Top Local Bookstores In Las Vegas

The Daily Meal Staff|June 23, 2014 7:00 am EST

Away from the lights of the Las Vegas Strip, residents of Las Vegas who love to read have independently owned bookstores to explore, browse and share their love of literature. Whether gaining knowledge about the world, including the beyond, involved with gripping fiction or awed by the beauty of photography and art through printed pages, books are one way to become a world class traveler. Southern Nevada features several bookstores that have grown in popularity and business continues to thrive.

Genesis Books and Gifts
1815 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 1
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 386-0099
www.12steplifeshop.com

Genesis Books and Gifts carries books with a focus on self-improvement, wellness and 12-step recovery programs including alcoholics, narcotics, over eating, cocaine, spending, gambling, sex and lust, emotions, Al Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics. Other subjects include spirituality, affirmations, meditation and personal awareness along with books about Christianity and other religions. There is a section dealing with the family dynamics of interaction, grief counseling and gaining comfort from difficult situations.

Westgate Book Exchange
3957 W. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 877-9501
www.westgatebooks.com

Westgate Book Exchange specializes in romance and fantasy genres. The store will buy certain titles as well as trade books. Located in an older strip mall in central Las Vegas, the store is crowded but well organized. Whether looking for current or older romance novels, this is the bookstore to visit. Other genres are carried as well including history and military.

Great Wall Bookstore
4255 Spring Mountain Road
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 876-8875
www.greatwallbooks.com

Opened in the Las Vegas Chinatown Plaza in 1995, the Great Wall Bookstore features Chinese books in both English and Chinese. As for subjects, for example, those who are interested in preparing authentic Chinese cuisine can find cookbooks such as "Best of Chinese Cuisine: Herbal Dish." First published in 1983, a new edition written in the 21st century has been released with 20 new recipes and information about adding Chinese herbs for taste and health benefits. If interested in art, "An Album of Contemporary Chinese Paintings" showcases Chinese artists who traveled to Europe and Japan to learn different painting techniques, colors and subjects while incorporating traditional Chinese techniques. For all subjects covering Chinese culture, this bookstore carries numerous titles and can order more as well.

Psychic Eye Book Shops
5835 S. Eastern Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 451-5777
www.pebooks.com

With four locations in Las Vegas, Psychic Eye Book Shops specializes in books about metaphysics, mystics, psychic phenomenon, spirituality, occult and new age concepts. Opened in 1985, there is a selection of books for subjects such as Wicca, herbs, crystal healing as well as different cultures including Native Americans, Paganism, Buddhism Hindus, Celtics and Nordics. If looking for books either released recently or years ago, Psychic Eye should have it in stock in one of its six locations.

Book Boutique
19 W. Pacific Ave.
Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 697-0001
www.facebook.com/nvbookboutique

Owned by sole proprietor Shereen Hale, Book Boutique located in historic downtown Henderson features used books but also carries new books by local authors. In fact, Book Boutique is a big supporter of local talent which includes inviting authors to participate in signings and meet other authors. Book Boutique will also trade books. There is a children's books section with an area for the kids to interact with each other and learn to love books. The store is clean, organized and invites people to come in to browse and talk about books.

Debbie Hall is practically a Las Vegas native (34 years and counting) and loves experiencing everything in Southern Nevada from the Las Vegas Strip to the surrounding mountains and Lake Mead. She also teaches at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and loves sharing her knowledge. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.