The Slice: Elyse Chambers
a bookstore owner on supporting locals + what to read next
As a kid, I dreamed of one day owning my own bookstore. I’ve certainly thought about it a lot since then — wondering where I would open, what kind of events we would do, and whether or not there would be a coffee element (there would be).
I’m sure many of you Bookpeach readers have also daydreamed about calling a bookstore your own, so I am thrilled to introduce y’all to Elyse Chambers, a real-life bookstore owner and overall gem.
Elyse is the newly minted owner of Wild Plum Books — Napa Valley’s coolest (and smallest) indie bookstore. I first connected with Elyse after subscribing to her terrific newsletter for women who love to read, ChickLits. For her newsletter, she collects recommendations from other readers and curates aesthetic pairings for her favorite books. At her bookstore, she also runs a women-only book club. Busy lady!
Her passion for local bookstores is really inspiring to me, and if I’m ever in St. Helena, Wild Plum will be my first stop.
Will let Elyse take it from here! Xo
I am sure you're asked this all the time -- but how in the world did you come to run a book store?!
Serendipity! In its previous life, the space was also a bookstore owned by a truly wonderful woman, Naomi. I was between jobs and wandered in with my kids after school one day (it was where I spent all of my time and money) and Naomi was behind the register. After some gentle prodding, she looked at me and said, “You’ve been on my mind for the past year and I think this store is supposed to be yours.” It felt like a proposal and I screamed yes and we both cried! And that was that. I purchased it last spring, refreshed the space and opened the doors in June.
What is the mission of Wild Plum?
Because it is so small (250 sq ft), I wanted to create a little jewel box that people could step into. A place of beauty. I painted the entire store a mossy green and built a window bench for the old and young alike to curl up on. I play good music. I’m thoughtful about curating the books because chatting with customers about my latest read or finding exactly the right book for someone is such a thrill. I want people to leave feeling like they were a part of something special. It makes me so happy when someone opens the door and immediately says, "Oh! I want to live here."
Why is it so important to support independent bookstores?
I could go on about this all day. Nothing is more disheartening (or infuriating) than when people wander in and talk about how delightful the store is, ask for recommendations, take pictures of the books, and then say they’re going to buy them on Amazon because it's half the price. I could scream. Because for small businesses the price of a book is dictated by the publisher, we don’t markup and we can’t afford to discount.
There are no chain stores on Main Street in St. Helena, a fact that always charms visitors. And I love when people tell me that Wild Plum Books reminds them of Meg Ryan’s shop in You’ve Got Mail. There’s nothing personal about buying a book from a corporation, it’s simply transactional. What’s that line about a checkbook and a bottom line?
The bookstore is the heartbeat of the community! I think that’s true for most independent bookstores. Every month, I ask regulars to recommend a favorite book, one they think other people should read, and we feature them on a rotating display of Local Picks. People get such a kick out of seeing their names on the shelf! And I have been really moved by the relationships I’ve formed with customers, it’s incredible. You are never, ever going to get that from Amazon, even if the book is half the price.
Plus, bookstores are not exactly moneymakers which makes supporting bookstores that much more important. We couldn’t do it without you.
Do you notice certain trends as a bookseller?
Absolutely! At any one time there are always a few really popular books that we reorder again and again. Last year, it was James, All Fours, God of the Woods, and Demon of Unrest. Right now, people are scooping up The Wedding People, Martyr! in paperback, Broken Country, Abundance, and Careless People.
What has been the most challenging aspect of owning a bookstore?
Having never worked in a bookstore before, let alone owned one, I had no idea just how hard it is! For the first six months, it felt like a firehose of information. Sometimes it still feels like that! Figuring out how much inventory to order is probably number one. And because of the size limitations, I’ve also learned to trust my gut when it comes to deciding which books to add to the shelves since I can’t fit them all.
For other women who dream of one day running a bookstore -- any advice?
Find a mentor! I couldn’t have done any of this without Naomi. I am constantly asking her how to do things. Booksellers in general are the most generous people and I’ve found they are more than happy to give advice. We all want indie bookstores to thrive! And make sure you join the American Booksellers Association. They are a lifeline.
And now, I want to hear more about YOUR taste! Who is your favorite author?
Like trying to pick a favorite child! I’ll whittle it down to Laurie Colwin, Elizabeth Strout and Lauren Groff.
What book has shaped you the most as a human being?
I’ve read Lawrence Durrell’s The Alexandria Quartet multiple times and it always casts a spell on me. When I was younger, I read it for the aching desire. As I got older, I read it for its ability to transport me to another time and place. It is thrilling and a little pretentious and completely captivating.
What is your strongest "book memory?"
I can still remember how Nancy Drew solved a particular mystery! A man swore he was in the bath when the “crime” took place, but was filing his nails when he answered the door. Nancy immediately knew he was lying because his nails would be too soft to file after a good soak. It is firmly lodged in my brain.
Is there a character in literature you most feel a kinship with?
I’ve loved Karen Blixen of Out of Africa (both the book and Meryl Streep in the movie) for forever. Her independence, her confidence, her dogged pursuit of the things that bring her joy. I even went as her for Halloween one year, though no one knew who I was!
And finally, what book should Bookpeach readers pick up next?
I just tore through Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy and cannot recommend it enough! So, so good. Set on a remote island off the coast of Antarctica where Dominic Salt (what a name!) and his three children are the caretakers. A woman washes up on the shore and tips their already delicate existence off balance. It’s about climate crisis, it’s about doomed love, it’s about family bonds. I learned so much about fur seals and Emperor penguins and the shape of wombat poop (square!). The writing is beautiful and evocative and I absolutely devoured it.
Huge thanks to Elyse for being so generous with her answers! Be sure to subscribe to
for more. ✨Do you have a book lover I should interview? Send me an email and I’ll be in touch! 💌
📚 On my shelf
I finished Shred Sisters by Betsey Lerner and really enjoyed. It hits on a lot of my favorite themes — family relationships, mental illness, growing up… A quick read with a lot of heart.
For something light and fluffy, I read How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior, per my aunt’s suggestion. It was cute — like a combo of Eleanor Oliphant and Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame. If you’re craving more coziness, I did a roundup back in October.
I just scored a 4€ copy of Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, the first in her sprawling series about King Henry VIII’s court, with a focus on the shrewd Thomas Cromwell. Not sure when I am going to finish this 600+ page monster, but it’s been nice to read a little bit every night before bed…
📚 Links and things
I love
’s suggestions for how to read an intimidating book. And wow — I NEED her pens and stickie notes. Gorgeous.The International Booker Prize just dropped its shortlist for 2025!
🎧 Bon Iver is back, baby! Been listening to SABLE, fABLE all week.
Looking for Amsterdam recommendations if you have any! Headed there at the end of this month to visit my friend Lisa.
Happy reading! 💛
XOX
Alli
owning a bookstore is the ultimate dream and I am definitely copying Elyse’s local picks idea for my own. in the future.
Loved reading this, so interesting! Amsterdam is wonderful, be sure to visit the Jordaan neighborhood.