Independent bookstores are essential to their communities. They foster culture and camaraderie, generate local employment and tax income, encourage literacy and education, support diverse and emerging authors, connect readers to literature in a personal manner, and advocate for the freedom to read and access books.

Every week, we highlight a different independent bookstore, exploring what sets each apart and sharing their recommended reads.

This week, we feature Katy Lemieux and Valerie Walizadeh, co-owners of Talking Animal Books in Grapevine, Texas!

What’s the story behind your store?

We opened the doors of Talking Animal in February 2023. Our store is Grapevine’s only bookstore, located in a major tourism and travel area near DFW International Airport. We aim to create a space for connection, curiosity, and creativity. As a fully woman-owned business, we’ve established a venue for conversation in a community where book bans have created sensitive issues. Our presence has been entirely positive—educating the public on the importance of reading and the power of books to unite communities.

What makes your independent bookstore stand out?

Our patrons are passionate about literature, art, and social topics. We operate in a historic building, and we strive to incorporate the town’s legacy into our store. For example, we have a children’s reading nook featuring a bank teller window, honoring the building’s history as a bank from 1900, later robbed by Bonnie and Clyde. In less than a year, we’ve hosted numerous well-attended events with authors and speakers, earning a reputation as advocates for public education and promoting reading while being a welcoming place for all.

What is your favorite spot in your store?

The reading nook is definitely the highlight! I love hearing kids exclaim, “Oh, wow!” when they step inside and see the fairy lights above. Additionally, we enjoy curating thoughtful sections dedicated to theater and poetry.

What book do you frequently recommend to customers and why?

Lately, I’ve been recommending “Demon Copperhead” for its epic narrative. Barbara Kingsolver has a unique ability to portray America in a nuanced manner, following characters that shine a light on almost inaccessible themes.

Another favorite is “The Red Pony” by John Steinbeck, which deeply impacted me as a teenager. It was the first piece of literature that made me fully grasp grief and the meaning of losing something incredibly dear.

Why is it important to shop at local, independent bookstores?

We remind customers that shopping locally means their money benefits the community’s economy. We contribute significantly to taxes, which fund the enjoyable aspects of our town. Our city thrives on the success of small businesses, and it’s rewarding to see our retail destination working alongside other local entrepreneurs.

What upcoming events or programs at your store would you like to highlight?

Events are the heart of our bookstore, and we particularly love our midnight release parties! On January 20, we partnered with Always Booked for an Onyx Storm event. Always Booked is a fun new podcast that collaborates with small businesses in the area. Our midnight parties are a hit, with some guests diving into their books right away. The team at Always Booked organizes outstanding events down to the finest details, and we’re eagerly anticipating the next one!

Every Saturday, we host storytimes led by local authors. In February, we’re thrilled to welcome Cappy McGarr, an Emmy and NAACP Image Award-nominated producer. He’s the co-creator and Executive Producer of The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize and the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, and he’s served on the Kennedy Center Board under two presidents, among his many accolades. He’ll be with us to share his new children’s book, “Sis Boom Baa!: The Adventures of Princess Lil’ Cap and Sir Hud the Brave.”

Whether you enjoy thrilling horror or steamy romance, we offer a book club for you:

• Horror Book Club: “The Amityville Horror” by Jay Anson
• Fiction Book Club: “Lion Women of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali
• Romance Book Club: “Puck and Prejudice” by Lia Riley
• Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: “Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke
• High School: “Once Upon a Broken Heart” by Stephanie Garber
• TAB Manager Emmalie’s Lit Lounge: “Your Driver is Waiting” by Priya Guns

North Texas Teen Book Festival (NTTBF)

Mark your calendars for one of the most significant literary events of the year!

• Educator Day: Feb. 28
• Festival Day: March 1

Join us for this celebration alongside thousands of book enthusiasts, featuring some of the most captivating authors in YA literature (like R.L. Stine!!). Don’t miss this opportunity to come together with North Texas teens and educators to make reading a joyous occasion. February is set to be unforgettable!