Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week, we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week, we have founder Laura Guzman and partner Sarah Wheat of Book Society in Berkeley, California.

What’s your store’s story?

Founded in 2023 as an independent, woman-owned business dedicated to nurturing the community through books and shared experiences, Book Society operates a retail space and wine lounge in the Historic Elmwood District of Berkeley, California. In addition to book and gift sales, the store hosts special book-themed events, community gathering, offers a membership program and book and wine subscriptions.

​​In the wake of the pandemic and amid an increasingly digital, divided world, people are craving offline spaces where they can slow down, be present, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Book Society is our answer to that call – a thoughtfully designed space where people can browse beautiful books, share a glass of wine and rediscover the art of conversation. It’s part bookstore, part wine bar and entirely rooted in the belief that community isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Book Society is redefining what modern third spaces can be: soulful, smart and deeply human.

We’re known for creating a welcoming, curiosity-driven atmosphere, brought to life through curated book and wine pairings – like “What I Ate in One Year” by Stanley Tucci paired with a Dolcetto D’Alba from Italy’s Piedmont region. The themed monthly menus celebrate everything from poetry and nostalgia to food and place, and guests can enjoy tastings through our unique self-serve “sip station” experience.

What’s your favorite section in your store?

Book Society has an intentionally unconventional naming system for bookshelves to inspire curiosity while browsing. Readers will stumble upon categories like “Passion & Peril,” “Wildlife & Wanderlust” or “Mysteries & Mayhem” among others. Our favorite section is “Growth & Greatness” (a blend of self-help, parenting, health and business) which encourages and inspires readers to be better humans.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

We love to recommend “This is Happiness” by Niall Williams because it’s a novel that invites you to slow down and savor every sentence just like a good glass of wine. Guzman fell in love with the way Williams captures the beauty of everyday life, weaving humor, heartache and joy into a story that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Set in a small Irish village on the brink of change, the book is a meditation on memory, first love and the quiet magic of ordinary moments. It’s the kind of story that wraps around you like a cozy blanket and reminds you of the simple, profound pleasures in life: music, family, storytelling and community.

What book do you think deserves more attention and why?

“Likeable Badass” by Alison Fragale doesn’t get enough love. At Book Society, we’re all about amplifying bold, brilliant voices – especially those of women challenging the status quo – and this book does exactly that. Guzman selected “Likeable Badass” as the first pick for Book Society’s “Leading Ladies” book club because it speaks directly to the experience of so many women navigating leadership, identity, and self-worth. It may not be on every bestseller list (yet!), but in our eyes, it’s required reading for anyone who’s ready to own their voice and show up as their full, unapologetic self.

What are some upcoming events, programs or partnerships that you would like to share?

Beyond the shelves and wine glasses, Book Society is proud to be a gathering place. We host a wide range of events − from author and expert talks to literary-themed yoga and meditation − and offer a Book Club Package program where local groups can reserve space for their own meetings. Check out a list of all upcoming events on our site, but here is a sampling:

  • Sunday in the Stacks: Sound Bath and Meditation with Namisha Gandhi. Reflect, realign and journal among the stacks in this one-hour restorative session followed by a mimosa (or non-alcoholic sparkling beverage) toast and private access to Book Society. This is a monthly recurring series with different themes and practitioners leading.
  • Urban & Wild on Sept. 24: Urban design critic John King and naturalist-artist Obi Kaufmann will gather in conversation about how California’s cities and wildlands shape each other, exploring the intersections of ecology, design and our evolving relationship to place.
  • Water, Land and Legacy on Oct. 8 – Acclaimed author Shobha Rao presents her novel “Indian Country,” a sweeping novel of colonialism, displacement and the elemental force of water.
  • The Cookbook Lovers’ Book Club on Oct. 28: Award-winning author and co-host of the podcast Everything Cookbooks, Kate Leahy, will give a crash course in food and wine pairing with tastings from her book “Wine Style.”

And for those who want to bring the magic home, Book Society’s book and wine subscription program offers monthly or bi-monthly curated pairings, complete with tasting notes and a custom Book Society tote.