Small World Books

Surrounded by bad beach food and throngs of people, this little shop is an oasis of literary calm. Their local author selection is right up front, so check out the local talent before perusing the aisles, where you'll find a number of hard-to-find independent imprints, along with the more usual suspects such as McSweeney's. They also have a little Mystery Annex, if you're into that sort of thing. Note: You may feel as if you're being watched like a hawk, but it is Venice beach after all, so cut the staff a break.