The City by the Bay
San Francisco’s rich history of counter culture, beatnik poetry, hippie revolutions and LGBT activism are somewhat stories of the past these days, but are still in the city’s DNA. Modern San Francisco is a hub of technology, innovation and invention but still keeps its alt culture roots in the many independent bookstores across the different neighborhoods.
To collect our recommendations for San Francisco, we tapped into the community that frequents some of the local bookstores around town, and had a great conversation with friends of Dog Eared Books in the Mission district. This bookstore has been a neighborhood favorite for almost 20 years. Here’s what we found.
Season of the Witch by David Talbot
If you’re looking for the quintessential novel about San Francisco from the 1960s through the 1980s, look no further than this SF classic. This book makes most lists for a reason- it brings to life the age that made the city famous, with characters like Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, Harvey Milk and Haight Ashbury.
“A piece that personifies but doesn’t romanticize- basically this book is all real and sometimes not so pretty. Flowers in your hair but crime on the streets, this doesn’t miss a beat”.
North Beach Girl by John Trinian
To tourists, North Beach is colloquially known as the “Little Italy”, filled with Italian restaurants, cafes and wine bars. To locals, it’s where you go for a wild night out. Strip clubs, neon and cocktails paint the night.
This book is a rare one that has been out of print for decades but still available if you look. The story reads like the time it was written- in the 1960s- with hip slang and casual stories of sex and wild scenarios.
The Mayor of Castro Street by Randy Shilts
The Castro district of San Francisco would not be what it is today without Harvey Milk’s influence. Everywhere you walk, there are reminders of his influence- Harvey’s restaurant, Harvey Milk Memorial library and the historic camera shop that started it all are just a few. The epic rise and tragic fall of the local icon is an inspirational story that still gets honored throughout the neighborhood.
“You cannot talk about the LGBT movement in SF without Harvey Milk playing a critical role. His attachements to the neighborhood and the cause landed him in politics where we found out that even in a progressive city like San Francisco, the fight was nowhere near over”.
Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin
This multi- installment collection of wild, outrageous and loving stories of the goings on around town is popular for a reason. The times were changing and through these stories, we can dream about a nostalgic time that many of us have only ever heard about.
“Many people read these stories and search out the different locations mentioned to dream about the history of what went on there. It makes for a great tour of the sights that are off the beaten path”.
Freaks I’ve Met by Donald Jans
Although this book doesn’t exclusively take place in San Francisco, the story jumps between so many cities that it makes the San Francisco leg of the journey that much more unique and engaging.
“This book is hilarious and insightful. SF stands out in its own way and its a quick read that’s well worth it”.