We have two movie passes to see Lore at Laemmle’s Royal Theatre, and we want to give them to YOU. Well . . . two of you.

Tomorrow at noon, watch our Facebook and Twitter pages for the contest question (HINT: You might have to visit the store to answer the question . . . because we’re tricksy like that). The first person on each social networking site to answer the question will win one of the passes.

Passes are valid Monday through Thursday during the film’s first run of engagement. The film is in theatres starting February 8. Each pass admits two people.

About Lore:

Left to fend for themselves after their SS officer father and mother, a staunch Nazi believer, are interred by the victorious Allies at the end of World War II, five German children undertake a harrowing journey that exposes them to the reality and consequences of their parents’ actions. Led by the eldest sibling, 14-year-old Lore (striking newcomer Saskia Rosendahl), they set out on a harrowing journey across a devastated country to reach their grandmother in the north. After meeting the charismatic Thomas, a mysterious young refugee, Lore soon finds her world shattered by feelings of both hatred and desire as she must learn to trust the one person she has always been taught to hate in order to survive. Lush cinematography and an evocative, haunting mood infuse this unconventional take on the Holocaust legacy with unforgettable impact.

At one time or another, we’ve all fallen victim to Bookstore Brain. You walk through the door and, in the presence of rows and rows of glorious books, you immediately forget every title you’ve been meaning to read.

Here at The Last Bookstore, our staff are always eager to help you remember that one book your sister’s boyfriend’s best friend recommended that one time. You know, the one with the yellow cover? But when even THAT fails, there’s hope. You’ll now find lists of popular titles and award winners posted throughout the store. Just consult one of these lists if you need help getting those stalled brain wheels turning.

Happy hunting!

The weather this weekend looks perfect for outdoor exploration, and the Historic Downtown Los Angeles walking tour is an excellent way to get out from under a roof and in touch with this incredible city’s roots.

During this 2-hour tour, you’ll get an introduction to several locations important to Downtown LA’s past and present, including the first motion picture theater, the hotel Charlie Chaplin called home during the making of his early films, and the building where Ryan Gosling lives (yes, that IS historically important…shush).

Upcoming tours are scheduled for 11 a.m. on January 19 and 20 and January 26 and 27. All tours meet here at The Last Bookstore.

Tickets are $15 per person and free for children under 8. Proceeds go toward neighborhood revitalization and continued historical study.

Tours are led by Brady Westwater, who, besides being involved with the Downtown LA Neighborhood Council, the Historic Downtown BID, Gallery Row, Art Walk, and the BOXeight and CONCEPT Fashion Weeks, has brought more than 150 businesses, artists, and nonprofit institutions to Downtown LA.  He’s the man responsible for convincing the Last Bookstore owner to open the store, and found our current location for us as well.

To make a reservation for an upcoming tour, call Brady at 213-804-8396 or send an e-mail to bradywestwater@gmail.com.

Visit the Historic Downtown Los Angeles blog for more information and for updates and information about future tours.

As you plan your book-related adventures over the next few weeks, please note our special holiday hours. We don’t want you to have any surprises . . . except for the kind wrapped in sparkly paper and topped with a bow.

Thursday, Dec. 20: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 24: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 25: CLOSED

Monday, Dec. 31: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 1: CLOSED

In partnership with the LA Phil, the Last Bookstore is hosting a giveaway for a pair of tickets to a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Starting Monday, December 17, visit our store’s Buying Counter and fill out an entry form for a chance to win!

The winner will be drawn on New Year’s Day and will be able to choose from a number of LA Phil concerts in January.

If you’re venturing out today to sell books, remember to put on your wellies and bundle up those precious pages. A dry book is a happy book.

This Saturday, December 1, we are proud to be hosting Paul Legault as he shares his Emily Dickinson Reader with us.   In preparation for the event, he’s made us a game that you can play along with the book!   While reading, put a marker down on the square for each topic that is mentioned.  Five in a row and you’ve got BINGO! Print out the card and play with your friends, or, in true Emily Dickinson fashion, play alone.