I want to begin by saying that I’m a bookstore fangirl — which just so happens to be the title of a book I want to read — from Chevalier’s cozy academia vibe to Barnes & Noble’s sprawling array to the iconic edge of the Strand (Dash and Lily!) and Downtown Los Angeles’ own Last Bookstore. But there is one that holds a special place in my heart: Annabelle’s Book Club in Studio City. Maybe it’s because it was started by a female teen entrepreneur, or maybe it’s the ambience. Annabelle’s is aes-
thetic and magical in every way; it’s like a regency drawing room mixed with modern elegance. Upon first walking through the bright pink doors, one is met with a themed display of books and a gown made of pages that cheerfully reflect the current season. If the dress waltzed across the store, I wouldn’t be surprised. The shelves are adorned with unique, intentional delights, such as a Ruth Bader Ginsburg doll, quotes of Taylor Swift lyrics and stylish, vintage board
games. One of my favorite aspects of Annabelle’s is the cozy reading nook, which is decorated with vibrant, floral wallpaper, chic patterned pillows and whimsical lights. Owner Annabelle Chang founded the bookstore when she was 16 years old, with the “young adult” (YA) theme reflected through the decorations. She came up with the idea to create the store after starting an Instagram account and then a blog devoted to YA books. In an article by Los Angeles Daily News, Chang mentions her love of
books and her dream of opening a bookstore. “My whole life, I’ve always been a huge book lover, and I’ve always dreamed of working in or owning a bookstore. But I never really thought that it would be a reality,” Chang said. “I started researching bookstores in LA and across the country, and realizing there were no YA focused ones, I really wanted to fill that gap in the market.” Even though the YA genre is her dominant focus, truly no reader is left behind. There are books for all ages, in-
cluding books on design, travel, cooking, music and more. Personally, my literary moods vary. Some of my favorite novels include “Better Than the Movies,” “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” “The Inheritance Games,” “Legendborn,” “Edenbrooke”
and the nostalgic books of childhood, including “Corduroy the Bear.” Though we come to a bookstore for the heart and soul, Annabelle’s Book Club does remind me of a quote that my mom is consistently fond of me saying: “It’s not a crime to be pretty.” And Annabelle’s Book Club is most definitely pretty.