Interabang Books - Dallas, TX

Interabang Books, Dallas, TX

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This is the interabang, right in the front window.  

There are some bookstores I visit that make me curious about their name and this is one of them.  What the heck is an Interabang and how did they come up with it?  Interabang is a question mark and exclamation mark superimposed on top of each other.  It represents curiosity and excitement.  This certainly explained both of my feelings as I entered this store.  And as Jeremy E., the operating partner of the store told me, they didn't want to go with something boring.  Mission accomplished. 

The Dallas area has been a slow bookstore scene for many years but that is beginning to change thanks in part to Interabang Books.  This is another new bookstore and has only been in business for 6 months.  As Jeremy told me, it's about changing people's habits and that will take time.  But so far things are off to a great start and there is strong support from a core of the community that wants to see this store succeed.

As for the physical presence of the store, it's absolutely beautiful (I've been on a streak of these lately!).  A one-level space that is long and wide that feels very spacious and roomy for easy browsing.  Every single table display is on wheels that allows the store to be transformed into a great event space that can hold up to 100 people.  The big eye-catcher when you enter the store is the cartoon mural on the center wall with a talk bubble that displays different messages about books clubs, events, store info, etc.  It was even painted and created by Jeremy which confirms my belief that booksellers are multi-talented.  I haven't seen anything like this and it is so indie!

The store offers an extensive inventory of new books and a variety of sidelines including some upscale items like a line of purses, handbags, and totes by Knomo.  The children's section is good-sized and has its own beautiful mural there.  Heck, this store is so attractive that they even have decorative artwork in the bathroom.  And as with many of my bookstore visits, I met a lovely pair of lady customers, one of whom was a bookseller at Hatchards Bookstore near Picadilly Circus in London.  Man, I love this gig!

Jeremy, and Lisa P., the children's book buyer, were simply fantastic to meet and talk to.  Readers, you don't have to tell me I'm lucky, I'm aware and thankful for every visit.  But in Dallas, not everyone has discovered this place yet.  Ok, the cat's out of the bag Dallas, check this place out and take a friend but allow plenty of time.  You'll be curious and excited for a long time.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Shipping News, Annie Proulx.  Didn't.  This book is arguably recognized as the author's best work but I just could not get into it and it didn't hold my attention.  The author's writing style just didn't click for me.  But there are many who disagree with me so give it a try.    

CURRENLTY READING:  Bastard Out Of Carolina, Dorothy Allison.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Last Suppers, Mandy Mikulencak.  Munich, Robert Harris.

Another exterior view.  

The store has lots of window display space.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  My pictures don't do this store justice.    

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  Intuitive readers will notice the curious celebrity at the table display.  Yes, that's my mom.  

The lighting and the fixtures in the store are outstanding.  

This wall to the right of the front entrance is where you'll find some of the staff picks.  

Jeremy did the outstanding artwork on this wall.  Notice that talk bubble?  Now look at the pictures below.  

If you get tired of browsing books, put your eyes on this beautiful wall and see what they're talking about.

This is incredibly creative.  They talk about MUCH more than what you see here.  

Magazines and periodicals.  

A great place to sit and try out a few books.  

One of my favorite pictures in any bookstore but this is definitely one long wall of books.  

Many bookstores carry socks with goofy phrases.  These are socks with positive affirmations.  

The store carries a wide variety of sidelines. 

Weiner dog bookends for your dog-lover.  

These are the books that are shelved behind the cartoon mural wall.  There is more space in this store than what you see upon entering.  

Visual confirmation.  Not available on Amazon.  

The Indie Bob Spot does not often show the pictures of bathroom interiors but good grief, look how beautiful these walls are!

View looking into the children's section.  

Another great mural in the store.  This is in the children's section.  

Sorry for the blur but the UPS guy was flying by with more new books.   

An overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

Looking for a DIY doll?  You'll find it here.  

If you're like me, you can barely get into the store without being distracted by new books.  Thankfully, this is right by the front entrance.  

With Jeremy on the left and Lisa in the middle, two of the fine folks you'll meet at Interabang Books.  Thanks for a great visit.