” says Liv Ficke-Anderson
“Clytemnestra” by Costanza Casati | “We’re saying this not just because it’s our book club book this month. We’re enjoying the read and the feminist take before Christopher Nolan’s movie comes out,” say Ana and Liv, as with one voice.
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The Frugal Frigate & A Room of One’s Own
9 N 6th Street, Redlands, @frugalfrigate and @afrigateofonesown
Holiday books on our radar:
For kids: “Dasher and the Polar Bear” by Matt Tavares, “Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker” by David Ezra Stein
For grown-ups: “Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal” by Meghan Quinn, “A Case of Life and Limb” by Sally Smith
What we’re reading and recommending:
For kids: “Almost Sunset” by Wahab Algarmi, “Books on Bikes” by Isabel F. Campoy & Theresa Howell, illustrated by Brizida Magro,” Fix-It Familia” by Lucky Diaz, illustrated by Micah Player, “Popo the Xolo” by Paloma Angelina Lopez, illustrated by Abraham Matias
For grown-ups: “Days at the Torunka Cafe” by Satoshi Yagisawa, “Lady’s Knight” by Amie Kaufman, “Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear” by Gyles Brandreth, “Separation of Church and Hate” by John Fugelsang, “The Uncool“ by Cameron Crowe.
SEE ALSO: 11 books and last-minute indie gift ideas for Christmas and the holidays
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Octavia’s Bookshelf
1365 N Hill Ave., Pasadena, 626-421-6222, @octavias_bookshelf
Holiday books on our radar:
“Cursed Daughters” by Oyinkan Braithwaite | “This book follows three generations of women in a Nigerian family who are bound by a curse that prevents them from finding lasting love. I’m so excited for this one. I’ve been waiting for this ever since I finished her first novel, ‘My Sister, The Serial Killer,’” says the store’s owner and founder, Nikki High.
“Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore” by Char Adams| “This book celebrates the history of Black bookstores and their efforts for activism, endurance, liberation and resistance in the community.”
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Palaver” by Bryan Washington | “I’ve loved his previous books (‘Family Meal’ and ‘Memorial’), and ‘Palaver’ does not disappoint. When a mother travels from Houston to visit her estranged son, who is now living in Tokyo, the book navigates past hurt, cultural differences and the meaning of family and home.”
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Once Upon A Time Bookstore
2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, 818-248-9668, @onceuponatimebkstore
Holiday books
“Snow Kid” by Jessie Sima | “Snow Kid is made out of snowflakes, a carrot, sticks, stones, and one fine hat. But when their hat blows away in the winter wind, they go on a search to find who they are and who they are growing into,” says owner Maureen.
“The 13th Day of Christmas” by Adam Rex | “You know about the 12 Days of Christmas, but this wild and wacky story keeps you in stitches. An unexpected sweet delight of a love story, there’s lots to like about this gem,” says Maureen.
“Talk Santa to Me” by Linda Urban | “This is a hysterically funny, light YA rom-com filled with Christmas sweaters gone awry and retail madness with a taste of snark. I was laughing out loud at this Hallmark Christmas-esque clean, charming rom-com,” says Maureen.
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Bunns Rabbit” by Alan Barillo | “An adventurous family fable gorgeously illustrated with a mix of chapters and graphic novel panels. A great read aloud for families,” says Jessica
“Amity” by Nathan Harris | “The best fiction title I’ve read in 2025. A magnificent post-Civil War historical fiction about formerly enslaved siblings and the lengths humans would go to reconnect with family. These are all fully realized characters to root for and to loathe, but all truly memorable — none more than Coleman. A triumph,” says Maureen
“If We Were Dogs” by Sophie Blackall | “If you have a dog, if you know a dog, if you’ve ever wanted to be a dog (or a duck), then this book is the perfection you’ve been waiting for!” says Iz
SEE ALSO: Fall book preview: 34 new titles you’ll want to read in 2025
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Sunny’s Bookshop
18604 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, 818-600-8175, @sunnysbookshop
Holiday books on our radar:
“It’s Different This Time” by Joss Richard | “A read that will make you root for two strangers with undeniable tension, a past and present full of friendship and angst, and a dynamic with deep, meaningful layers. It’s a beautiful debut that explores a second-chance romance amongst an autumn backdrop,” says founder Sanaz Tamjidi (Sunny).
“Romantic Comedy” by Curtis Sittenfeld | “Romantic Comedy is a wonderful book to give as a gift this year. Sittenfeld’s writing is irresistible and this fun, lighthearted romance is impossible to put down,” says outreach manager Nikki Munoz.
What we’re reading and recommending:
“The Compound” by Aisling Rowe | “The Compound takes place on the set of a dating reality show — the premise of the in-book show will remind you of ‘Love Island’ initially, but it gets much darker, deeper, and wilder. I couldn’t put this one down,” says outreach manager Nikki Munoz.
“Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy | “A page-turning mystery with the kind of writing that makes you stop and reread a line just because it’s that beautiful. McConaghy’s love for nature shines on every page,” says bookseller Arianna
More recommendations: “Family Recipe” by Carolyn Huynh, “Cover Story” by Celia Laskey, “Dream State” by Eric Puchner, “Park Avenue” by Renée Ahdieh, “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry
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Underdog Bookstore
312 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, underdogbookstore.org, @underdogbookstore
Holiday books on our radar:
“I’ll Be Gone For Christmas” by Georgia K. Boone | “A heartwarming holiday rom-com, perfect for fans of ‘The Holiday,’” says Kealie Mardell-Carrera.
“Melt For Me” by Cassadra Vega | “If you’re looking for a quick holiday read that’s packed full of emotion, this spicy winter novella is for you!” says Kealie Mardell-Carrera.
“Felices Fiestas” by Diosa Xochiquetzalcóatl | “A spectacular, sassy collection of holiday poems, for the nicest and naughtiest of you all,” says Kealie Mardell-Carrera.
“Making Home” by Melissa Whitney | “A friends-to-lovers ‘Mean Girls’-inspired small town holiday romance. Need we say more?” says Kealie Mardell-Carrera.
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Village Well Books and Coffee
9900 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, 424-298-8951, @villagewellcc
Holiday books on our radar:
“Heart the Lover” by Lily King | “This book will break your heart, then make you believe in love again,” says bookseller Kate
“King Sorrow” by Joe Hill | “A sweeping, epic story horror/fantasy that still somehow feels intimate and tender,” says bookseller Colin
What we’re reading and recommending (1-2 books):
“Good Spirits” by B.K. Borison, “Lessons from Cats on Surviving Fascism” by Stewart Reynolds, “Bring The House Down” by Charlotte Runcie, “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” by Kiran Desai, “I Who Have Never Known Men” by Jacqueline Harpman, “It’s Different This Time” by Joss Richards, “What We Can Know” by Ian McEwan.
SEE ALSO: 22 books coming out in November 2025 to add to your TBR list
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Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, (626) 449-5320, vromansbookstore.com
Holiday books on our radar:
“Backtrack” by Kent Holland | “A tender, multi-layered love story set against the winding path of the Caminho Portoguês. I love this one because it’s by a queer indie author who donates a portion of the proceeds to LGBTQ+ charities,” says book department supervisor Jake.
“Exiles” by Mason Coile | “A chilling mystery set on Mars that asks big questions about generational trauma, sexism, loneliness, rage, and what it means to be human,” says bookseller Anne.
“The Intentions of Thunder” by Patricia Smith | “2025’s National Book Award winner for Poetry. It’s joyous, gentle, and exquisite,” says Jake.
“The Names” by Florence Knapp | “What’s in a name? Everything, as this wonderful first novel demonstrates in three different storylines that play out based on what name a mother chooses for her new son,” says Anne.
“We Survived the Night” by Julian Brave NoiseCat | “If there’s any book you need to read before the end of the year, it’s this one. NoiseCat vulnerably shares stories from his life with unflinching honesty. It is a gift to literature that teaches Native history in a way I’ve never experienced before. Some of the most beautiful writing I’ve read this year,” says Jake.
What you’re reading and recommending:“Soju Party” by Irene Yoo, “Kill the Beast” by Serra Swift, “A Thousand Natural Shocks” by Omar Hussain, “I Might Be in Trouble” by Daniel Aleman, “Crafting for Sinners” by Jenny Kiefer, “Plastic” by Scott Guild, “Lucky Day” by Chuck Tingle
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Zibby’s Bookshop
1113 Montana, Santa Monica, 424.387.1744, @zibbysbookshop
Holiday books on your radar:
“Persephone’s Curse” by Katrina Leno | “I have heard endless praise for this book,” says Zanny. “I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy for myself.”
“Guided” by Laura Lynne Jackson | “We recently had Laura in for an absolutely packed, sold-out event at the bookshop. Her words are so powerful; I was very moved by her message,” says Caroline
What we’re reading and recommending:
“1929” by Andrew Ross Sorkin | “This is THE dad’s gift for this holiday season.”
“On Being Jewish Now” | “This is still such a strong seller for us, and its message is so important and timely.”
“It’s Different This Time” by Joss Richard | “Cozy, warm, and fuzzy vibes abound in this rom-com set in NYC in the fall!”