Enlighten Books and Gifts

I'm a bit of a nerd for bookstores, particularly smaller ones that cater to a group. Enlighten Books is a small Chinese language bookstore in Chinatown, Los Angeles. It is located in the front corner of an older building that had been vacant for way too long.

Inside is a neat selection of books on a fairly wide variety of topics, including photography and the arts, to literature and medicine. I've noticed over time that many of the Chinese bookstores I have been in, have a bent towards technical subjects or science and medicine. Here I was drawn to a fun book which is essentially an abridged edition of an old medical canon. There are of course plenty of language dictionaries and maps - I came close to also picking up a cool little road atlas. The store has a nice, quiet atmosphere and is good fun to browse in. It is also a great way to support not only a local business (yay :) ) but also a way to support what is fast disappearing (at least here in the U.S) - print books and the wonderful stores that offer them.

Elizabeth Li is the owner, she was friendly and helpful. I will definitely be back.

My son and I were in Los Angeles and unfortunately the store was closed when we got there but he called the woman and she gave him some wonderful recommendations.

A place I put on my bucket list!