That old narrative about Angelenos being too busy perfecting their tans to bother with a good book often misses the point. The Southern California literary scene is vibrant, especially this fall, with numerous events that pair reading and discussion with a good cocktail or a glass of wine.
Fall in Southern California, of course, looks a little different than the crisp-air-and-cider image often conjured up in other parts of the country. Here, it’s more about a refreshing glass of bubbles or an icy martini to take the edge off the occasional Santa Ana winds. For those looking to connect over literature, a range of book clubs and gatherings across the L.A. area are blending intellectual engagement with a spirited social atmosphere.
In San Pedro, The Tipsy Bookworms gathers at local bars to delve into its monthly selection over drinks. This October, the group plans a scary book for spooky season. The club describes itself as casual and low-pressure, with members voting on what to read next, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere.
An immersive read-along from Grain of Salt LA took place on September 26 at P.F. Candle Co.’s Echo Park flagship. The evening featured books, cocktails, food, book signings, and scent pairings, with featured novelists Scott Broker, Anna Dorn, and Aisha Muharrar. The event quickly sold out, but a waitlist was available.
Mimosas & Lit 2.0 brings together romance novel enthusiasts in the Pasadena area for its monthly mimosa brunches. Its most recent gathering was on September 27. The club, which is open to everyone, boasts over 600 members, promising plenty of potential brunch companions for those drawn to happily-ever-afters and bubbles.
For those who prefer wine with their literature, the Literary Wineaux Society LA meets monthly at local wine bars. On October 15, the group is scheduled to discuss Daphne du Maurier’s classic *Rebecca* at Augustine Wine Bar in Sherman Oaks. October’s theme for the group is the Seven Deadly Sins, with *Rebecca* chosen to represent envy.
Pen & Honey Books offered a Book Swap with Ysa on September 26 at Mi Vida in Highland Park. Participants could bring a book, take a book, and settle in for an evening that was, as Pen & Honey Books described, "less homework-heavy book club" and more like "a literary salon with snacks," complete with wine, food, and literary community.
The Sunday Whiskey Reading Series from Sevilla Writers House, set to resume this fall in Los Feliz, promises an evening of readings accompanied by whiskey and specialty cocktails inspired by the performers. It’s one of those rare literary events in town where, as its organizers note, “I need another drink” can plausibly be described as part of the programming.
On October 15, The Elysian in Los Feliz is hosting a live edition of the popular podcast *Sounds Like a Cult* with Amanda Montell and Iman Hariri-Kia. The event celebrates Hariri-Kia’s new novel, *Once in a Timeline*, featuring ticket-and-book bundles, specialty cocktails, and a post-show signing. While technically a podcast recording rather than a traditional reading, the presence of cocktails and a book signing ensures it fits right in with the social literary scene.
For women 40 and over, the Boozy Broads Book Club has been meeting monthly in West Hollywood at a wine bar since 2022. Members take turns choosing diverse books and leading the discussions, fostering a strong sense of community. Meanwhile, Melanin & Mimosas meets once or twice a month in Los Angeles, with an October 2 gathering scheduled for 6 p.m. This club centers Black women and uses books as a starting point for friendship and community across most genres, even offering occasional virtual meetups to keep the conversation flowing.
