City of Books

In City of Books, Jo Waterstone fights to save her beloved bookstore from closure, discovering the true meaning of passion and loyalty along the way.

Inspired by the temporary closure of Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon, City of Books charmingly explores a bibliophile’s fantasy: moving into a bookstore to prevent its closure. Jo Waterstone has spent decades perfecting her ability to recommend books tailored to individual tastes, making her a beloved figure at Bruebaker's Books. The store has been her sanctuary, filled with the energy of customers and the camaraderie of her colleagues. However, her world is turned upside down when the store's elderly owner, Mr. Bruebaker, suffers a stroke, putting the future of the beloved bookstore at risk.

With Mr. Bruebaker's daughters and the store's cold-hearted CEO pushing for a permanent closure, Jo finds herself at a crossroads. The thought of losing Bruebaker's, a place that has profoundly shaped her life, is unbearable. Instead of complying with orders to lock up, she takes a bold stand, barricading herself and a few loyal team members inside the store. This act of defiance transforms the atmosphere into a magical yet tense environment, where the reality of her choices comes into sharp focus.

As Jo navigates the challenges of living in a bookstore, she faces mounting pressure from both supporters and critics of her actions. The story delves into her internal struggles, forcing her to confront what truly matters in life. Ultimately, City of Books is a heartfelt exploration of passion, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to save a cherished institution.