So let’s say despite all the good critiques of avoiding a consumer driven holiday season, you decide you still want to buy some gifts for a few folks. If you’re like me, you avoid anything that has the word “mall” or “Americana” in it. Or perhaps like me, the millions of holiday craft fairs around town have let you down – what to do? One place I always like to pay a visit to around this holiday time (and other times throughout the year too!) is Imix Books (pronounced EE-MEESH) in Eagle Rock. Proprietor Elisa Garcia-Rodriguez is a true bookseller by trade having worked in fabled bookstores like Midnight Special before branching out on her own to start Imix. She has worked tirelessly to create a beautiful community bookstore featuring the latest in Chicano/Latino titles, radical literature, cool handmade jewelry, artist produced tees, author readings, a special collection of children’s books and local artist shows in the store’s gallery. This cozy bookstore, nestled in between the ever changing trendy boutiques on Eagle Rock Blvd, has been able to hold out despite the fluctuating economy and the domination of Amazon (which has caused many an independent bookstore to close). Unlike many other businesses, Elisa has always been supportive of other independent enterprises, bookstores, artists and groups and has many a grateful friend in the community. Bookstores like hers are a rare treat in this day and age, stop in for a visit!
IMIX Bookstore
5052 Eagle Rock Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 257-2512
You can’t go wrong with an Eduardo Galeano book, always an engaging read and one of my favorite writers. I recommend starting with the Memory of Fire trilogy.
“I’m a writer obsessed with remembering, with remembering the past of America above all and above all that of Latin America, intimate land condemned to amnesia.”-Galeano
Hmmm, what to give to your favorite Chicana Eastside blogger? I got your answer above!
It’s also the only place you can buy Sal Si Puedes, that occassional but awesome zine written by some lazy dude known as CT. He likes to disappear into rocks and caves, coming out only once in a planetary alignment to replenish the stock. Where are you CT!!!! 🙂
I’ll definitely look in to Eduardo Galeano. I’ve read one book by him (Soccer in Sun and Shadow) and loved it.
And those earrings are beautiful. Great taste.
I’m glad this store is still around. There’s alot of talk of indy bookstores going away, but this one seems to be hanging in there. I may take the 81 down there.
Browne
Hey! Thanks for the headsup about IMIX. Do you happen to know the hours? I’ve passed by many times, but never seen it open….??
I think they open after 11am. If they are sometimes closed midday it could be the owner is out on errand.Maybe call ahead? The place is worth the visit!
“Proprietor Elisa Garcia-Rodriguez is a true bookseller by trade having worked in fabled bookstores like Midnight Special before branching out on her own to start Imix.”
Did not know she was affiliated to Midnight special. Very nice to know. I do miss Espresso Mi Cultura (the book component) in Hollywood.
I love these mom and pop stores because they have the coolest things available. In fact I bought my 2009 planner from them when they had a table at the Self Help Graphics artesian sale a few weeks ago. I live that planner !!! And as for those earings, I wish I was a woman sometimes just to be able to wear all the awesome jewelry they have. My point is to support your local stores and screw the mall. I fucking hate the mall I swear I get a head ache everytime I step foot in one. I hate them !!!!!
Malls….yuk! Glad you post Imix….great place
check out ChimMaya in Montebello/ELA
El Chavo,
I missed this post because I was sleeping. I was in Mexico for Christ Miss and the New year.. That God damned zine has flat-lined so many times. I think I got one more in me. Plus, when you are in caves, it is hard to hear the people’s call. Or maybe I was in my cousin’s meth lab. Always grateful for your support, Mr. Chavo.
FYI Imix books is now closed on Mondays. Elisa needs our support more than ever. I’ve know her since she was at Midnight, Premier Aztlan, Mercado Paloma. One of the most honest humans I know. Plus she reads everything. Get to it.
Definitely important to support Latina/o owned business esp. those that promote cultura and literature. …