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Shop Local and Unplug
It’s been a while since I wrote about something local that I am passionate about, other than travel, and what pairs better than anything with traveling? Reading, of course! And you guys, I have been reading obsessed lately!
I hardly know anyone who doesn’t pick up a new book before they take a vacation – traveling and reading are the perfect duo! Supporting a local small business or author before your travel plans is just the icing on the cake!
In our fast-paced digital world, where social media notifications and 24/7 news cycles dominate our screens, slowing down and genuinely engaging with a good book can be challenging. But what if you could escape the noise, support a beloved local business, and rediscover the joy of reading? You can, and there is nothing better!
If you’re in St. Petersburg, Florida, there’s no better place to do this than Tombolo Books.
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The Tombolo Books Experience
Located in the heart of St. Pete, Tombolo Books hosts engaging author events, book clubs, and literary discussions that foster a sense of community. Whether you prefer browsing solo or attending a reading with fellow book lovers, the welcoming atmosphere makes it a destination worth visiting.
Need help deciding what to read next? Their staff takes the time to learn about your tastes and can suggest titles you might not have discovered on your own. They also offer special orders and local author features, making every visit feel personal and meaningful.
Tombolo Books is a locally owned, independent bookstore in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District. The bookstore offers a curated selection of new fiction and nonfiction titles to connect readers with diverse literary works. In addition to its literary contributions, Tombolo Books has been involved in broader conversations about literature and censorship. The bookstore’s founder, Alsace Walentine, has spoken out against book bans, emphasizing the importance of free access to diverse perspectives and defending free speech.
Whether you’re seeking your next great read, interested in attending literary events, or looking to support a local business that champions the power of literature, Tombolo Books offers a welcoming and enriching environment for all book lovers.
Smaller, locally owned bookstores are my favorite; sadly, very few are left in this world. It’s so important to show up and support them to save them in your local area.
My Reading Journey
I recently restarted my reading journey in adulthood thanks to an unsavory and stressful couple of years. I was struggling to sleep and feeling constantly drained, and then the 2024 Hurricane season hit with devastating back-to-back hurricanes that left us without power for long periods. This led me to pick up a book that had been sitting on my shelf for over a year without me reading it….
I picked up A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas; the rest is history, and I have read 37 books and Fanfics since September 2024! I grew up loving weekly library visits and being obsessed with series like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, but I fell out of reading as I got older and technology advanced. Re-falling in love with the Fantasy genre has done wonders for my mental health and has helped me find an entire community that I love – BookTok! (IYKYK)
Unplugging and Reconnecting with Books
The endless scroll of social media can be draining, and the constant influx of news can feel overwhelming. Taking a break from screens and immersing yourself in a book allows you to slow down, reflect, and truly enjoy the present moment. Reading has been proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, and even enhance empathy. It’s like taking a vacation right from where you sit!
Why not make it an intentional habit? Set aside time each day to disconnect from the online world and lose yourself in a novel, memoir, or thought-provoking book. Make it a point to visit your local bookstore or library to pick up the latest bestseller or a hidden gem recommended by a friend; you’ll be taking a step toward a healthier, more mindful lifestyle.
Traveling Book Besties
Just for fun, I recently created a Facebook group specifically for Traveling and Reading recommendations called Traveling Book Besties – you are welcome to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelingbookbesties
I hope to build a community of friends who love to talk about where they are traveling and what they are reading! So, what are you currently reading? And where in the world are you reading it?
I NEED to go there!! Everything you said is spot on and I need to make the time to enjoy books more often than I do.