The yellow and black lettering spelling out “BookMonster” is pretty hard to miss, but it is on Third Street Promenade, one of the most popular shopping streets in Los Angeles. Under the sign you may notice portraits of famous authors on the wall. This is one of the most unique aspects of BookMonster; different authors and literary texts are a physical feature of the store’s design and architecture. Words are scattered over the walls (and ceiling) and you can find Virginia Woolf’s portrait staring at you while you checkout.

I happened to find BookMonster during its opening week. With its warehouse size and variety of collections, I thought it closely resembled a large bookstore chain such as Barnes and Noble, not to mention its search kiosks and member discounts. Yet, it still encompasses the unique character and intimate feeling of being independently owned. As you see in one of the pictures below, BookMonster has a sign out front that reads “Yesterday, local readers sold…” which encourages readers to come and sell their books. Not only is this a fantastic way to save up money for more books, but engages the community on a fiscal level as well as intellectual. If you’re like me, you have to be careful not to spend your entire paycheck in a bookshop… but the option to sell your books, CD’s, and DVD’s definitely helps save your wallet.

If you look up while you wander around the store, you might see a whale, or Moby Dick himself. Bravo to whomever thought of having Moby Dick swim over the isles of literature and browsing faces. It is an excellent choice to serve as the lid to a culture of knowledge and reading. If you also love Moby Dick, check out my essay on Melville and the power of isolation and art.

NOTABLE SECTIONS:

In addition to new and used books, they have a variety of CD’s and DVD’s, which you can also buy, trade, and sell. You can also sign up for a membership and get a 5% discount on in store purchases and buy back points. See their website below for more details!

CAFE’S & RESTUARANTS:

Santa Monica has many lovely cafes that border Third Street Promenade. I suggest Cafe Bella for great Avocado Toast and Jinky’s Cafe for a Southern vibe- both great places to read all day!
Used Books: ✓

Rare Books: ✓

Sell Books: ✓

Cafe: ✘

Wifi: ✓

Pets: ✓

Website: https://www.bookmonster.com/store/main.aspx

Social: https://www.facebook.com/bookmonstercom/

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