Femme Fire Books

Where do I even start with how fabulous and fantastic Femme Fire Books is? They are the literal bookstore dream for a book girlie like me. Located behind Cultivate on Park Street, Vanessa curates her tiny store with diverse and forward-thinking books spanning all genres of fiction and nonfiction, as well as adorable stickers and reading tchotchkes. I'm a big fan of their Blind Date with a Book, which you can also find at other local stores like Temporium. If they don't have a book that you may be on the look out, there's a little box to request it. They hold wonderful events that are inclusive of everyone, and they put the community first time and time again. They partner with other local businesses to host events, such as hosting their book club at Alewife (RIP) or now BREW. I think my favorite events that they've held have been the Book Club Fairs (where you can meet the leaders of different book clubs in Jax), Grown-Up Book Fairs (think Scholastic Book Fair for adults), and their Book Swaps (where you can bring up to 10 of your own used books and swap for 10 new-to-you used books).

I've seen this bookstore multiple times on social media and walking by the surrounding area but had never been in. I'm glad I finally did. Although it is a small store, you will find a book that is right for you. Or, in my case, a few. The staff was super friendly and chatted with my friend and I. They were doing a summer scratch promotion, so I got to take advantage of a discount on a super cute bag for my books. My friend also found some goodies. I will be back. Support your local bookstore!

In this episode of #BestiesBeveragesandBookstores we are heading to Jacksonville, Florida to visit @femmefirebooks. This bookstore takes the saying Hidden Gem to a whole new level and I'm here for it!!!! She's hidden behind a fun store called @cultivatejax. Femme Fire is a small store that packs a great punch with a great selection of books along with coffee mugs, stickers, & the funniest candles I've ever seen. I'm so mad that I forgot to get the employee's name who was working. She was sooo kind and patient, willing to just chat away about this incredible store! From what I hear, it's a favorite to local (amazing) author Emily Rath. Although it was small, I felt like I could have stayed for hours. I loved that it felt off the beaten path yet welcoming to anyone to stopped in. They are huge believers in #diversityandinclusion especially when it comes to books. It really is just an overall incredible place to visit. Next time you're in Jacksonville, be sure to check them out!

It's behind Cultivate. Waited in the rain to check out this new store! Cutesy little bookstore with a great selection. Right now it's 10 people allowed in at a time so don't go with a group. They have a great rack of book club recommendations.

This is a very small (one room!) local, woman owned bookstore with the vast majority of books being brand new or pre-owned and in very good shape. Despite the small size and being tucked behind antique stores, this bookstore has a lot to offer with new and fresh selections in nearly every genre, plus stickers and reading accessories. Lots of nonfiction and with a bit of everything else (fiction, poetry, sci-fi/fantasy, children's books, blind date books, etc). I discovered many books from rising authors I'd never heard of and ended up taking home a historical fiction hardcover for only $13. Because the books are for the most part brand new, they are priced according to the jacket price, but if there's even a little mark or dent, the price can be 60% off or more, so there are some treasures to be found with a bit of luck and perseverance. The staff member there was very friendly and communicative, and I could tell she enjoys working there.

Femme Fire is basically the space we all wished we had growing up. It's the perfect balance of being able to feel seen, while also knowing you have all the options within books to read or gift! What takes FFB away from every other bookstore.. you're supporting locally & know the owner does her research on books she carries in her store. Not to mention..she host some rad events too! she gives customers options to buy within the store or online & if there's a book you're specifically looking for that you can't find..FFB is the place to help with that.