Retailer Spotlight: Owl's Nest Books (Calgary, AB)
- Holly Rhiannon
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
At The Stygian Society, we love shining a light on the independent bookstores that make our work possible. Following our spotlight on Raven's End Books in Winnipeg, it feels natural to continue west to Calgary, where Owl's Nest Books has been an incredible partner in our literary journey.
Owl's Nest was one of the key stops in our ambitious cross-country launch series for Matt Poll's Dark Flock, bringing together readers in Calgary alongside our events in Winnipeg (Raven's End) and Montreal (Bird Bar). We were also gracious to do a book launch for The Stygian Collection there along with author and book reviewer Jolene of 'Bookworm Adventure Girl' on YouTube who had a story in our inaugural collection. The warmth and enthusiasm Sarah and the team brought to these events perfectly encapsulates what makes this store so special.
It's bookstores like Owl's Nest that remind us why the indie book community is so important; places where human connection and literary discovery go hand in hand.
– Holly Rhiannon, CEO, The Stygian Society
About Owl's Nest Books
Literary Events Manager Sarah L. Pratt brings a decade of experience and infectious passion to Owl's Nest Books, where she's transformed her love of literature and conversation into a cornerstone of Calgary's literary community. A writer herself (author of Suicide Stitch, Infractus, and They're All Named Poppy) Sarah embodies the spirit of someone who lives and breathes books.
What started as a way to conquer her fear of public speaking has evolved into something much more meaningful: creating spaces where readers can discover their next great read and connect with fellow book lovers in an increasingly digital world.
Q&A with Sarah L. Pratt
What inspired you to open (or join) an independent bookstore?
I've always read broadly and voraciously, and love talking to people about books, so working in a bookstore is a dream job, right? I accepted the Literary Events manager role to conquer my fear of public speaking. That was ten years ago and while the nerves are still there, I got pretty good at it.
How would you describe your shop's personality or curatorial approach?
In three words? Eclectic, Inclusive, and Responsive. My fellow Owls are wonderful folks and we all have diverse tastes and that shows in our selection. Everything from cookbooks, to zombie comedies, to experimental poetry. We are also a cozy and welcoming environment with a strong commitment to curating books written by all kinds of authors about all kinds of experiences, particularly Indigenous voices and stories. We also listen to our customers talk about the books they love. Personal recommendations are core to our role in the community. No algorithms here!
What kind of books or publishers do you find yourself most excited to support right now?
Whoa, how much time do you have? Dangerous question to ask a bookseller, but I'll try to be brief.
Canadian, baby! Small presses publishing new and exciting voices. Just to name a few, Radical Bookshop and Press focuses on short stories and novellas, Laberinto Press showcases authors writing in English as a second language, and I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about my own small press, The Seventh Terrace, publishing dark/weird/horror fiction. I'm so happy to see Stygian in the horror literature landscape. Canadian horror needs more love.
I also encourage everyone to read more Indigenous and queer authored books. Aside from being fantastic stories, these are the narratives that build bridges of empathy and understanding. And if you're not sure where to start, go to your local indie bookshop and they'll find just the thing for you.
What role do you think indie bookstores play in today's literary and cultural landscape?
In an increasingly digital and automated world where points of human interaction are becoming less frequent, bookstores, libraries, museums, and art spaces are vital points of connection.
Know what makes me happy? Helping a customer find their next great read, and having another customer chime in with their recommendations, and then all of us having this fabulous conversation about our favourite books. Those moments make my nerdy, introverted little heart sing. They make me a better human.
Can you share a recent discovery or recommendation; a book that surprised or moved you?
Sorry, I can't limit myself to one!
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus: YA (which I rarely read) exploring love, death, ancestral memory, queerness, and belonging through the lens of Afro-Caribbean magic realism. All the feels turned to 11. I. Was. Shook. Please, please, please read this book. The audio is also really excellent.
Black Flame by Gretchen Felker-Martin: I'm a sucker for any book about cursed films and this was a WILD ride. More body horror than I normally go for, but nothing that felt gratuitous. My favourite GFM so far.
Old Soul by Susan Barker: The incessant reinvention of vampires annoys me to no end. It's my pet hate, you could say, my bête noir. Except then someone comes along and does it so damn well, I have to eat my words. This book got under my skin in a big way. A master class in creeping dread. I also recommend Stephen Graham Jones' Buffalo Hunter Hunter.
Visit Owl's Nest Books
If you find yourself in Calgary, Owl's Nest Books is an essential stop for any book lover. Whether you're looking for the latest horror release, a hidden gem from a small press, or just want to have a passionate conversation about literature, Sarah and the Owls will make sure you leave with exactly what your reading soul needs.
📍 815a - 49th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1G8
📞 (403) 287-9557
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