Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe

Our April 2025 indie bookstore partner is Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe located in Asheville, North Carolina. Malaprop's, founded by literary lover Emöke B'Racz, opened in its original location 1982 and celebrated its 40th anniversary just a few years ago.

Fifteen years after opening, Malaprop's moved to its current location, an former Elks Club Lodge. B'Racz notes the importance of this particular building, as it formerly was a space where women were not permitted. One of the core values that B'Racz wanted to promote with her bookstore was making women's voices equal to men's. The move came with both financial and physical help from loyal customers.

The current majority owner is Gretchen Horn, who worked in several positions within Malaprop's before taking her current role in 2019. Horn plans on continuing with B'Racz mission of serving the community.

You might have heard of "Blind Date with a Book," well, Malaprops has a different twist on this concept. They call it "Books Undercover" and they specifically take books that their booksellers love, but feel are flying under the radar. As a former bookseller, I can tell you this is a real thing. There are books that all of us booksellers love, that just keep getting over looked. The heartbreak is real! Malaprop's has come up with a unique way to gain exposure for the books that booksellers really wish you'd take a chance on. Even if you don't live near Asheville, you can purchase a Book Undercover, through their website. If you're a little nervous to take a chance, the ISBN is there for anyone who wishes to spoil the surprise with a bit of sleuthing.

Malaprop's is extremely active with events, both in the store and in the wider community. Many of the events are hybrid, allow you to attend virtually. Even if you don't live near Asheville, you should definitely take a look at their events calendar. to see if a virtual author event catches your eye. They have several bookclubs, including WILD an acronym for Women in Lively Discussion, which is women only and focuses on works by women. In addition to several standard book clubs, they host the Bon Vivant Book Club for foodies and the Notorious H.B.C., a History focused book club.

Malaprop's has a sister store called Downtown Book & News, which centers on used books, newspapers, and magazines. This location opened in 1988 in response to a community need for an affordable alternative to new books. The stores work together to service customer's needs, checking stock between the stores.

Our North Carolina themed box includes Malaprop's mermaid logo sticker. This sticker was designed by artist Janet K. Lee. Lee is also known for her illustration work on the Marvel Comics adaptations of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey and Emma. Malaprop's has some really fantastic merch items. Please support Malaprop's by visiting them when in Asheville. If you don't live near this fabulous indie, please show them support by visiting their website and Instagram page.