Book readers across the state selected Paragraphs Books on the Boulevard as the number one bookstore in Texas.
“We offer all types of books, new releases hardbacks and paperback, used, children’s, poetry, plays and sidelines such as cards, bookmarks, games, art and toys,” said Joni Montover, Paragraphs Books store owner.
Nearly 2,500 of Lone Star Literary Life’s readers cast ballots in the statewide contest during May to recognize Texas’s favorite bookstores.
Lone Star Literary Life helps readers, publishers, booksellers and authors by connecting them with resources to find and build their audience.
Paragraphs climbed to the top rank of the club’s list of top bookstores in Texas after being named the number three store in Texas last year.
Paragraphs was chosen over 300 bookstores in Texas.
The competiton included big indies, small indies, chain stores, used bookstores and new book stores from every corner of the state.
Paragraphs is an independent, community orientated bookstore located on South Padre Island.
Currently, Paragraphs is the only full-services bookstore in Cameron County.
The store first opened its doors for business in 2009.
The Island bookstore offers a vast collection of titles in poetry, nature history, classic literature, fiction and nonfiction.
Book readers on the Island can find interesting books like “Gone With the Wind,” “The Fountainhead,” “The Wind in the Willows” and more.
It’s a 40-minute driver from Harlingen and Brownsville and a 90 minute-drive from McAllen.
Paragraphs hosts book signings throughout the year to allow many self-published authors to share their work in person.
“It’s part of the store mission to help promote literacy in the Lower Rio Grande Valley by hosting numerous book signings and we are happy to allow many self-published authors the opportunity to interact with potential readers in person,” Montover said.
Based on participation and interest, Paragraphs Books offers children’s story time, a book club, writers group and play reading group meetings monthly.
“We welcome groups to use our store for small gatherings or a place to meet and discuss issues important to the community,” Montover said.
By RAUL GARCIA Staff Writer
