Our collections are guided by curiosity, place, and perspective.
Each title on our shelves is chosen with intention, books that explore the world through travel, history, fiction, culture, and lived experience. We invite you to browse in person, ask questions, and discover books that inspire both reflection and exploration. Our shelves are meant to be wandered-slowly, and often.
Shop and Listen with Us
Perasma Book Company is proud to partner with Bookshop.org and Libro.fm as a way to shop online while supporting independent bookstores.
With Bookshop.org
Browse curated lists inspired by our in-store collections
Search for a wider selection of titles beyond what we carry in the store
Order books for delivery anywhere in the U.S.
Support Perasma and the wider independent bookselling community
With Libro.fm
Consider a membership for those who are avid audiobook listeners
Books can also be purchased and can be listened to on-demand
Consider gifting an audiobook by choosing the number of credits and let the recipient choose what they purchase.
Interested in Books by Local Authors?
Tell Me About Joy by Kara Kavensky
A wartime romance. A journalist on the brink. And a miraculous reunion that changes everything.
For readers of Eat, Pray, Love, Tuesdays With Morrie and Untamed, this poignant true story reminds us that it's never too late for love.
Kara is a journalist stuck in a crumbling marriage, quietly losing hope. When she's assigned to write a human interest piece on WWII Veterans, she meets Bob--a sharp, charming nonagenarian who shares his greatest regret: that he missed out on marrying the love of his life--a woman named Joy.
It's been over 60 years since Bob has spoken her name, and he has one last wish: to find her before it's too late.
What begins as a routine assignment turns into the story that changes everything. As Kara sets out to reunite two long-lost lovers, she's forced to confront the losses and longings in her own life. What unfolds is a moving, unforgettable journey through memory, healing, and the enduring power of love.
Tell Me About Joy is a beautifully written true story about the lives we live, the choices we carry, and the unexpected ways love can find us again--even after all this time.
The Soul of Civility by Alexandra O. Hudson
Alexandra Hudson, daughter of the "Manners Lady," was raised to respect others. But as she grew up, Hudson discovered a difference between politeness--a superficial appearance of good manners--and true civility. In this timely book, Hudson sheds light on how civility can help bridge our political divide.
From classical philosophers like Epictetus, to great twentieth-century thinkers like Martin Luther King Jr., to her own experience working in the federal government during one of the most politically fraught eras in our nation's history, Hudson examines how civility--a respect for the personhood and dignity of others--transcends political disagreements. Respecting someone means valuing them enough to tell them when you think they are wrong.
It's easy to look at the divided state of the world and blame our leaders, the media, or our education system. Instead, we should focus on what we can control: ourselves. The Soul of Civility empowers readers to live tolerantly with others despite deep differences, and to rigorously protest wrongs and debate issues rather than silencing disagreements. A robust public discourse is essential to a truly civil society, and respecting others means telling hard truths. If enough of us decide to change ourselves, we might be able to change the world we live in, too.
Provocative, personal, and acutely relevant, The Soul of Civility is an essential book for our era.
Give the gift of being well read and well traveled.
Perasma gift cards are an invitation: to read, to gather, and to explore. Whether given for a special occasion or just because, a gift card offers the freedom to choose books, experiences, and journeys inspired by curiosity and place.
From stories rooted in place to conversations that spark connection, a Perasma gift card invites discovery.
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Perasma gift cards may be redeemed for:
Books and merchandise purchased in-store
Events and programs hosted by Perasma
Eligible travel-related offerings, including travel planning services
If you have questions about using a gift card for a specific event or service, we’re always happy to help.
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Gift cards are available in both physical and digital formats and are intended for use on Perasma goods and services only.
In-store: Purchase a physical Perasma gift card at the bookstore
Online: Digital Perasma gift cards may be purchased through our gift card portal
Please note that Perasma gift cards—both physical and digital—cannot be redeemed on Bookshop.org. Gift cards for Bookshop.org purchases are available directly through their website.
If you have questions about which gift card is right for your needs, we’re always happy to help.
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Gift cards do not expire
There are no fees associated with gift cards
Gift cards may be used across multiple visits until the balance is fully redeemed
Gift cards can be combined with other forms of payment
Balances are applied automatically at checkout.
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Gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash
Gift cards are treated like cash; lost or stolen cards may not be replaceable
Sales tax is applied at the time of redemption, where applicable
If you have questions about your gift card balance or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Inspired travel,
thoughtfully planned.
Inspired travel begins with you. Every journey we plan is shaped by your interests, pace, and curiosities - designed around what matters most to you.
We approach travel planning as a collaborative process, creating trips that balance intention and ease, discovery and rest. The result is travel that feels personal, thoughtful, and deeply connected to place, tailored to how you want to explore the world.
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Travel planning services may include:
Destination research and itinerary development
Lodging recommendations and bookings
Transportation coordination
Curated experiences rooted in local culture and place
Guidance for travelers inspired by literature, history, or food
Planning is collaborative and personal, designed to support travelers at every stage of the journey.
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Perasma’s travel planning services are offered in partnership with Fora Travel, providing access to expert resources, trusted relationships, and seamless booking support, while keeping the process personal and tailored.
This partnership allows us to combine thoughtful planning with professional expertise and logistical ease, helping ensure each journey is both well considered and well supported.
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Perasma offers a selection of sample travel guides, hotel reviews, and itineraries developed through our partnership with Fora Travel. These resources reflect our approach to inspired travel and are meant to spark ideas for future journeys. Visit Sara’s Fora profile for sample itineraries and hotel guides: https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/sara-shelley
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Travel planning through Perasma is well suited for:
Readers inspired by books and place
Travelers seeking meaningful, well-paced experiences
Couples, individuals, or small groups
Those who value curiosity, context, and care in how they explore
Whether your journey is near or far, familiar or new, we’re here to help you approach it thoughtfully.
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Travel planning begins with a conversation. If you’re curious about working together, or simply want to explore what’s possible, we’d love to hear from you.