Book(shop) recommendations for freelancers
For the love of reading challenges, book fairs, and bookshops
In my youth, summer was the season for abundant and leisurely reading. I always looked forward to the library’s summer reading challenge where I would pick out all the books that excited me instead of what was prescribed at school. Plus, PRIZES!…for reading!? Count me in. So, you can imagine my excitement when I recently read about Friends & Neighbors, a creative space and Risograph studio in San Francisco, hosting their own Summer Reading Challenge—this time for adults!
Now that summer’s winding down and we’re transitioning into the latter part of the year, I realize I didn’t get as much reading done as I’d hoped. But as an adult, I’ve come to appreciate that there’s actually no better time for reading than the coziness of the upcoming autumn and winter seasons.
For the love of reading challenges, book fairs, and bookshops I’m inspired to share some of my favorite reads. Whether you’re looking for freelance inspiration, a fresh perspective, or a creative spark, these picks are for you.
Introducing the Freelance for Life bookshop
You can now explore the Freelance for Life virtual bookshop hosted on Bookshop.org (where every purchase financially supports local independent bookstores!). You can window-shop my recommendations on topics like:
The path to independence
Balance & boundaries
Rituals
Creativity
Business frameworks
Building relationships
Find me browsing a physical bookshop
If, like me, you enjoy flipping through books in person, here are some favorite bookshops around the globe where I’ve happily gotten lost among the shelves:
San Francisco:
Los Angeles (and beyond):
Portland:
📚 Powells
New York:
📚 Strand
New England:
📚 Trident
📚 RJ Julia
Mexico City:
Florence:
Tokyo & Kyoto:
Little Library:
Don’t forget that your local library is an amazing resource for exploring books (physical and digital)!
Or if you go on a wonder walk you might even happen upon a Little Free Library. See a super fanciful one below (discovered in my own neighborhood) where I came across this beautiful book of words of wisdom + watercolors.
If you’ve ever experienced a magical bookshop, seen a creative build for a Little Free Library, or have any great book recommendations, please share!
I’ve been dying to go to Bart’s books! Love this idea, Sarah!
Books Are Magic, Greenlight, and Word bookstores in Brooklyn are all SUPERB! Especially Books Are Magic.