Like many great friendships, ours began by fangirling over our favorite books, movies, and fictional worlds.

We bonded over swapping recommendations, laughing over fictional characters, and discovering that we had both made the move from the East Coast to Southern California in search of a slower, more intentional way of life.

As our friendship grew, we realized we weren't just the friends who loved to read—we were the friends who naturally brought people together. We were always planning themed dinners, organizing weekend plans, hosting game nights, or finding an excuse to gather. We both loved creating spaces where people felt welcomed, included, and genuinely cared for.

Books simply gave us the perfect reason to do more of it.

What started as conversations about our latest reads became a bigger idea: what if there was a community where books were the catalyst for unforgettable experiences? A place where readers could gather for sunset beach discussions, cozy coffee meetups, immersive weekend retreats, and thoughtfully curated events that celebrated not just the stories we love, but the lives we want to live.

So Cal Booked was built on the idea that books bring people together but it's the friendships, shared moments, and sense of belonging that make our community unforgettable.