Love this bookstore. I enjoy the feeling of walking through and seeing the various titles, authors, and feeling the various bookcovers bring through the feeling of mood and design. One day I hope to buy a select book there in edition to reading gifts that make a personal connection with others that could, should, or might read. Writing expressions, Kim A. Hatton (Correct on computer) read more

I stopped by Kindred Stories to kill a little time, do some reading, and get a little work done and ended up staying longer than I planned. It was pretty busy when I walked in, but it felt good in there. Not chaotic, just full of life. You had couples talking, kids enjoying books, families hanging out, and people like me sitting with a laptop just minding our business. Now let me say this...Kindred can do no wrong in my book. When I realized they were playing the entire What's the 411? album, I had a whole moment. Like oh yes, y'all knew exactly what you were doing with that. The atmosphere just pulls you in. The music, the conversations, the energy. It makes you want to stay a while. What I really appreciated was how diverse and comfortable the space felt. It felt welcoming without trying too hard. I came in just to pass time, but I left feeling recharged. And that says everything. This is not just a bookstore. It is a place you go when you need to sit down, breathe, and get yourself together for a minute. Yeah... I will absolutely be back. read more

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It takes a village. I had been telling my 8th grade English teacher soror about how I want to instill the value of reading into my 13 yr old niece. She excitedly jumped into action and offered to meet up with us at Kindred Stories where she'd give my niece her top recommendations. From the moment you walk in, you're graciously welcomed by the kind staff. Kindred Stories is such a warm and inviting space. You walk in and feel you have all the time in the world to explore each and every book and if you're African American, female, queer, a minority or any combination of this, there are so many relatable books by compelling authors waiting just for you. My niece ended up with a SIGNED FIRST EDITION of The Weight of Blood by critically acclaimed author Tiffany D. Jackson and My Husband's Mistress is Dead by Saundra. I ended up with 3 awesome finds covering various aspects of my interests. They also have the cutest and coolest stickers and pins, including cute divine nine sorority stickers and I of course had to grab a couple for me and my soror. Skee Wee! The prices are a little steep but to be expected for a small bookstore and well worth it to keep this melanated haven open and thriving for the masses. Kindred Stories checks all my boxes and made me feel right at home. I look forward to checking out an author talk soon and returning to support this royally Nubian establishment. Shout-out to Sage for treating us so well while we were in this great space! read more

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A friend brought me here and I was impressed. Lots of book selections and the staff was very helpful. Super cute book store with a focus on Black authors. If you enjoy reading I recommend stoping by. read more

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This is a beautiful bookstore full of stories and art written and made by black artists. The team gave a brief history lesson of the bookstore. They were happy to recommend books and items based on my needs. The non book items were on the pricier side, but I was able to find plenty of items in my price range. read more

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In honor of the First Day of Black History Month, I'm prepared to deliver a review [update] of my favorite Black Owned Bookstore on the planet. Kindred has since found a new home in The Historic El Dorado Ballroom on Elgin! It's next to Rado Market (also Black Owned - go eat). If you have not made your way to Kindred, well I don't understand why and I'm judging you. If you're on the prowl for a book, bookmark, enamel pin, journal, card, sticker, candle, hat, tote, shall I go on? If you want to take a look at all the Black Art they have to offer, it's time to get up and check them out! Get a gift for yourself, your family member, your kid, your partner, their partner, get a gift for everybody! I promise there is something for everyone. If you're looking for a relaxing space to read, go to Kindred. If you're seeking community, go to Kindred. And if you've been dying to find a book club, honey they have several! Go say hello, and tell them Myni said hello! read more

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Kindred Stories is my favorite bookstore! I like to visit whenever I'm in Houston. The new location is super cute and welcoming. Love that they've been able to expand. I'm also able to support Kindred Stories by buying my audio books on Libro.FM an app that supports independently owned bookstores. I can't wait to go to an author talk next time I'm in town. I support black and woman owned businesses and you should too! read more

Kindred Stories - Book club read - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

I hate to do this but the young lady working today with the computer and bald fade was SO RUDE to me. I went in at exactly at 4:54 to pick up a book from an author talk and the young lady on the left side with the computer was disgusting. She didn't even greet me, and when I told her, I was there to pick up a book from a missed author talk and she said, " give me your order number, let's start with that" in the most rude way. I try to support black owned businesses, but people like her make it so hard. Any other time, I've had the best experience, but due to the encounter today, I will NEVER GO BACK. Be kind to customers and if you don't want to be around customers, don't work in a customer facing role read more

Kindred is such a beautiful store. So many black and brown books. Gorgeously decorated and filled with places to sit. There were so many books I could have spent an entire paycheck there. I cannot wait to return. read more

This location is in a shared building with a parking lot with lots of space. The space is open, lots of natural light, several areas to sit and great music playing. The books are broken into genres. The variety of different genres was great. The service was friendly and a good balance between letting you browse and assisting when looking for a specific book. The books are all new (no used book options) with both hard and soft covered books. read more

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What an awesome bookstore! Everyone was so nice, and they do a great job of catering book recommendations to what you want (and lowkey what you need) in a next read. They have an extensive collection of books and puzzles and literary related tchotchkes. And anything they don't have in store they can order for you; they also ship nationwide I'd love to come back for one of their puzzle nights or participate in a book club. Overall such great vibes and great people, so I know I'll be back each time I pass through Houston! read more

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Being a follower of this business on social media, I was already a supporter of theirs via online purchases. I was fortunate to be traveling to Houston the same weekend as the reopening in their new location. The staff were extremely pleasant and welcoming into the space. I was able to easily locate the book I was interested in purchasing and completing the sale. I will remain a supporter of this bookstore and wish them continued success in the future. read more

I've been wanting to come here and never had the time but finally made the time and now I'm wondering why did I not come sooner? I was looking for a specific book for me which I found. I was most surprised by the amount of kids books they had. They had so many cultural and social justice books for kids. These are the things I am trying to teach my child and the variety was astounding. The amount of thing they have packed into a small space without making you feel overwhelmed is pretty impressive. I honestly could have spent all day there except I had a preschooler who hadn't napped yet. They even had puzzles and stationary (and you know I love to send a card or postcard in a monkey). I had recently been to a Yelp event at The Rado Market so next time I'm kid free I plan to go and eat and do some shopping at The Rado Market and head to Kindred Books. There even a comic store next door. Emancipation Park is across the street and they were having a music festival. It's times like these when I look at small businesses that are a part of the community and really miss those days of living somewhere smaller. What a great area and bookstore. We will be back! read more

Kindred Stories - Outside - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Visiting Kindred Stories has been on my bucket list. It's the best vibe when walking in....book lovers haven. There were 2 associates working. One behind the desk tells the other to tell us where everything is located since I mentioned my first visit. Well organized 5/5, great aesthetic from cookbooks to classics 5/5, merch throughout, a raised platform to feature guests, and a large floor to ceiling bank of windows spans the entire front of the building. Convenient free parking located on the side of the building. read more

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Special special stories, pictures, secrets and all of the above are in this book store! I wish I could have truly experienced and had time to take a true look around to explore. I came on a busy day but got a glimpse of how beautiful this place is for the community and the people! I hope to return, listen to what speaks to me and connect. Lots of parking options including street and a parking lot. Happy Yelping! read more

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Love Kindred Stories! The salesperson today was very friendly and outgoing; HOWEVER, she was talking LOUDLY on her phone and has the person on the other end on speaker. It's bit distracting and unprofessional. Again, I love Kindred Stories and have been a loyal customer since they opened in their original location. Great customer service, just remember to keep private phone conversations to a minimum when customers are in the store. read more

Kindred Stories - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

This supposed to be a bookstore that everyone can enjoy. I signed up for a subscription. They canceled months later after taking my money, not providing me service. And said they canceled because I did not want any books with "magic'. read more

Super cute, independently/female owned and LOCAL bookshop. We loved our experience here that focused/celebrated Black authors and creators. We enjoyed our time wandering around and of course, bought a few books. The music and employee energy was welcoming and helpful. I will definitely support this business again and again. read more

Kindred Stories - One example of a collection of fantastic books - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

Love love love this bookstore. It is small and quaint and has TONS of options. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable! You know that they are well read- which I Loved! Because I had questions about a few books and they were able to provide guidance! Highly recommend :) I was so engrossed talking to the staff I forgot to take any pictures ‍ read more

I've shopped here a few times and joined their new mystery/thriller book club that occurs every other month. I LOVE this book store! This is my new favorite place, and I'm so excited for their April book club. It's such a nice and inviting space full of Black authors and Black writing. They're very active on Instagram and have a lot of really cool events with authors, and they seem to really foster a community of book lovers. This is an awesome place! Highly recommend read more

Went for the black author's expo and it was pretty cool. Nice spot, kind of small but I had a great time and they have great reads read more

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Stopped by Kindred as I have been wanting to stop by and peruse their selections of books and take in the ambience. The social media depicts such a chill vibe and a relaxed aesthetic and it was just that. I browsed every book on each shelf. I was given some recommendations which just happened to be on my "to read" shelf in my goodreads and StoryGraph reading tracker apps. I ended up with four selections. I also grabbed a new bookmark and some stickers. read more

Kindred Stories - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

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First time going was this past weekend. I went to one of there events in the past (Tia Williams book signing). Loved the inside decor. Easy to find the books I was looking for and the music was good! The staff was very friendly. We even stayed a bit longer after our purchases to converse a bit. read more

Brought my sister with me for her 1st visit. We were greeted immediately upon entering. A second staffer engaged us in conversation to find what genre we were interested in to make recommendations. Selections are priced competitively, and a good variety. My sister picked up 2 books. read more

I absolutely love this place. Today I visited about 30 minutes before they closed. A beautiful black owned bookstore filled with books authored by African Americans in every genre. EVERY GENRE. I was surprised to even see an anime section there. There are trinkets and cards but all of your genres can be found in this book store. The store was packed with patrons when I went. The owners were there and working and could tell you about any book in the store. They come with suggestions for any genre you seek. It was nice that people were in there from all over Texas. Also. Talk about a place that never wants me to leave. This bookstore is complete with an outdoor reading garden. I repeat, an outdoor reading garden. On a day like today, perfect 70 degree sunlit weather to sit outside engrossed in a few chapters. Go support this beautiful book store! Even if you haven't been eyeing a new book, they'll have one for you. They had one for me! read more

Kindred Stories - Display wall in the back and part of the display table. - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

I love small shops, and this one does not get left behind. I. A book nerd tho I haven't figured out my genre. I saw somewhere it's female owned, and I am all for supporting female entrepreneurs!!! The book collection is beautiful, to say the least. There's cute little spots to hang out in and explore readings. It's what I would imagine my future tiny home being!. If you're a bibliophile, you must come visit! read more

This book store is an asset to the community. The mangers are amazing and the staff is helpful and has great customer service. The bookstore has events that will keep you actively engaged. Kindred stories is my happy place. They have all of the latest selection of books. If the books that you are looking for are not on the shelf let them know and they will research the information and order the book for you. Next, they have a wonderful candle and gift card selection. Finally, the selection of kid's books that are available exceeded my expectations. The location is in a centralized area and has great parking and a park right across the street. This book store has rekindled my love for reading. The books are reasonably priced. Did I mention the large selection of black book authors that are available. Don't walk but run to check this place out. read more

This is a gorgeous and well appointed location with plenty of parking. There's so much to see and so many titles, gifts and accessories to choose from! The importance of simply finding black bookish stickers is tremendous! The woman at the register and a gentleman both greeted me warmly and took time to answer all of my questions. You can't place a value on the experience, but I would say pricing is comparable to most book stores. read more

Amazing assistance and very friendly. Nice spot and great selections. They also have other events as well.

Great customer service and wonderful selection of books and more. Whenever I return to HTX i'll definitely be stopping in such a positive vibe read more

Good selection and everything is clean and well organized. Everyone was kind and in a peaceful and positive spirit and of course that always adds to the atmosphere and environment. I will be back, thank you! read more

Kindred Stories is one of my favorite places in the city. They have an amazing selection of books and goods. They also have great events for the community. I attended an event where we learned how to make cocktails. I will always support this black owned establishment. read more

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I live in Dallas, but I had to drop in to grab some books! I first visited a year ago with the Houston Host Black Bloggers. I absolutely fell in love with this space. I love to read so, I love seeing all my favorites on their shelves. This visit, I actually got to hang out in the back and read for a bit. I can't wait to return. read more

Kindred Stories - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

Kindred Stories has been on my Houston bucket list for a while now and I finally made it for a visit! It's a beautiful in there! I loved the space and look forward to going back just to hang out and read. There is a lot of backyard space where they host events also. Definitely check them out! read more

Kindred Stories - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

Beautiful set up!! I randomly stopped at Kindred Stories after church and I'm so glad that I did! The ladies at the front were sweet and helpful, nice variety of books, and just a cool atmosphere! I'll definitely be going back soon. read more

Do yourself a solid make this place your go to for book buying and book browsing. The owner is a joy, the employees are kind & knowledgeable. It feels like an escape every time I visit. They have book clubs and an expansive calendar events to build community with. 10 outta 10 read more

Don't come here without calling first, probably not open. Just wasted time and gas only for them to be closed.

A great small little book store. I stopped here while doing a tour of third ward. I'll definitely be back.

This is the absolute most cutest bookstore I've ever visited! To top it off, there are so many books from many of my favorite Black authors. They had books I was searching for and I fo are now on my list to purchase. One the books that I'm excited to start reading is Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions. Any and all of Octavia Butlers books are a must for avid readers who are not familiar with her work. I can go on and on about the thousands of books that are available in this quaint little bookstore with so much to choose from including other items such as gift items and the funkiest bags ever!!! I just had to treat myself to this bag as my birthday gift to myself. Rocking it with a cute dress or pants of any style, boots and a denim jacket just makes heads turn left and right, lol. You get what I'm saying...make your way over to Kindred Books and get you one!!! read more

Kindred Stories - Funky Bag...love it!!! - Bookstores Near Me - Houston, Texas

We came to Kindred Stories for their story time with Santa. It's a very small store but the collection of books are amazing. If you're looking for Black authors and kids books with Black characters, this is your stop! Definitely looking forward to going back without my kids so I can explore more read more