ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —

Flipping the pages of a good novel is a fantastic way to spend a long summer day.

For Ashevillians or Ashevisitors looking to crack the spine on a new beach read or to discover the next big hit of the fall, there are several independent bookstores in town that can help.

Check out this gallery featuring these independent bookstores:

• Malaprop’s Bookstore, 55 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville
• Downtown Books & News, 67 North Lexington Ave. in downtown Asheville
• Mr. K’s Used Books, Music and More, 800 Fairview Rd. off I-40 in East Asheville
• Bagatelle Books, 428 Haywood Rd. in West Asheville

Enjoy your new favorite reads.

Malaprop’s in downtown Asheville has a massive selection of new books, quirky gifts and handpicked recommendations from the staff.

“The Complete Stories” of Flannery O’Connor is the perfect selection for reading-curious folks interested in odd, bite-sized tales of the South. Find it at Malaprop’s.

Downtown Books & News has an eclectic assortment of used and rare books, as well as various art prints, stickers and pins from local artists around town.

For cat owners new and old, Downtown Books & News has books to help. Learn more about caring for your furry friends in the pet section of their extensive collection.

Mr. K’s Used Books, Music and More lives up to its name. The bookstore has rows upon rows of used books, also available to purchase with store credit, as well as racks of CDs, vinyl and movies.

Appreciate the beauty of Asheville through reading this gorgeous novel about NYC by Hugo-award winning author N. K. Jemisin. Jemisin and her sci-fi contemporaries can be found on many shelves towards the back of Mr. K’s.

Bagatelle Books in West Asheville is a small but stacked collection of used, new and interesting books.

If straight-up novels are too much of a commitment, try a graphic novel like “The Walking Dead” by Robert Kirkman. Especially recommended for fans of the TV show or other horror media.