I grew up in Palm Springs, CA and it kills me to visit my family and not have 
an independent bookstore in the area. Driving down Tahquitz Canyon last week, I saw out of the corner of my eye a sign for a bookstore and cheered! Latino Books y mas is a unique combination of new books, used books, books in Spanish, music and Mexican folk art; all in a compact location. The store carries about 1,500 books, so you’re sure to find something you want to read.
I had a lovely conversation with the owner, Luciano Ramirez, about books, Palm Springs, and the fact that he worked at my high school in when I attended there (another retired educator turned bookseller). Ramirez opened the store about six years ago with a specialty in Latin books and Latin books in translation. He is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Latin books, he recommended at least six very interesting reads for our Translated Tuesday series, and those were just the ones he had in stock. He is definitely an excellent Southern California resource for Mexican-American literature. I was torn between all of the great options, but chose The Old Gringo by Carlos Fuentes because I haven’t read any of his books. But what really sets the store apart in Latin literature is the significant selection of books in Spanish. I don’t speak Spanish, I struggle enough with English, but this is one of maybe three stores in Southern California that specialize in Spanish literature.
Given the desert location, Ramirez has a shelf dedicated to golf and another to tennis. Finding a used copy of Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf thrilled my husband; my response to the thought of more golf talk was a little more subdued.
Palm Springs struggles to re-vitalize its downtown and succeeds in fits and starts (it was crammed with people every Friday and Saturday night when I lived there, great fun for a teenager). It’s a lovely merchant main street to meander up and down and Latino Book y mas is just off Palm Canyon on Tahquitz. Ramirez said that most of his customers are tourists. Some locals shop at the store and he carries the required reading for the local schools so students stop by, although Ramirez wishes for more community support.
Latino Books y mas sponsers author events during the season (when it’s not scorching hot). Ramirez understands the difficulty authors have marketing their books and strives to support local authors in the area and in broader Southern California. He listed several local authors he is planning to host starting in the fall. The season “opener” sounds terrific, Luis Alberto Urrea will sign and read The Hummingbird’s Daughter: A Novel, a book that has intrigued me. My family will be attending. Ramirez holds the author events at the yogurt store next door, just the type of co-sponsoring and support that the indie movement advocates.
Next time you’re in the desert, stop by Latino Books y mas to chose a fun read to keep you company by the pool.
180 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Tel: 760.323.3778
Tags: California bookstore, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Palm Springs bookstore
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My mother and I loved this store! We took the Palm Springs showbiz bus tour of homes and then I took her in there looking for collections of local stories of the same. Isn’t it marvellous?
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I agree with your sentiments about Latino Books y mas, and it’s not just because I’m Latino! Luciano and his wife are just nice people, period. My girlfriend and I were staying in the area on a short trip and wandered in. We had a nice chat with the couple and I bought a few books for gifts. They obviously love their store and being booksellers. I wish them all the luck in the world. Thanks for the deserving profile. Take care.
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Luciano and his beautiful wife Tonia are very knowledgeable about their books in their store. When you walk in you are greeted in there loving and caring way. If you have questions they have the answer, and you will when you walk in because of the enormous varity of books they have. Don’t rush in to this store, come in knowing that you will be there a while and do engage in a conversation about culture with Tonia. Their combined wealth of knowledge is a blessing and great changed then walking into a chain store and being shown to the computer. Thank you for spotlighting my local bookstore.
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I’m glad other people had the same warm experience at the store that I did!
Here’s an e-mail I received from an author about his experience:
My name is Greg Niemann http://www.gregniemann.com and Luciano Ramariz led me on to your blog page. I’m an author and he’s had me do a signing at Latino Books y Mas. I just want to say you did a nice review on the store; Luciano and his wife Tonia are wonderful people. Good job. Greg
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Dear Sir/Madam,
Please find attached a flier about a book that is soon to be released, “Daniel’s Dream.” The book is
a compelling story about Daniel Lynch who was a student at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
You may view the book by visiting (http://www.Danielsdream.webs.com). If you could carry the book or place
a flier at your facilities, it would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely,
Robert Lynch
lynchrm@digis.net -
Dear Sir / Madam,
We received a hit from your site about “Daniel’s Dream ” We wish to
“Thank You ” for your help in alerting your customers about this this
“special ” book. It is most appreciated.Sincerely,
Robert Lynch ( Daniel’s father )
Reply
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