- Attraction: Parnassus Books
- Location: 3900 Hillsboro Pike, Ste 14, Nashville, TN 37215
- Industry: Bookstore
- Website: https://parnassusbooks.net
A bold act of faith sparked something magical in Green Hills back in 2011.
Just as independent bookstores were vanishing across America, Pulitzer Prize finalist and bestselling novelist Ann Patchett decided Nashville deserved better.
Together with her business partner Karen Hayes, she opened Parnassus Books to prove people still craved the joy of discovering stories in person, surrounded by fellow book lovers. N
amed after the mythological Greek mountain where the Muses lived, this indie bookstore has become a literary sanctuary where readers of all ages can lose themselves in carefully curated collections spanning fiction, nonfiction, local interests, and the arts.
Walking through the doors feels like entering a book lover’s paradise designed just for you. High wooden shelves stretch nearly to the ceiling, packed with everything from hidden gems to bestsellers you can actually flip through before buying.
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Keep Exploring →The space manages to feel both intimate and expansive, creating that rare atmosphere where browsing becomes an adventure rather than a chore.
Curated Collections That Actually Understand Readers
The Ann Recommends Section: You’ll spot a dedicated shelf featuring Patchett’s personal favorites, refreshed regularly with titles she genuinely loves.
Since she’s deeply connected to the literary world, these picks offer insider access to books that deserve more attention. Every single one of her own novels sits on the shelves, signed and ready for personalization if you ask.
Signed Editions Galore: The store maintains an impressive inventory of autographed books from visiting authors. You can browse Young Adult titles with author signatures right on the cover page, making each purchase feel special without the premium price tag. Even if you miss an author event, chances are good you’ll still find signed copies available.
Local Author Hub: An entire section celebrates Tennessee writers and Nashville-specific titles, including stunning photography books about Music City. This regional focus connects you to the literary community thriving right in your own backyard.
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Discover MoreFiction That Goes Deep: The fiction section sprawls across multiple shelves with thoughtful organization that makes discovery easy. You’ll find classics nestled alongside contemporary releases, with staff recommendations guiding you toward your next favorite read.
Children’s Paradise: Little readers get their own magical entrance through a charming miniature Greek temple doorway. The selection inside caters beautifully to young minds, though parents note it’s slightly more compact than other sections. Storytime events happen regularly, adding an interactive element beyond just book browsing.
New Releases Front and Center: Display windows showcase the latest arrivals in eye-catching arrangements that change frequently. Ann herself appears on the store’s Instagram every Tuesday for Laydown Diaries, where she and the bookselling team discuss that week’s new releases with genuine enthusiasm.
Specialty Sections: Beyond mainstream categories, you’ll discover thoughtfully stocked areas covering philosophy, spirituality, self-help, and the arts. The depth across genres means serious readers can truly get lost exploring.
Author Events and Literary Programming
World-Class Author Visits: Parnassus has become a must-stop destination for book tours, attracting literary luminaries from across the globe. Events range from intimate readings to conversations between celebrated authors, with hundreds of gatherings throughout the year.
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Keep Exploring →Book Club Central: The store serves as a community hub where reading groups meet, book lovers connect, and story discussions flourish. Partnerships with organizations like Humanities Tennessee, The Porch Writers’ Collective, and Book’em add educational depth to the programming.
Lecture Series Collaboration: Working with Belmont University, Parnassus co-hosts significant authors discussing their most important works. Recent speakers have included major names that draw both academic and general audiences.
The Famous Shop Dogs
Canine Staff Members: Several four-legged employees enhance the bookstore experience with their laid-back presence. These shop dogs have become beloved fixtures, often appearing on the floor for photo opportunities and tail wags.
Each pup has their own personality, from the tiny pocket-sized Mary Todd Lincoln Coffman to the contemplative Bear Gardner who favored meditating near the philosophy section.
Patchett Even Wrote About Them: The shop dogs inspired an entire tenth anniversary book complete with illustrations, chronicling their adventures, mishaps, and the unbridled joy they bring customers daily. All proceeds support the Parnassus Books Foundation, which provides books to schools and underserved communities.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere and Interior Design
Clean and Well-Lighted: The space radiates warmth through carefully chosen lighting that makes browsing pleasant without feeling clinical. The bright, immaculate interior creates a welcoming environment that invites lingering.
Comfortable Seating Scattered Throughout: Leather chairs and cozy sofas dot the entry area and various corners, letting you settle in with potential purchases to read a few pages before committing. The comfortable atmosphere means you never feel rushed.
Impressive Visual Impact: Those soaring shelves packed floor-to-ceiling with books create genuine wonderment when you first enter. The scale feels substantial without being overwhelming, striking that perfect balance between intimate and impressive.
Average-Sized But Never Cramped: The layout flows logically with enough space to push strollers through easily. Everything stays organized and navigable even during busy periods, though the store isn’t so large you’ll get lost.
Inviting Window Displays: The front windows rotate featured collections that catch your eye from outside, often coordinated with current events or seasonal themes. During holidays, creative displays like massive Christmas trees constructed entirely from books reach fifteen feet tall.
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Keep Exploring →Merchandise and Extras
Bookish Gifts Aplenty: Beyond books, you’ll discover Parnassus-branded mugs, tote bags, clever cork coasters with engraved logos, and even hedgehog reading buddies. The merchandise selection stays focused on literary themes rather than random tchotchkes.
Nashville Souvenirs: A small but thoughtful collection of Music City mementos gives tourists something locally meaningful to take home alongside their book purchases.
Pens for Serious Writers: The store stocks a selection of high-quality writing instruments that lean toward the premium end. If you’ve been searching for that perfect fountain pen, this might be your spot.
Anniversary Items and Special Editions: Limited releases like anniversary tote bags and exclusive signed editions pop up throughout the year, giving collectors reasons to visit regularly.
Practical Considerations
Book Pricing: You’ll pay standard retail prices comparable to what you’d find at chain bookstores, but the experience and service make the cost worthwhile. Occasional bargain bins feature titles starting at just one dollar, and app-based payment methods sometimes offer small discounts.
Parking Reality: The shared shopping center lot offers plenty of spaces but navigating the traffic flow can feel slightly confusing. This minor inconvenience fades once you’re parked and ready to browse. On the bright side, you’re steps away from Fox’s Donut Den and various coffee shops perfect for post-shopping treats.
Family-Friendly Environment: Children are welcomed enthusiastically, with programming specifically designed for young readers. The accessible layout and dedicated kids’ space make family visits stress-free.
Convenient Location: Situated in the upscale Green Hills shopping district along Hillsboro Pike, the store sits near The Mall at Green Hills and countless dining options. You can easily make an afternoon of browsing books then grabbing lunch nearby.
Operating Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with Sunday hours running noon to 6 PM. These consistent hours make planning visits straightforward.
Beyond the Physical Store: Parnassus extends its reach through an airport location at Nashville International Airport, an online magazine called Musing featuring staff picks and author interviews, and book subscription clubs spanning every age group from picture books to adult literary fiction.
Parnassus Books
📍 3900 Hillsboro Pike, Ste 14, Nashville, TN 37215
