While Book Soup is larger, I think that Skylight Books is the best ma and pop book store in L.A. The fact that today's most respected authors -- from Ralph Nader to Eddie Little to James Ellroy -- choose Skylight as the L.A. stop during their book tours testifies to this store's reputation among literati. The selection is not great, but you can order just about anything, and you'll usually get your orders within a few days. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. The atmosphere reminds one of those corner bookstores that were around before Barnes & Noble took everything over.
Pros: "Underground" lit, Great atmosphere, Staff very helpful
Cons: Selection moderate, Parking limited
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