Pass Christian Books - Pass Christian, MS

Pass Christian Book, Pass Christian, MS

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This bookstore visit was a reminder to me that Hurricane Katrina did a lot more damage than just New Orleans.  Pass Christian, MS along with many other communities on the gulf were hit every bit as hard.  But from that disaster in Pass Christian has bloomed a resurgence of business and economic growth, including this terrific 8+ year old bookstore and coffee shop.  Under this roof you'll find Pass Christian Books AND Cat Island Coffeehouse, two different names that are under the same umbrella of one business.  (Fun fact:  Named Cat Island Coffeehouse because of the nearby island originally thought to be inhabited by cats but were mistakenly discovered to actually be raccoons.  Insert shoulder shrug!)  

This is probably one of the most unique bookstore spaces I've visited.  The architectural design is outstanding and what this bookstore lacks in space it makes up for in beauty, charm, and scenery.  I'm no expert on lighthouses but it has that kind of vibe with the tight, winding staircase to the 2nd level and the view to the gulf.  For its small space, it is very accommodating for coffee customers with seating on the main level, upstairs, and on a deck outside.  If you want gorgeous scenery, there's not a bad seat in the house.

Pass Christian offers all new books and I thought the store was very well curated.  A great selection of recent releases, national best-sellers, and southern and Mississippi themed books and authors.  I enjoy stores like this for books I can't find in other parts of the country.  They don't have sidelines but Cat Island Coffeehouse is very popular, offering a nice menu of coffee drinks and breakfast and lunch items.  All created in a tiny kitchen that they hope to expand soon.  The location is fantastic drawing tourists as well as lots of regulars which include many retirees in the community.  The view from the store looking onto the gulf is second to none.  The store is active with author signings and is also involved in local events.  Great work.

I didn't get to meet co-owners Scott and Sean on this day but they had great people taking care of things.  RJ, Matt, and the whole crew couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming.

I heard about this indie a few years ago by word of mouth.  A sales rep I met in Iowa tipped me off about this great bookstore in Mississippi.  She gave it a hearty endorsement and I can certainly see why.  If you ever vacay on the Gulf Shores, this is an easy destination and one you shouldn't miss.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Cat Who Saved Books, Sosuke Natsukawa.  The story of a bookstore owned by a grandfather and his high school aged grandson.  When the grandfather dies, the grandson is left alone to decide the fate of the store and the fate of books.  This very ordinary young adult gets just the help he needs from a talking cat.  Part fiction, part fantasy.  A quick read. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Finley Donovan Is Killing It, Elle Cosimano. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  How I Found The Strong, Margaret McMullan.  Memorial Drive, Natasha Trethewey.  Some Go Home, Odie Lindsey.  No Names To Be Given, Julia Brewer Daily. 

View of the bookstore from the inland. 

There is a great parking lot right across the street. 

History and music buffs will enjoy visiting here. 

From the bookstore looking across the highway and out to the gulf. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Go directly to the right after entering and take these stairs to the room upstairs.

A few of the children's books available just inside the front entrance. 

Attractive table display front and center. 

Proceed to the left after entering and browse the non-fiction. 

Partial view of the Cat Island Coffeehouse counter. 

The indoor seating area on the main floor for the Cat Island Coffeehouse.  I love the large windows and all the natural light. 

A few of the poster-sized book covers displayed around the store. 

Lots of southern cookbooks. 

Outdoor deck seating.  Perfect. 

Overview of the 2nd floor from the top of the stairway. 

Upstairs table display. 

I can't get enough of this view.  Pictures like this in February make midwesterners drool.  This was taken from the 2nd floor space. 

An overhead view looking down into the bookstore from the 2nd floor. 

Overview looking toward the front entrance. 

Shouldn't this book be a must-have?

With RJ on the right, one of the fine staffers you'll meet at Pass Christian Books.  Thanks for a great visit.