Wanted to check out the new bookstore, was not disappointed! Had a great stock of books, as well as various other items including these beautiful candles, which contain a seed paper to plant in the bowl once the candle has burned, and cute tote bags (made of recycled cotton)! I recognized many of the titles on the shelves as highly ranted books. Had a cute setup, a variety of books to choose from, and a toddler/younger child hangout in the back. There are also chairs to sit in! So happy to see an environmentally-conscious and friendly store so close by. Will definitely be coming back. read more

Underdog Bookstore - Candles on display - Bookstores Near Me - Monrovia, California

Small but mighty. Stopped by at the start of a camping trip and was very impressed by the selection. Lots of exciting titles from small presses and up-and-coming writers. This is truly a bookstore that reflects the amazing richness of stories in our literary landscape. Inclusive, welcoming, and an asset to the local community with an impressive calendar of events. Will definitely be back. read more

This bookstore promotes inclusivity to all races, faiths and gender identities. They try to make a comfortable environment to alternative life styles where hate, bigotry and violence and is NOT welcome. And they promote community ! They carry local writers books and also local artists . If you want to promote peace, fairness and love, come support Underdog Bookstore . read more

Truly a gem on Myrtle. Stopped in to get a book for a friend's baby. Plenty of amazing titles to choose from and so many inclusive books all around. My heart filled with pride and love stepping into this unexpected book store. My wife and I will definitely be popping in at least once a month to support the bookstore and get in some great reads. We're currently part of another book club but as soon as we can join the one offered at this store we absolutely will. Thank you for creating such a wonderful, beautiful, and intellectual safe space. read more

What a cute spot! We finally made it in to this adorable bookstore a few weeks ago and it is such a gem! I've been *praying* for a bookstore in Monrovia for a while now and Underdog is a dream come true! Their selection is thoughtful and not overwhelming. They were super nice and friendly to my child and I (who rode in on their scooter). I also really appreciate their effort to foster community by hosting local artists and authors as well as unique events. We'll be supporting this local business for all our book needs as well as attending events they host. Thanks Underdog! read more

Love this new bookstore and were so happy when we saw it pop up! We bought a few books and a wonderful candle.

I was driving through Monrovia from LA and figured I'd make a pit stop. So glad I did!! Such a cute bookstore -- comfy couches, great collections from authors of different communities, and lots of little stuff from local artists. I will definitely come back to Monrovia again for this spot. read more

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Such an awesome bookstore and in such a good location! Upon walking in we were kindly greeted and I noticed how colorful the place was. I truly loved how inclusive the books were and that they had crafts made by local artists for sale. They had a great collection of queer and neurodivergent books as well! The best touch was having a friendly pug right at the entrance, we made sure to give some scratchies on the way out. Can't wait to visit again. read more

Cutest local bookstore, with a great selection. Bought a few children's books, which were very cute and interesting. They have great inventory, and staff is so wonderful. I used to follow them on Instagram when they were a pop-up, so I was thrilled they came to Monrovia for a permanent location. Love this book shop; ambiance is always so welcoming and friendly, reccomend! read more

Having this bookstore in our community is a breath of fresh air! It's nice to see books that reflect a variety of cultures, abilities and life styles. Keep up the great work! I look forward to bringing my son (age 5 with Autism) to be enriched in diversity and representation. read more

Fantastic bookstore! Every time I go in, I find something for me or for a friend. The selection celebrates diversity and lifts marginalized groups up. What more could you want from a bookstore? This is definitely a gem of a store and I highly recommend! read more

Not just a bookstore, but a gem in the community! The owner is super friendly and welcoming, and they go out of their way to make all feel welcome. I'm happy to have such a great bookstore in my home city. read more

Such a cute bookstore! Went with my daughter and sister to check it out and the owner was so nice. They also have a cute pug who was friendly! A good selection of diverse books, we got two bilingual books to read to my daughter. Will for sure come back! read more

I bought 2 books here a couple of weekends ago and I was so impressed with their diverse book selection! I also grabbed a really sweet book about emotions for my 3 year old. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

I went to this local bookstore in my neighborhood and was thrilled with all of the books they carry, for both my daughter and I. They tell stories for all of us. I am looking forward to celebrating Pride month at their store and support our local small business bookstore! read more

Absolutely love this new local bookstore. They offer such a welcoming, warm feeling. There is usually a puzzle out to work on. The kids section is colorful and comfy. They offer lots of books written by POC and LGBTQ+ authors. They also offer a ton of great gifts and goodies made and created by local artists and small businesses. Candles, stickers, crocheted items, tote bags. Absolutely love to see small businesses support other small businesses. I will definitely keep showing up for this gem that I am lucky enough to have in my town. read more

So so thrilled to have this bookstore in my neighborhood!! I went to a postcard writing event early in their opening and it was such a heartwarming experience to see my community come out to support LGBTQIA+ rights. The owners are the loveliest people and they have the cutest pug. Can't wait to support them for years to come. read more

Monrovia is lucky to have this new and exciting bookstore. I've already been there multiple times since the opening (and kinda need to get a new bookcase because of it). The staff is friendly and welcoming and the selection is exceptional. I recently bought some Buffy the Vampire tarot cards and I'm in love!! Thanks, Underdog! read more

This bookstore is so special with a wonderful curated collection and a relaxing vibe.

I love this bookstore! Always stocked with the best books! I got 2 fiction romantic books and a guided journal! My mom got a crochet book to get ideas for her hobby and a children's book for family. We love how open and welcome everyone is here. It's always a great time coming in to see what's new. Plus, the pug!!!! How could you not love it. Highly recommend! They'll make sure you find what you need or recommend something to meet your needs! read more

I was so excited when this new bookstore opened up down the street from me. Its a great and welcome addition to our community. The selection of books is so beautifully curated by the owners and they feature some great local vendors too. Even though the store space is small, they somehow magically manage to pack it with something for everyone, and I never leave empty handed. Everyone is so welcoming I could spend HOURS here. They also host amazing programming, book talks and community events. I love having such a welcoming and diverse space in our town. Definitely 10 out of 10 would recommend. read more

Such a charming bookstore! The intentional centering of underdog stories (BIPOC and LGBTQIA+) and events is a wonderful addition to our Old Town. I will be coming often, especially to see the pup in the window!! read more

Absolutely thrilled to have this bookstore in my neighborhood. I've been in a handful of times. There is a large variety of topics on the shelves and the owners are knowledgeable and approachable if you have any questions. I especially like the dog theme and the doggie baked treats available for purchase. My dog, Dash, is a big fan of the cupcakes. read more

Amazing selection, amazing staff! Happy to have such a great local bookstore. Highly recommend!

A great bookstore with an even better atmosphere. The wonders are so kind, and I love their book selection. They have local authors, POC authors, and a bunch of other sections that show Underdog books know their community. and how could I forget, the cutest pug in the world is sitting in the window ready to greet u read more

What a breath of fresh air Underdog is for Monrovia and beyond. An adorable, warm, and welcoming space for all ages, genders, and orientations. Wish more places like this existed! Will be returning many, many times. read more

Underdog Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Monrovia, California

Underdog is a special, special place. Not only is the space cute, spacious, and welcoming (with and adorable pug!) but the book selection is the best I've ever seen. We went to the grand opening and found just the loveliest group of people celebrating love for books and acceptance. The owners are charming and kind and can answer any questions you have; highly recommend asking for a book recommendation from Thomas, you won't regret it! Thank you underdog for creating such a needed and welcoming place for the community! read more

Underdog has quickly become my favorite bookstore. The owners are wonderful and truly care about the community and offer an amazing selection of diverse books. Monrovia is truly lucky to have such a fantastic place! read more

Always warm, kind service. I love having a place that offers a selection of works for me and my kiddo that align with my values and highlight a truer picture of the human experience read more

My partner and I visited this bookstore a few weeks ago and are so thrilled to have a safe space in our area!! We loved the work for accessibility to literature and featuring authors that celebrate/ speak to our own queer BIPOC identities. We will be back soon. Thank you for making our community safer, Underdog! read more

Truly a gem of Monrovia! Really wonderful and unique book selection, and love the community engagement aspect too! Everyone that works here is so kind and the owners are wonderful. Not to mention fair prices for great items! read more

i love this place so so much. it's probably my favorite place to take friends at the moment and their selection of books is always fresh!! i always find something ive been wanting and the shop owners are lovely lovely people with a sweet little underdog of their own who i love seeing in the store. it's also a perfect place to get gifts! read more

I'm a local writer who was invited to do a book signing at Underdog Bookstore. This was one of the best experiences I've had as a writer singing at local bookshops. They not only had a place set up for me with my books already ready to be signed, but one of their employees, Muse -- also a highly talented writer --- prepared an entire interview about my books and my writing experience, which created a really interesting discussion between him, the audience, and me, the writer. Whatever they did to promote the event, it worked, and a small audience was there to attend the Q&A. I have to say, I've been to a bunch of book signings, but this was by far the most professionally organized event of local interest I have ever attended. This shop creates true value for the community. Thank you to the owners of Underdog Bookstore for giving me the opportunity to promote my work in such a welcoming and inspiring way. I hope you guys stay here for a long, long time. read more

I stumbled up this adorable little bookstore by chance, and I was so happy that I did. This store and it's employees are lovely and I'm grateful for their inclusive collections of works by all different authors. Looking forward to visiting again soon. read more

Very cute bookstore. Love that it provides a vast variety of books. The store is welcoming and the staff/owner are polite and friendly, I enjoyed the visit very much and will be returning to by more books very soon! read more

What an absolute treasure! This bookstore has a highly curated selection of wonderful books. We end up spending most of our time in the kids section marveling at the fantastic choices. Not only is it a comfy space to decide on your next book, but there's also a pug to greet us! Despite being new to Monrovia, they've already created such a safe and welcoming space to connect with community. I've never been more proud to be a Monrovian. We couldn't be happier about this new shop. read more

I love this bookstore. It offers a wonderful, welcoming ambiance, and it's easy to get to (and park near!) right in town, across from the library. I went in initially for one book and left with four. I've requested some on order; these arrived quickly and the store called me right away. Underdog is a terrific addition to Monrovia as a business and also brings us the owners as individuals--kind, book smart and people wise, adding to the cultural richness, fun, and offerings of our community. It's super to have an indie bookstore right here. Stop by! You'll find much to love. (I left with one book the owners recommended and only made it ten steps down the street--had started reading and had to find a bench, the writing was so beautiful.) read more

Loved finally visiting this shop. Discovered some reads I didn't know about yet and I love the way the thoughtful way the books are organized and the focus on events and community. Book seller was knowledgeable about the book I chose. Pug mascot for adorable eye candy. Cute children's section. Look forward to visiting again. read more

Super cute bookstore in Monrovia. I was in with my grandkids a few months ago. So nice to see a bookstore that's not a chain!

What a lovely addition to Downtown Monrovia! My husband and I have been in a few times and the owner is super sweet. Such an inclusive and welcoming place. So glad to see such an impactful small business in the community. read more