Book Soup on the Sunset Strip commemorates its 50th anniversary this year. The bookstore’s roots go back to 1975, when Glenn Goldman opened it with a vision to serve Los Angeles’ “Great & Infamous” readers. Since Goldman’s death in 2009, the store has worked to uphold his mission of connecting books with a diverse community, hosting Hollywood legends, music icons, writers, and occasional controversial figures over the decades.
The milestone prompts reflection on its journey, marked by events like the evolving tale of Hunter S. Thompson’s signing, which staff recount with varying details. To enrich this history, Book Soup invites patrons to write personal memories here, and photos can be submitted to adam@booksoup.com for a potential oral history project. This initiative seeks to capture the store’s impact on its readership.
Located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard, the shop houses over 60,000 titles, specializing in art, film, photography, music, and literary fiction, with a focus on university, international, and small presses. Autographed books, vinyl records, and floor-to-ceiling shelves draw visitors, while two golden dog statues guard the space. Author readings and staff-recommended picks enhance its appeal. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, with free one-hour parking available behind the store via Nellas St.
Congratulations Book Soup for your 50th anniversary! West Hollywood is lucky to have you. It’s such a treat to visit the store and actually purchase a book. xoxo
First impressions and all that: found it a profoundly unwelcoming store. Was walking back from the gym with my stuff in a backpack. Stopped by (new to the neighborhood) to browse, and was barked at by store employee that my backpack was verboten. Never went again. Decades have passed, $$$ spent on books during that time, but never shopped there. Figure me that one brick and mortar retail
An institution.