Parnassus Books

I’m a firm believer that bookstores are the real version of Neverland. And Parnassus Books in Nashville is exactly that kind of magical escape. Parnassus is more than just a bookstore — it’s a love letter to reading, and to community. Owned by novelist Ann Patchett, it has been designed to draw you in and invite you to pull up a chair to stay awhile. There are always events happening- so pay attention to the calendar! Venture toward the back, and you’ll enter the children’s realm — a space made for wonder. There’s even a whimsical little door meant just for kids (though, yes — I confess, I saw a few grown-ups slipping through it too!). The design invites curiosity and delight, which is exactly how a children’s section should feel. If you collect picture books (as I do), this section is a treat. It’s playful, warm, and imaginative — just the kind of place you want to linger in. Add to that friendly staff, occasional store dogs roaming the aisles, and a sense of real joy in the air, and it becomes an experience.

We’ve been to the Nashville area before but this was my first time spending multiple days and taking time to visit all the must-do Nashville things. Top of my list was to visit Parnassus. How lucky was I that we happened to be in town when Ann Patchett would have office hours! This was a highlight of my trip! The store is beautiful, just what you want out of a locally owned bookshop. I was excited to get a signed copy of one of my favorite Nashville area authors’ book, Colin Gentry’s Third Act. I already owned the book but had to snag the signed copy. To then have Ms Patchett add personalized messages to a couple of the books I chose was fabulous!

What a beautiful bookshop! Situated in a trendy shopping center, it's not especially eye-catching from the outside - but the inside is WOW! Rolling ladders along the walls are swoon-worthy, with perfect little tables and displays through the room. It's not an especially large shop, but well designed to show off lots of books and create cozy little alcoves. I stopped while passing through Nashville after reading Evan Friss' "The Bookshop" that mentioned this lovely store- and so glad I did! A perfect little bit of bookish joy!

What an awesome bookstore. Lots of people there when I visited. Many autographed books. Thank you to PJ for signing my journal!

What an incredible and amazing bookstore. Extremely well designed with everything made to be easily found. Roxie, the bookstore dog, was a welcome addition, and a newfound friend to read with, in an already great establishment. Will definitely be back when I'm in the area again.

Legendary locally owned and operated book store. It's small but has a great selection and fantastic staff. One of the best things is they can order anything for you have either have it picked up in store for no additional cost or ship it directly to you for a very reasonable shipping fee.

Great bookstore and a nice helpful and pleasant staff. Lots of fun.

Beautifully displayed books of every interest imaginable with roomy aisles and seating areas encourage a relaxing shopping experience. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. It is as if one has dropped by a friend's house for a cup of coffee and a chat. This is a favorite outing for my daughter, granddaughter and me. We return home rewarded with weeks of delicious reading. Parking is easy.

Gorgeous independent bookstore! Every employee was friendly and helpful. Such a huge selection in so many genres and lots of bookish items to choose from. The children's section is dim and cozy with a small little kid size entrance. It's so inviting and makes the choices intriguing. There is a good size stage where they hold many author events and seem very organized for special event orders. Ann Patchett has a section of signed books as she is one of the owners. I highly recommend Parnassus books if you live in or are visiting Nashville!

Loved this store! I wanted to buy everything they had. Along with books, divided by genre, they have cute stationary and gifts. Loved the sticker selection. The store even has a dog named Miller who roams around and its likes to get pet.

Parnassus books embodies the iconic bookstore image - neatly organized stacks, tall shelves with rolling ladders, and kind staff members. I was greeted warmly when I arrived (even a few minutes before closing!) and easily found what I was looking for. I didn't have time to wander the aisles this time around, but I will definitely do so next time and hopefully find my new favorite read.

A great book store worth browsing when you're in Nashville! Loved the local author section, cute children's area, and the great selection of books. Can't wait to stop in again next time we're in town!

This place is the greatest! If you're looking for a beautiful, welcoming independent bookstore with a great layout full of so many great options: this is the place for you. I love the vibe here. The booksellers are all SO authentically friendly that I walk away with a smile on my face every visit. Parnassus is so great for the community with all the events they host. I think that's my favorite part! They've also got a bunch of signed books in store, too!

A Nashville gem!! Parnassus Books is so special and we are so lucky to have them here. The book selection is great and anything that you cannot find there can be ordered online. I know that it can be tempting to get very cheap books from online retailers, but it is so important to support local bookstores. I always appreciate that the Parnassus staff is there to provide recommendations and love that they always have a staff recommendations shelf set up. I appreciate that they have so many community offerings as well - author talks, book clubs, story time, and nonprofit shopping nights. It has become a place that I take visitors and everyone loves visiting! I hope that they stay a Nashville institution for a very long time.

Found myself browsing some books and found something that I knew my Mom would love. With that being said, the woman at the register was no muss, no fuss. No hi, hello, no can I help you find anything. Here's your purchase, and have a nice night. Friendliness in customer service goes a long way...

You've just flown in to Nashville. What's the first thing you do? If you're a word nerd you head to Parnassus. That is exactly what we did on a recent trip. THIS IS THE BEST BOOK STORE I HAVE EVER VISITED. I think my luggage was overweight on the flight home because of all the books I bought. Of course, every Ann Patchett book in the story is signed by the author but there's a ton of other author signed books for sale (I'm sure b/c of her connections). There are a lot or local authors but I was also able to pick up a first-edition signed copy of Tommy Orange's latest book. I found books and books that I coveted no matter where I looked in the stacks. The staff was great and so helpful. There was an author talk and book signing after closing and they allowed us to stay. I would be a member of every single one of their book clubs if I lived in Nashville. Make this a tourist stop!

Very nice, local bookstore. I went there planning to get one book, asked one of the employees for a recommendation, and ended up leaving with ten. One of which became my favorite books of all time. Absurdly low prices for the hardbacks, same as the paperbacks! It has a really nice smell, you know the one I mean, fresh books. Great staff, and a very cozy store.

This is a delightful place full of of carefully curated books and a small amount of bookish gifts. Worth the trip and plan to stay for a spell

Adorable book store with lots of selection. Worth the visit! Was in from out of town and the recommendation was correct!

I LOVED this book store! This was our first tourist stop in Nashville because of Ann Patchett fan girling! It's beautiful inside with a huge selection of books and gifts. Incredible deals because of so many signed books by lots of different authors. Very nice and very passionate staff. We happened to be there right before an evening book signing/author talk, so we stayed. It was awesome to get to hear from two romance authors and pick up signed copies of their new books! I can't wait to read the armload that I bought. Love love!

Parnassus Books is heaven on earth for book lovers! This is a huge bookshop with a wide variety of books, so it is easy to find something for everyone. In addition to pretty much any book you could possibly want, they have a great selection of bookish gifts including shirts, totes, notebooks, and stickers. This is a great place to find gifts! Service was really friendly and I appreciated that the staff were willing to help with finding the right book. The entire store is super clean and cozy with lots of comfy chairs to sit in while you make your selection. Pricing was fair and I'm always thrilled to support a local business.

This is a cool old school book store that should not be missed. Very friendly staff! Very cool vibe! Very nice selection of books!

Great variety of books and very well organized. Lots of signed and special editions. Great spot for book lovers.

The books up the wall, the themed tables, the ladders hanging on! This place is a book lovers dream. The detail that is put into this book store is noticed and admired. While I was in, I picked up a nifty book club journal and fourth wing. Already can't wait to go back!

I love supporting a local bookstore. And Parnassus makes it easy to support as one of the most beautiful indie bookshops I've ever visited. It's well organized, and their online presence makes it easy to figure out what books are in stock. They host great events, encouraging reading at all ages. It's quite whimsical inside, beautifully decorated. The staff are oh so friendly, readily available to help. And the price is to be expected, a bit more than Amazon, but to be expected at an indie store that is curated so well.

Unfortunately we made this our last stop on our bookstore day, did not give ourselves much time before closing :( This is a really lovely bookstore, helpful and friendly staff, large selection. We will definitely be making Parnassus a priority next time we're in town!

This is one of my favorite local bookstores in Nashville. There is always a good selection of books no matter the genre you are interested in. They also host monthly events with authors and have a shop dog! There are two locations, one in Green Hills and one in the airport. Highly recommend!

Everything you could want in an old-fashioned book store. Well stocked with classics and current best-sellers. Nice YA and children's sections. I spent some of my time shopping in the nice gift section. (Perfect for your friends and family who are readers). I Would love for this store to be as big as the big-box stores are someday. Location is easy to find. Parking is on the street or in a nearby free garage.

What a fun bookstore. Clean, full of people and lovely displays. Found more than I came for. Purchased a signed book of the owner/author and cant wait to give it to my daughter as a gift! We asked about the dogs and they kindly went and got one out of the office for us to see and pet! Would recommend and return the next time in town.

I stopped here after reading the reviews and because independent book stores are incredible. This space did not disappoint. I loved the spacious layout that filled every space with creative displays. Their music and arts sections were fabulous. My favorite section for younger readers was superb. I found great new reads and a solid collection of newer classics. The dog was on a level of its own... that sweet thing!

Superb bookstore -- indy and proud. Staff were highly knowledgeable, even asked me for further recommendations. So thankful to have a superbly stocked independent bookstore in Nashville!!

While I haven't been to this location, I wandered into the one in the airport and fell in love. I was in Nashville for work for less than 24 hours so I mostly saw the airport and wanted to kill some time.The selection inside blew me away. Amazing options one after another, including ones that I'd never heard of and can't find in any bookstores around my hometown. I walked out with a few greats greats, but actually had to start taking photos of books because there were so many good ones that I couldn't fit them all in my suitcase. I hope to visit Nashville again to be able to see the main location, but until then I'll follow on Instagram and keep suggesting Parnassus to anyone who visits.

Everyone was super nice!! I loved that they have recommendations for every genre!!! Personally my favorite was the romance section

I am still in shock it took me this long to go to Parnassus. What an elegant bookstore! Sleekly laid out. Very open and inviting. The decor is just like the library from beauty and the beast in a smaller scale. The host lots of events and book clubs. Check it out if you are a book lover.

Opened in 2011 by novelist Ann Patchett, I can understand why Parnassus gets such glowing reviews! This is the kind of charming little bookstore you cheer for, the antithesis of the giant stores that also serve a purpose but aren't nearly as cozy. The children's section is adorable and you'll find a lot of cute knickknacks, not just books. The genres of literature etched out in chalk are so indicative of a quaint, locally-owned bookstore and that literally brought a smile to my face. There is an impressive array of books for a store this size, and the only category I found lacking was the culinary genre. There are practically no cookbooks, maybe three or four. That's a shame, because it's my favorite kind of book to buy. But Parnassus is doing a fabulous job of bringing local flavor to Green Hills!

My mom is a fan of author Ann Patchett, and when she discovered that she owned Parnassus Books in Nashville she insisted we visit. When we walked in I automatically was drawn to their displays and all of the different book selections. I enjoyed their book display on local authors and books about Nashville, so I selected a book by a radio DJ in Nashville Bobby Bones which I really enjoyed and never would've thought to read otherwise. After all, that is what bookstores are great for is discovering new books! I came back to Parnassus with a coworker once I saw that they have book signing events. I was shocked that a noticed a few authors of very popular novels had book signings here. I decided to come here to have Delia Owens sign my copy of her book 'Where the Crawdads Sing'. Although I know that some book signings are ticketed events, no tickets were required for this one. They do ask that if you come to a book signing that you purchase the book from their bookstore, which makes sense. I was definitely grateful they had two employees going around with post-it notes so that your spelling of the name would be corrected once the author got to sign your book. One of the employees also took photos of us and the author which was nice and efficient. Parnassus is a great local bookstore and I am so glad that I discovered it. They have a wide variety of books and hold events here which all ages would appreciate.

So, here's the thing--I love books, bookstores, and reading and spend a lot of time exploring those loves. So if Parnassus is your local independent shop and you can get what you want here and the price point works for you, please support them! For me, I'm particular on what I buy (versus check out from a library) and what I pay for that book. I know less prominent authors and especially independent retailers depend on your support, and am not above paying list price for a book I want especially from a local retailer. However, I tend to be more open to shelling out bucks for books if they're either on the specialty side (signed, limited, deluxe) OR on the economical side (used or discounted). To pay list price for a current bestseller or hardcover? It has to be a favorite author, special occassion, or something because $30 for a new hardcover is just a luxury I don't allow myself when there are so many other affordable options. Maybe they have a loyalty program? If so, and this is your neighberhood bookstore, terrific. Just offering 10 or 20% off list price or "buy one get one 30% off" is apt to make me pull the trigger on a book purchase I'm on the fence over, but I didn't see that as an option here. I didn't see a discount or clearance section either, or used (but that's okay, that's a different type of bookstore). I did see a "local authors" section and did see some signed books. If I make a purchase in the future from here, it will likely be from one of these categories. I did notice they have in-store readings and signings, and I'd also be very likely to purchase something during one of those events, so I'll keep my eyes on their event calendar in the future. I did dig all of those staff recommendation notes and placards, that always makes me smile and consider new books when in a store like this one. Perhaps my only major quibble is the lack of a "horror" section. I mean, I read a lot of different genres and styles of books all across the gamut of fiction and non-fiction. But when it comes to fiction, I have a soft spot for genre fiction, especially horror, and we're living in the midst of a horror fiction renaissance right now (2022) in which the genre is more diverse, inclusive, and expansive than it has ever been and there's not a section here for it--and I didn't see many of those authors represented in the general "fiction" section either. There's a "mystery" and a "fantasy" section, and I know some literary snobs are more apt to "approve" of those genres, but authors like Malfi, Malerman, Quigley, Piper, Golden, Moreno-Garcia, et. al. are just as literary as any of the current popular Fantasy series.

I love a little bookstore and will stop to visit one whenever I'm passing through. I bought 3 Ann Patchett books ($80) because that just seemed like the right thing to do to support the author and shop. I just finished reading Run and the writing style was just okay..... but honestly, the Obama essay at the end was enough for me to not buy another one of her book or visit the shop again..... I read to escape the world and don't need politics shoved down my throat at every opportunity. There was enough balance of family and loyalty to keep me reading but like I said, the essay wasn't necessary. Im probably too conservative and think of HOPE differently than you- we aren't a good fit for one another. 3 stars bc the bookshop was adorable. Pricing seems expensive.......

Due to coronavirus concerns, me and my Dad cancelled our plans to Nashville. Within our stay, there was a book that we were eager to get from Parnassus Books, so we decided to order it. The book came to us in three days (we are from Seattle)-we were pleasantly surprised! While I hope one day to set foot into Parnassus Books in person, we are touched that they were so thoughtful with their communication to us. We will absolutely do business with them again and recommend them to others. Support small business!

If you are an avid reader or just looking for a book to kill some time at the airport, then this is the spot for you. As a fan of Ann Patchett, I have longed to go to her bookstore in Nashville. Time was not on my side this trip, however, I was able to spend some time browsing in the Parnassus on Wings location in the Nashville Airport. The store is located right where Concourse A and B intersect. Super easy to find. There's an incredible selection of books and some bookish gifts as well. I always love looking at the staff picks as it gives me lots of titles to add to my TBR list. Hopefully, I can make it to the larger location in the near future.

I've been hearing about Parnassus Books for years and it was one of the first places I thought to visit when I heard I was going to Nashville. I really enjoy visiting new independent bookstores whenever I'm in a different city. Parnassus was easy to find and very welcoming. It's a great size - you can browse for an hour and find a few things you like. There's a generous but not overwhelming selection. Tons of literary fiction, some displays like new release highlights and book club suggestions, and well curated sections for non-fiction interests. It was pretty busy while I was there and the booksellers were doing a great job of checking in with everyone to say hello and make themselves available. The seller who checked out my purchases was very friendly too. They also had a gift wrapper at the back of the store since it's holiday season. The children's and young adult sections looked like they'd be great for those age groups to browse themselves or to pick up gifts for people in those age brackets. There's also some cute knick-knacks, notebooks, and branded merchandise in there, along with some unique cards for unusual occasions. Lovely store.

This has been on my wish list for sometime. Recently had the opportunity to be In Nashville and visit Parnassus Books. The staff were wonderful- helpful and fun to talk with. Nice selection of books, journals, children's books.

Excellent bookstore with a huge collection, nearly organized shelves, perfectly planogrammed with bestsellers, new releases, special interests books, and travel guides. The best part to me was their really cool ($14/pair) humorous socks! There was no one at the cash wrap area. It didn't inspiring purchase, and I had already two heavy bags.

This bookstore is one of those local gems in the heart of green hills. It's cozy, while also being modern and they have a HUGE selection with special touches that you can't get at huge bookstores like Barnes and noble. They have some handwritten recommendations scattered throughout the store and they even have a book club. I recommend getting on their email list; they often have authors come in to talk about their books or a zoom session. Their kids section is absolutely magical and so sweet. They also have some fluffy shop dogs!

Love the books, many signed. Staff is friendly and helpful. Check out Greenhouse Bar afterwards

Wanted to buy a book for my vacation in Tennessee and I found this cute bookshop that I had to visit. It is such a beautiful bookstore with books and journals and other little things. Would definitely come back here if I ever visit Tennessee again I bought the book Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak.

when you walk into this bookstore, you feel like you'll see meg ryan from you've got mail greet you when you walk in. this is what i miss about bookstores and i'm glad i've ordered a few books here to pick up. that process is very organized and friendly. not to mention they do all the protocols to keep their staff and patrons safe. if you have any questions or show any interest in something, they were always more than willing to talk about it or give recommendations. it's tucked away in the very busy green hills area across from the mall but it feels like a quiet oasis inside while you peruse for something to read. this will be my local go-to for books and they do a LOT of author signings and virtual meetup type events as well so don't miss out on those.

I'm writing this review as someone that lives in Nashville and loves Parnassus. Yes, I love Parnassus (if it wasn't there, you wouldn't catch me dead in Green Hills), but the airport location is just an airport bookstore. It's small but has a decent selection if you forgot a book or finished yours too fast. But it's not anything to write home about. Check it out if you need a book, but you don't need to make a point to go there. If you love Ann Patchett or have heard great things about Parnassus, save the real store for your next trip to Nashville.

Love this local bookstore. It was on my radar after Reese Witherspoon was spotted, and I am so glad it was! Great selection of books, fun children's section, great cards, postcards, mugs and other gifts too. The staff were very friendly and I noticed one employee really taking time to help a mom find a good book for her daughter. There are also comfy chairs to sit in the middle of the store to read too. Really enjoyed my time and highly recommend you visit!

I almost moved to Nashville because of this place. I love the well curated selection, the staff recommendations and the puppies that occasionally wander out to say hello. My urban sanctuary.

Excellent stock and excellent service.What more could anyone ask for? I also liked the organization of the store and it's layout.

Hands down the best bookstore in Nashville! They always have amazing recommendations for all types of readers. I love going to their events that support authors. Support your local independent bookstores!

What a gem!! I found this bookstore yesterday while dining for lunch in Green Hills, and sooo happy I did. It's located in a shopping center across from the mall with other retail shops and a few eateries. There is plenty of parking. The walls are lined top to bottom with assorted genres. The fiction, children, young adult, cooking, and local were the sections that seemed the largest to me. The staff is friendly and they sold a lot of other various goodies and knick-knacks such as toys, trinkets, collectibles, and of course, a wide array of Moleskin notebooks. No complaints about this neighborhood bookstore!! I can't wait to go back again, and again, and again!

This place is a gem. One of the coolest independent bookstores I've been to. Their book recommendations are great. The people that work there are great. And the shop dogs are the icing on the cake.

Excellent store selection of books staff was more than courteous as a solo traveler far from home Boston I appreciated it a great deal. And enjoyed browsing in this lovely store

Wonderful locally (and women) owned bookstore! They have a great selection and the staff is always very helpful and has great recommendations! They are also dog friendly!

So, first the first time in a long time (long time), I had time. Read that again so that it makes sense. What does one do after finding time after such a long time of not having time? Good question. I began to remember the things that I enjoyed doing (before I lost the time to do them) and set about trying to do them again. I slept in. I hit the gym. I cooked. And, I decided to read. Books. I was going to read books. As much as it pains my librarian friend, I don't have an active library card and despite the community and environmental benefits of libraries, if I think too much about them, they sort of gross me out. But (to make him happy), I am not much of an e-reader. There's something about the tactile quality of books that adds so much to the reading experience. Perhaps it's a function of age and habit but I have never felt quite comfortable curling up with a tablet. Give me a book every time. Tactile intentions made, I just had to decide where to shop. That wasn't a very hard choice. In Nashville, if you're buying a book, you come to Parnassus. I'd written about Parnassus. I'd given directions to Parnassus. I'd never been or patronized the store. Ergo, I made some mistakes. 1.) I showed up looking for a non-local book. Don't do this. Go online. Search for the book. See if it's in stock. See if there's a signing at the store. Proceed accordingly. I arrived to a packed house. There was a lecture/book signing and all hands were on deck. I looked around, made eye contact with an employee and asked if there was a kiosk for searching. She smiled and whispered she was the kiosk and asked for my title. I gave it to her and... not in stock. But, she could order it for me and have it in store in two days. Cool. I gave her my info, tiptoed out and braved the Green Hills traffic back to my home. After some early morning appointments, I made my way back to Green Hills and... closed. This leads me to point 2.) Verify hours. Just because other stores open at certain times does not mean this store does. Independent store. Independent hours. Again, I left Green Hills harrowed and sans book. The third time was the charm: I arrived, asked for my book and a book I received. Both of the employees with whom I chatted were pleasant and knowledgeable. Not only did they know my book and author, they gave me information about upcoming lectures/signings of said author (and similar authors). It was at this moment that it hit me that this was a bookstore owned, operated and (wo)manned by people who love books. The comfortable, bright design showcases said love and makes one want to spend more time loving on all the ink, spines, paper, and words that change opinions, open hearts, transform worlds, and comfort souls. I'm happy to have some time back.* I have a whole list of books to buy/read and I look forward to doing so with the help of Parnassus. I'll just abide by the rules going forward. *Reclaimed.