Iconoclast Books: Beyond Hemingway, Ketchum Literary Gem Offers Eclectic Mix

It's only fitting that a bookstore as idiosyncratic as Iconoclast Books would be entering its third decade, tucked away on the corner of a stone-and-glass building where Papa Hemingway once played. The natural beauty inspires the mind to fly -- and Iconoclast provides plenty of fodder for philosophers, pop culturals, kids, sports fans, activists, cooks, dreamers, drivers and historians.

Whatever you enjoy reading, it's here. Cutting-edge periodicals, the best new and classic fiction, trend-setting business volumes and vintage books, as well as a limited number of first editions from Earnest Hemingway and many of the authors -- including Jim Harrison, Bartle Bull, Mary Karr and Susanna Moore -- who've done signings at this hallowed Sun Valley outpost for the literarily minded.

Founded by the free-spirited Gary Hunt and still run by his lovely widow, Iconoclast is place where thinking is encouraged, minds are opened and beauty captured within perfect binding. But slow afternoons or leaisurely breakfasts can also be captured at the store's lovely cafe -- which features organic bakery items, hot paninis, cappucinos and homemade soups.

Designed to be a gathering place as much as store to promote books worth reading, there is a welcoming feeling to Iconoclast that says stay awhile. Chairs and benches are scattered throughout. There are stations for children to explore -- and a variety of cards, candles, journals and whatnots to serve as little gifts for friends who appreciate the unusual.

With a strong reverence for great writing, regionalism, conversationism and yes, Buddhism, one can explore and find books that the standard big-box store won't know exist -- and would have to special order, while also being able to pick up tastemaking fiction that's destined for the New York Times Best-Sellers' list. It champions writers, remember time-honored authors and try to celebrate the obscure. Whether it's longtime Los Angeles Times' music critic Robert HIlburn's Cornflakes with John Lennon, Michael Murphy's mystical golf tome Golf In The Kingdom or the latest thinkbook from left, right and centrist political figures, it's found in this wonderful warren of a store.

The staff is welcoming and helpful. Not sure of what you're seeking, they will make suggestions, seek out titles and imbue with their own passion for reading. When a break from the slopes is in order, a quick warm-up needed or just a few moments to pick up something to stir the soul, Iconoclast is the best time-out in Sun Valley.

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