The only thing I enjoy more than stuffing my face is reading. A good book puts me to sleep at night, makes a bus commute fly by, and takes me a to happy place even on the toughest days.
I own one of those fancy electronic reading devices and I must admit I love it; my reading addiction is happily fueled by this portable, pocket-sized library. Yet, regardless of the convenience it provides there is something missing. You other book nerds know what I’m talking about – the smell of a book is truly delicious (especially if it’s used) and the sound of hungrily turning the pages of a gripping text provides suitable fodder for even the most insatiable appetites. I imagine you are now beginning to understand why I often simultaneously discuss my love of food and books, but I digress.
Octavia Books is one of my favorite bookstores in the city. It is nestled in a residential area only a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of upper Magazine. The tiny store is crammed floor to ceiling with textual treasures new and old. While you won’t find a selection as vast as what a large retailer or a library may offer, Octavia is locally owned by people who are truly passionate about books and who care about the community (the store was one of the first businesses to reopen in NOLA after Katrina spurring the recovery effort). Many of the texts Octavia carries focus specifically on New Orleans and/or the South. Octavia Books also regularly hosts book signings that include Q&As with the authors of new books, which is a great way to gain a more in depth understanding and appreciation for what you read. The authors Octavia brings to NOLA represent all genres and come from all over the place – at one of their events I got to hear Stephen King talk about his novel 11/22/63 and I got a signed copy!
If you love to read as much as I do subscribe to Octavia’s e-mail list. You’ll get invites to their events as well as “Shelf Awareness” which provides a list of the latest books Octavia carries and book news. Also, check out their monthly newsletter, The Octavian. I think it is safe to say that Octavia Books fuels my reading addiction as much as my e-reader does.
Octavia Books
513 Octavia Street
504-899-READ (7323)
