2013 Reading Road Trip: Ohio

Welcome to our stop on the Reading Road Trip! This adventure is hosted by Hafsah at IceyBooks and Britta at I Like These Books! Want more info? Go HERE.

Today, you'll join Emily on a mini-tour of a few of Ohio's independently owned bookstores.

FIRST STOP: HUDSON

The Learned Owl Book Shop

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In Northern Ohio, there is a lovely little city called Hudson. Within the city limits are many stores filled to the brim with things that you want to own (and wish you could afford); Hudson's definitely worth the exploration, but one thing will catch your eye in particular and that is the adorable book store, The Learned Owl. Established in 1968, The Learned Owl not only has three floors of all age-range books, offers an out-of-print search service and is partnered with Kobo, but they host some great author signings!

SECOND STOP: COLUMBUS

The Book Loft of German Village

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You can't go to Ohio and not visit the capital city! Filled with mass construction and angry drivers (I'll be in that horde), there is also a gorgeous bookstore that will leave any book lover in awe. The Book Loft has thirty-two rooms of nothing but books. No, you are not seeing things--there are thirty-two rooms packed with books galore. What makes it even better is the environment of German Village! Go have a nice lunch at Schmidt's, visit the Helen Winnemore Craft store to see (and probably buy) some of the beautiful handmade pieces and then read your heart out at The Book Loft!

THIRD STOP: COLUMBUS

Cover-to-Cover Book Store

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While you are in Columbus, why not hit up the other adorable children-focused book store? Though the focus is books for children and young adult, there are books for all ages and walls signed by authors galore, including John Green, Veronica Roth and Rae Carson! See some of my own pictures below (and ignore my frowning mother in the corner--it had been a long day):

FOURTH AND FINAL STOP: CINCINNATI

Joseph-Beth Booksellers: Cincinnati

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Okay... So this one is cheating. It's not an independent bookstore, BUT it is one that I frequent because of it's fantabulous signings like Veronica Roth, Robin LaFevers and an upcoming YA Panel including Ohioan authors Kristina McBride, Mindee Arnett, and Liz Coley. The store is HUGE, with an add-on filled with just children's books. They even have a cafe and a drink station so you can take a food break if you need one!

So, I may be itching to get out of Ohio, but you have to admit, we've got some pretty grand bookish venues! Now... What do I offer you as a "souvenir" from your trip?

Up for grabs:

Your book of choice from either Kristina McBride, Mindee Arnett, or Liz Coley signed and personalized to you!

*ETA: Kristina McBride has informed me that the scheduled authors have changed, thus the prize has changed. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Giveaway Details:
- One winner will receive the book of their choice from the authors listed above signed and personalized to the winner
- Open internationally
- One entrant per household
- Cheating results in immediate disqualification (We will check!)
- Winners have 48 hours to respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen (That means check your spam folder!)
- We are not responsible for lost/damaged packages
- Ends 07/31/2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for joining us! Happy reading!