Leviathan Books - St. Louis, MO

Leviathan Bookstore, St. Louis, MO

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Believe it or not, I have not seen the movie “You’ve Got Mail,” but I understand the general premise involving a couple and a bookstore.  Similarly, this bookstore was conceived by two people who were fated to meet.  Co-owner James was living in Seattle and already experienced in the bookstore business.  Co-owner Amanda was living in St. Louis and also experienced in the bookstore business.  Mr. Seattle and Miss St. Louis met at a conference in New York City and commenced a long distance relationship between their respective cities.  Fast forward to 2024 and James has moved to St. Louis, the relationship is solid, and Leviathan Books is open for business as a pop-up in a corner inside Dunaway Books, a used book store.  And now in March 2026, Leviathan will celebrate a one-year anniversary in their very own brick and mortar.  This story of James, Amanda, and their independent bookstore journey is worthy of its own recognition.  Congratulations to them both.

It is obvious when you visit here that James and Amanda have put a lot of makeover time into the building interior and exterior.  Most striking of all is the Missouri Leviathan mural, depicted on the right wall behind the checkout counter.  The bookstore was named after this creature, a fictional Missouri pre-historic beast slapped together with odd fossils, bones, and parts to create the Leviathan. 

I’m very encouraged to hear from James that things are going great, especially since the only sidelines of note are some postcards, greeting cards, and store t-shirts and tote bags.  The store is highly visible and located on very busy Grand Boulevard.  They offer a well-curated inventory of all new books, neatly displayed throughout the store.  As James told me, he wanted to offer books that not only he liked, but wanted to share with others to help educate and inform people about today’s issues.  These genres are something that resonates with the community that surrounds the store.  Remember, if you can’t make it to the store you can always support them by ordering online.  

I haven’t met Amanda, but this is the second time I’ve met James.  Like every other owner and manager I meet, I could’ve talked to him all day.  If you’re in the St. Louis area and haven’t discovered Leviathan yet, get with it.  Pay James and Amanda a visit and enjoy this rising star in the St. Louis book store scene.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Final Score, Don Winslow.  Collection of six short stories (not related) of crime fiction that I found to be very good.  I enjoyed them all but if you want to try out just one, my favorite was the last one, "Collision," about how our well-intended choices can spiral into a downward chain of events even for the nicest of people.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Traitors Circle, Jonathan Freedland.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Unworthy, Roy Jacobsen. The Unseen, Roy Jacobsen.  In The Country of Baseball, Donald Hall with Dock Ellis.  Football, Chuck Klosterman.  On Bullshit, Harry G. Frankfurt.  

 

Beautiful storefront.  

Large display window for window-shopping.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

This is the outstanding depiction of the leviathan seen on the wall behind the checkout counter.  You really need to visit in-person to see this and appreciate all the detail created by the artist.  

Impressive work by this artist who I am sure could create something equally fantastic for your bookstore.  

One of my favorite bookstore shirts.  

Selection of postcards just inside the front door.  

A very attractive wall of books on the left side of the store.  

Table display of recent releases.  

Just a few of the books of local interest.  

After you get done browsing the left wall, go over to the right side of the store and browse this wall.  

Every table display in the store was attractive and neatly arranged.  

A few of the store recommendations.  

Consider getting an edition autographed by the author.  

I don't know a thing about this book except its interesting title.  Only in an independent bookstore.  

Looking into the children's area located in the back of the store.  

Another view of the children's area.  

The perfect little table and chairs for little readers.  

View looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance.  

I LOVE being at the bookstores when the new books arrive.  

The original store logo created by James' daughter.  

With James, the fine co-owner at Leviathan Books on the right and me with one of my favorite bookstore t-shirts.  Thanks for a great visit.