Great Escape: Nurture Your Inner Bookworm

Elementary school teachers taught our kids that a book can take them anywhere they want to go, so Moms, it's now time to revisit what may be the best lesson you ever learned in school.

For this Great Escape go to , which as been a staple on Venice Blvd. for more than 20 years, and in Los Angeles for nearly 34 years. The store, owned by Bob Klein and Larry Myers, first opened on Westwood Blvd in August 1977, before moving to Santa Monica Blvd in West Los Angeles in 1980. Mar Vista has been home to Sam Johnson’s Bookshop since 1987.

Sam: Johnson’s has a Steinway piano, classical music (sometimes live), book signings and poetry readings in addition to their selection of new, used and rare books. New stock comes in nearly every day. Plus, there’s a parking lot and garden in the back, where you can while away the hours reading your latest purchase.

If you're ready to be transported out of  your daily grind and into a whole new world, here's some picks that will help you get there:

Fiction: There’s nothing like an easy-read, a mystery or a science fiction book to give you a glimpse into someone else’s world. You can also pick up a classic to transport you to another time and place.

Non-Fiction: Are you a history buff? An art enthusiast? Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn, but never took the time? This is a great opportunity to indulge in some new information.

Travel: Why not plan the trip you’ve always wanted to take with books on travel, or coffee-table books featuring exotic locations.

Think you have no time to read? Just take a half hour a day to sit back with a cup of coffee and open the covers of your upcoming adventure.  Think of it as a daily gift to yourself.

Sam: Johnson's Bookshop, 12310 Venice Blvd, 310-391-5047
Hours: Mon - Sat, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun, noon - 5 p.m.