The 2026 Indie Bookstore Challenge
One independent bookstore a month (who’s in?)
At the end of 2025, I saw a post from Anna @alltoo.wellread on Instagram that stopped me mid-scroll—in the good way. She’d set a simple goal at the start of the year: buy a book from a different independent bookstore every month. Twelve months later, she’d done it. And not in a grindy, look-at-me way. In a joyful, values-aligned, this-made-my-life-better way. Even better, she invited her community to join her as she committed to doing it all over again the following year—turning a personal goal into a shared celebration of independent bookstores.
My hearts, I was sold.
So I’m officially declaring 2026 my year of the indie bookstore—and I’m inviting you to join me.
Why independent bookstores?
Because indie bookstores are more than places to buy books. They’re:
community hubs
safe spaces
love letters to curiosity
where queer books get face-out displays
where staff handsell debut authors like proud matchmakers
They’re where you walk in “just to browse” and walk out changed. Or crying. Or with a tote bag you didn’t plan on buying. (All valid outcomes.)
This challenge isn’t about perfection or checking boxes. It’s about intention—putting our money where our readerly hearts already are.
The (very gentle) rules
Visit one independent bookstore each month
Buy something (a book, a preorder, a zine, a gift—counts!)
Local, road-trip, or accidental discoveries welcome
No shame if you miss a month—this is joy, not homework
Do all twelve? Amazing.
Do five? Still amazing.
Do one and talk about it lovingly forever? Honestly, same.
My 2026 Southern California Indie Bookstore List
Because I love a plan—and because enabling is my love language—here’s the list I’m using as my guide this year:
Octavia’s Bookshelf — Pasadena
Black-owned, community-rooted, and named for Octavia Butler. Already perfect.Underdog Bookstore — Monrovia
Not-for-profit shop offering diverse books and inclusive events, Underdog Bookstore aims to amplify underrepresented voices and provide a safe space.Verbatim Books — North Park, San Diego
A selection of over 50,000 gently-loved, highly curated, and sometimes antiquarian books.Meet Cute Romance Bookshop — La Mesa
Queer-owned and romance-only. A bookstore that believes in love stories without apology.Mysterious Galaxy — San Diego
Sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery royalty. Enter at your own TBR’s risk.Arvida Book Company — Tustin
Woman-owned, beautifully curated, and a Main Street dream.The Untold Story Bookstore — Anaheim
A new community hub filled with books by and for people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.Skylight Books — Los Feliz, LA
Stellar curation and a store cat. No further explanation required.Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural — Sylmar
Founded by LA Poet Laureate Luis J. Rodríguez, this café/bookshop is culture, poetry, and resistance all in one space.Book Soup — West Hollywood
Iconic for a reason. Legendary author events and impeccable browsing energy.The Ripped Bodice — Los Angeles
A queer-owned, romance-only bookstore that deserves its own month, its own budget, and possibly its own national holiday.Reparations Club — Los Angeles
I’ve been shopping here online since before I even moved back to LA but I’ve yet to visit in person. Can’t wait!
Bonus stops (because rules are fake) and backup bookshops (because life happens)
The Open Book — Canyon Country, Simi Valley, Northridge
I’ve done several events at the Woodland Hills location, but will visit another if I can this year.
Godmothers — Summerland
Feminist, fiercely curated, and coastal in the most magical way.
Chaucer’s Books — Santa Barbara
A classic indie with deep roots and “stay awhile” vibes.
Want to join me?
I’ll be sharing my indie bookstore visits throughout the year—the books I buy, the spaces I fall in love with, and the moments that remind me why stories (and the places that house them) matter so much.
If you want to:
follow along
steal this list
make your own
or quietly decide you’re doing this and surprise yourself later
You’re already doing it right.
Here’s to 2026: a year of independent bookstores, community love, and stories we didn’t know we needed—one beautiful, chaotic shelf at a time.
