As a writer I also appreciate other people’s writing and always have a good book going. My preferences lean toward nonfiction but I also enjoy the occasional novel especially the classics. Plus, I tend to try to keep up with what’s hot in the literary world. To that end I buy books – lots of them. I love bookstores, the smell, the ambiance and the possibility of finding a rare gem. Sometimes I buy new, sometimes used. I am not a fan of going into the super bookstore chains. You know the ones I am referring to. They seem sterile to me. Instead I opt for the smaller, independent bookstores and thankfully, Houston has several. If you are looking for a good book, great ambiance, knowledgeable staff and budget prices here are my top picks for Houston independent book stores:
Houston independent book store Brazos Bookstore has been a Houston staple since the early 1970’s. They are also a leader in the Houston literary community. Numerous authors have made their way through this store for signings and readings. This Houston independent bookstore is not huge and does not have a vast selection. If you are looking for popular paperbacks you may be out of luck or have to wait for back order. But what you will get is a variety of carefully selected titles that you may not get elsewhere. Plus, the staff there knows their stuff. If you are looking for a particular genre or in the mood for something off the beaten path, ask for a recommendation. You won’t be disappointed. On the website you can search for books and even download ebooks instantly.
Are you a fan of murder mysteries and crime dramas? If so, do yourself a favor and stop by Murder by the Book, a Houston independent book store that specializes in this genre as the name implies. The staff here are well versed in the books and can often figure out the title based merely on a description of the plot. They also have a great selection of signed books ideal for gifts and regular schedule of book signings by the best crime and murder drama authors. Whether you are looking for a new or used book, this is a great place to go.
One of my personal favorites I go to specifically when I am in the area for art books and coffee table books is the Menil bookstore. This Houston independent bookstore is currently closed for remodeling it will reopen soon and once it does it is a must see. They have hard to find books of some favorite artists, sculptors and photographers plus quite the collection of obscure works. If architecture, art, design and travel interest you, you cannot go wrong at the Menil. Go across the street to the sculpture garden and enjoy a good read. While it is being renovated you can still order online.
Quarter Price Books is located on S. Shepherd and is a used book store with a pulse. It is tiny, quaint and a veritable maze of books. You will likely not find any grand bargains there but fairly priced books. You will find some interesting art, religion and math books along with a decent selection of coffee table books. A word of caution, though. This is a great place to go when you want to find…something. If you have a very specific title in mind you will likely be out of luck. Go in with an open mind ready to find something that piques your interest and you won’t be disappointed.
Becker’s Books is one of my all time favorite Houston independent bookstores because it has a great ambiance, the owner’s are great people with a lot knowledge and you can find some rare gems here. The bookstore was once a house that was renovated to become this incredible independent Houston bookstore. I like going to see what strikes me but if you are looking for a specific genre not often found elsewhere, you might just be able to get it here. For the book collector this is a must visit. Leather bound books, classics, esoteric finds and rare collectibles can all be found here.
I am someone who is not from River Oaks who actually likes the River Oaks Bookstore. This Houston independent bookstore is admittedly geared toward the River Oaks set and you will likely not find any real bargains here. What you will find, though, are some rare books and collectors editions in a comfortable environment. It is a little more upscale and concentrates greatly on fiction. What I like most about this store is their array of Texas authors who come through here for readings and signings.
As far as Houston independent bookstores go the Brown Bookshop is not my favorite but only because it is not my particular area of concentration but I can certainly appreciate how exceptional it is. If you are looking for technical books, manuals, papers and more this is the place to find it.
One of my favorite used bookstores I frequent is Katy Budget Books in Katy, Texas. For those not from Houston this would be considered a Houston independent bookstore because while Katy is a different city technically, everyone considers it a part of Houston. They have been in business 25 years and carry both new and used books but with a concentration on used. They also hold some incredible sales throughout the year where you can pick up great finds for a steal. You can shop online but going into the store will give you the best selection and most current offerings plus the ambiance. KBB has a great kids’ section too for the little ones.
There are basically two independent bookstores in Houston where you can peruse the harder to find religious and spirituality genres, new age, metaphysical books and the like. One of the stores is simply way over priced with a generic selection you can find anywhere. Metaphysical matrix is the other and while they also have some typical choices you can actually find some useful books in this genre occasionally. They are also reasonably priced with a friendly, welcoming staff regardless of your particular religious bent. In this genre I think Houston is lacking in general and I typically opt for the Internet when searching for a particular title but for local fare, Metaphysical Matrix is your best bet.
While perhaps not an exhaustive list, these Houston independent books stores are the ones I have experience with and actually frequent. Each of the independent book stores in Houston has its own feel – from selection to ambiance. Each is unique in its own way and each is recommended for anyone who is in the market for a new book. Don’t go to the big super center books stores when you can shop local, get personal attention, a great selection and fair prices. Instead, shop at one of the top Houston independent bookstores.
