The Untold Story Bookstore, a new community hub, is filled with books written by and for people of color, women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Nestled in a tiny commercial center off Anaheim Boulevard in its namesake city, Lizzette Barrios-Gracián’s small brick-and-mortar has become a community hub and veritable feast of literary representation and culture.
Inside, the atmosphere is personal. Latin rock legend Gustavo Cerati and alt-music favorites The Cranberries flow from a speaker. Hugs are exchanged at the counter between loyal regulars and Barrios-Gracián.
“This has been my dream for a long time,” says Barrios-Gracián, who was inspired to open a bookstore after the closing of the legendary Librería Martinez Books and Art Gallery – renowned as one of the largest Latino-themed bookstores in the United States, owned by barber-turned-MacArthur “genius grant” winner Rueben Martinez – in Santa Ana. “It was the only place where we could find books in Spanish – at a time when there was not a lot of diversity in what was offered. Librería Martinez was a sanctuary for us, and when they closed down, I remember being heartbroken and thinking, ‘No, I have to do something.’”
But it would take time. Waiting until her kids got older, figuring out funding, and finding the right location.
Following her dream, Barrios-Gracián opened The Untold Story Bookstore on July 6, 2024. Since then, the store has become a haven and space for creativity, cultural events and community advocacy – dedicated to activism, safe spaces, practices for self-care and engagement with the community via workshops like healing through poetry, piñata making, Lotería night and open mic nights.
Bookshelves are filled with a mix of new, collectible and curated used books written by and for people of color, women and the LGBTQ+ community; bilingual and Spanish; as well as books from local, self-published and first-time authors.
“This place is more than a bookstore, it's a sanctuary and home for me,” said 52-year-old Juan Farias. He’s a local poet, who also teaches workshops at The Untold Story. “I can come here and forget about work, stress and family issues – I can come here and relax, pray, dance and get inspired because I feel safe. Lizzette opened the door and welcomed us to share our work and express ourselves creatively.”
Author Paola Gutiérrez recalls the first poetry night she participated in at The Untold Story. “There were different generations of people and we were all together, sharing, laughing and encouraging each other,” Gutiérrez said. “Some people were crying because of the words being shared – it was magical.”
Artwork and brightly colored papel picado (perforated paper) adorn the walls and ceiling; large ornate leather lounging sofas welcome readers. Bookshelves house collections and thoughtfully curated titles throughout the space. Tables display handmade soaps, lip balms, lotions and jewelry for sale created by local makers. An adjoining back room serves as a gallery space for local rotating artists. The children's corner offers a rocking chair for story time that takes place every Tuesday and Thursday, lots of soft plushies, classic children’s literature characters and diverse storybooks tailored for early readers.
“When I’m selecting books for the store, it's always with the thought of being inclusive and making sure people see themselves but also selecting titles that challenge people to read something that they might not be familiar with,” Barrios-Gracián says.
PHOTO 1: Local poet Juan Farias holds his adult coloring book “Cempasúchil" that's available for purchase at The Untold Story Bookstore. PHOTO 2: Local author Paola Gutiérrez proudly holds her Spanish language book “La Niña de Mis Ojos” that she often reads from at The Untold Story Bookstore open-mic night. Photo by Cynthia Rebolledo, Culture OC
Barrios-Gracián migrated to Anaheim from Guadalajara, Jalisco when she was 8 and found her solace in books. “The US was so foreign to me,” says Barrios-Gracián, now 52. “Books help children understand themselves and others – being introduced to different ideologies and different experiences should begin when you're a child.”
Barrios-Gracián attributes her father for cultivating her cultural and political awareness and affinity for books. “My dad was very proud of his Mexican heritage and wanted me to learn Mexican history and would make me read in Spanish so I wouldn't lose the language. I remember being in fourth grade and my dad came home with this thick book and said, ‘Lean este libro (Read this book).’” I turn to the last page and I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, how many pages?’ – 700 pages on Pancho Villa,” Barrios-Gracián says with a chuckle. “He felt that if I was proud of my background, then I was never going to feel ashamed of my language and of my heritage. And I think he did a fine job.”
Determined to get her store, Barrios-Gracián launched an online bookstore and began to host pop-ups as The Untold Story Bookstore and Café – selling books and baked goods. She enrolled in the Emprendedor@s Program, an eight-week class offered to Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs through the Anaheim Economic Department that helps guide future business owners. Barrios-Gracián ultimately decided it was best to put the café on hold due to interest rates and move forward with the bookstore.
Beyond the bookstore, Barrios-Gracián juggles marriage, motherhood, advocacy for numerous causes and a full-time job teaching U.S. history at Gilbert High School in Anaheim. She’s also in charge of the school’s Rising Sunshine and Parenting Pathway program, which supports pregnant teen parents with child development courses and on-campus childcare.
“At this point in my career, it's the perfect spot for me. I’ve challenged myself academically and I want to work with my heart now,” said Barrios-Gracián, who has taught ethnic studies, Spanish, English and journalism for the Anaheim Union High School District for 22 years. “It's amazing, the babies actually recognize my voice after they're born.”
PHOTO 1: Reading areas make the space inviting. PHOTO 2: This lazy susan full of books is set up in a reading area in the store. PHOTO 3: Founder Lizzette Barrios-Gracián set out to create a space that was inclusive and reflected the community. PHOTO 4: The children's corner. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, children can enjoy story time at the bookstore. PHOTO 5: In addition to classic children’s literature, early reader books have been curated to include a diversity of voices and experiences. PHOTO 6: The exterior of The Untold Story Bookstore. Photos by Cynthia Rebolledo, Culture OC
Untold Story Bookstore manager Magda Borbon took English freshman and sophomore year at Katella High School with Barrios-Gracián, whom she still lovingly calls “Ms. G.” “She was a great teacher and has always been someone that I could talk to – I went through a lot of depression and she was always there for me,” said Borbon, 35.
Even back at Katella High School, Borbon remembered Barrios-Gracían talking about opening a bookstore one day. So when her former teacher asked if she’d like to work with her, Borbon said to let her know when to put it in her two weeks at her job. “She has put a lot of trust in me and I treat this bookstore as if it were my own.”
Perla Rodriguez, another former student, runs The Untold Story’s social media. “In high school she always tried to create a safe environment for everyone and that's reflected here in the bookstore now,” said the 20-year-old.
Surrounded by stacks of books, upcoming workshop flyers and Post-It note reminders, Barrios-Gracián has a moment to catch up on emails.
She said she’s focused on getting the word out about the bookstore, which hasn’t been easy despite best efforts, but hopes to change that with help from supporters and hosting more events. She still holds onto her goal of adding a café to the bookstore.
“It's been amazing and there's still so much I want to do, but the most exciting part has been that the bookstore has been accepted by everyone,” Barrios-Gracián said, clutching a book to her chest. “I am a product of Anaheim and I’m proud to serve my community.”
