BOOKS

Not far from Hollywood, Annabelle's Book Club LA stands proud and hot pink in the row of stores. A dress made entirely of book pages graces the window, making it clear that *this* is the spot for the book girlies. 

"Annabelle's Book Club started during the pandemic as an Instagram account and blog," shares 18-year-old founder Annabelle Chang as we plop down in the cute 'n' cozy chairs in the middle of the space (perfect for curling up with a novel). "I started selling books online, then at pop-up events and book festivals. Seeing how excited people were about my Young Adult focus, I wanted to create a space where my curation would be more permanent." 

The bookstore itself is organized into labeled sections, like "Swoon-worthy" for romance and "Heart-stopping" for mystery + thriller (Annabelle's preferred picks, she confides). All the genres are featured, along with a wall that declares "Annabelle's Favorites", a selection she rotates based on her recent reads. 

"As I spoke with authors and bookstore owners, I learned that even though YA is an incredibly popular genre, there were no Young Adult-focused bookstores in the U.S.," she explains. "I really wanted to fill that gap in the market."

YA book lovers aren't the only ones loving the space:  The lineup of authors who will soon speak and hold signings at the store includes huge names like BookTuber Christine Riccio (Attached at the Hip) and Melissa de la Cruz (Descendants, The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos). Annabelle is also hosting amazing events like a screening of book-to-movie adaption The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes with Lionsgate. 

And to all the girls who wish they could open a bookstore one day too? "Talk to as many entrepreneurs as possible," says Annabelle. "Before the store opened, I spoke with a lot of authors, bookstore owners and people in publishing. They were all so generous with their time and advice and provided valuable insight that's helped throughout the process. I hope one day I can provide advice to a first-time founder, too."

So for any reader gal with L.A. on their travel itinerary: Make sure this bookstore's on your list. 💕

Want more bookish content? Follow us on Instagram @glbestiebookclub!

Slider image: @reesesbookclub

by Ally Coy | 7/17/2024