All too often, I walk into an independent bookstore and find the same books I’d find at a chain bookstore. What’s the point? An independent bookstore should have a personality of its own, and it should sell books from independent presses. Malvern Books scores on both counts. Malvern is carefully curated. If you like good books, you’re going to find something of interest here. The staff will help. They are super friendly and knowledgeable and excited about books. Malvern hosts readings regularly from a diverse array of small press authors. The readings are some of the most well-organized that I’ve been to, and they always have snacks. I’m a genre nut. I love horror and sci-fi and bizarro along with my regular lit. Malvern has some of the more literary minded genre stuff, but is a bit light in that area. I suspect they know what their customers are looking for and that’s just not what they’re going for.
Bernadette D.
Tu valoración: 4 Austin, TX
I would describe Malvern Books as if someone took a small piece of Bookpeople with a couple of their employees and decided to set up shop on the Drag. Malvern Books is not a huge bookstore such as Bookpeople but Malvern specializes in visionary literature and poetry from independent publishers, with a focus on lesser-known and emerging voices. Basically they sell rare titles from well known authors. Inside the store is not exactly a row of bookshelves. The bookshelves are around the perimeter and there’s a couple of displays of rare noir books and local authors. There are also poetry books, graphic novels, plays, etc. you can find at Malvern. It’s definitely worth checking out if you are especially into books. I know I was tempted to buy a couple of titles while I was in there.
Jana n.
Tu valoración: 5 Austin, TX
I love this place! What a great selection of books. I would go here every day if I lived in the neighborhood.
Matthew L.
Tu valoración: 5 Austin, TX
It is pretty remarkable for our fair city to have a bookstore like Malvern. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a lovingly and expertly chosen collection in a bookstore anywhere else in the world. When you walk in you are always greeted by one of the staff who lets you know that their collection is divided between prose and poetry as well as both in translation. It is a small collection because it is so dearly curated. The shelves have recommendations by staff which have helped me to discover some amazing new writers. They also carry several works from two of my favorite presses: ugly duckling for contemporary poetry and archipelago books for works in translation. Beyond that, they have several events which are a great way to get to know new work and mingle with the Austin literary community. You should absolutely stop in, be introduced to a new work, and BUYIT to support such an amazing local business. Yay Malvern.
Allison M.
Tu valoración: 5 Austin, TX
Wow, what an amazing bookstore! Haven’t seen anything like it in years. Obviously carefully selected books, a huge selection of poetry and small press, with some hard-to-find classic authors, as well. A beautiful reading atmosphere, with tables and chairs set up in a comfortable, well-lit space. This is a place for people who love books, not just the best-sellers. So glad we stumbled across it!
E S.
Tu valoración: 5 Buffalo, NY
Forget about Bookpeople; this is the bookstore this city needed, and finally got. If you’re not getting your books from this place, then I don’t know what to tell you. Their selection is mostly composed of small press fiction and poetry, along with some graphic novels. As they just opened, I expect that their selection will expand. Most of these books you won’t find anywhere else in town. I’m very excited about them, and know that I’ll be getting all my books from them, and if they don’t have it, I’ll have them special order it. Seriously Austin, I’ll be very disappointed in you if you don’t support this place.