The Urban Knowledge Book Store

Specialty bookstores are a rarity in Virginia Beach, so this store already had plus points for me before I even walked in. For my readers, I must now pause to provide a local definition: In this store, the word urban translates to ethnic and mostly African American.
The Urban Knowledge Bookstore seems to focus its knowledge predominately in African American fiction (meaning the authors and characters are mostly African American), which I applaud because mainstream bookstores often neglect these authors. A tinge of disappointment arose when I looked at the book covers, spilling over with sexualized heroines and stereotypical «urban» tropes. But I resigned myself to the assertion that you can’t judge a book by its cover and sex sells, so under sold authors often use it to lure in readers.
In addition to urban fiction, the Urban Knowledge Bookstore does delve into the academic and spiritual realm offering books by pastor TD Jakes and Kahlil Gibran. They also tap into another niche market with a section of erotic and gay fiction, something you might have trouble finding in your larger chain bookstores.
If you’re looking for something urban, ethnic or just a little different, The Urban Knowledge Bookstore is definitely worth checking out.