It’s the eternal debate: Which Philly book—fiction set here, nonfiction about here, or the work of authors from here—makes for the best reading? In the spirit of shining a light on our favorite local bookstores, we turned to their owners and staff to answer the age-old question. Here, their recs.

Whether you’re braving the heat in Philly or escaping to a sweet (and socially-distanced) vacation, we wish you happy reading.

RELATED: Want more? Check out 50 other books to read during quarantine.

13 great Philadelphia books to read this summer