This Impossibly Charming Used Bookstore May Be Southern California's Best-Kept Secret
By Natasha Kayes|Published December 11, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Two things that I really love are books and plants. I love book covers, the feeling of the paper, eagerly (physically) turning pages as I read a novel. I have books on my office shelf, some I have read and some I haven’t, and there is a mini-jungle of plants around them. They make me happy. So imagine how I felt when I discovered an almost secret little nature-themed book shop just outside of LA. Lost Books in Montrose, CA, is a fantastical little place that feels like it was ripped out of, well, a storybook!
Lost Books is tucked into a historic building in the charming downtown area of Montrose. The epitome of a hidden gem, Lost Books has no sign, no website, and no phone. But for those who discover it, an enchanting little wonderland awaits.
Lost Books feels like fairytale. It’s like entering a secret mystical garden, a magical space with lush greenery on the floors, shelves, walls, and hanging from the ceiling. It’s a one-of-a-kind botanical and literary gem where nature lovers and bookworms alike find the tangible alive and well - particularly refreshing in a digital world.
The bookshelves are uniquely arranged in a swirling spiral and filled with a wonderful collection of new and used media. Tucked among the shelves, you will also find gifts, bath and body products, and more.
Nooks and corners - and the center of the spiral - are set up with cozy sitting areas, little bistro sets, bean bag chairs, etc., so you can sit and relax for a bit, book in hand. Every corner of this place also feels like a perfect photo op, very Instagramable.
Old-school fans of vinyl records will be equally enthralled with Lost Books, where they can find all kinds of musical treasures waiting to be scooped up.
I cannot imagine a more lovely place to enjoy books, plants, and music. Have you been to this adorable book shop in Montrose? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! Are you a bibliophile? Indulge your love of books on Bookshop.org!
