Big Story Books & Movies is Central Oregon’s biggest independent bookstore. In 2017 Big Story was established by Josh Spencer, founder of the world-renowned The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles. Although it’s smaller than The Last Bookstore, visitors to Big Story can expect the same attention to artistic design. The shelves at Big Story include a hand-picked selection of books including classics, popular and uncommon books, plus movies. At the start of 2021 Big Story was acquired by Rian & Alyssa Heim. As a result of social unrest, a pandemic, the closure of their business, and feeling worn out from the grind of the big city Rian & Alyssa made the decision to move from their home of 20+ years in Los Angeles to Bend in search of a slower pace, access to nature, and to pursue work that they could look forward to everyday. After taking a job at Big Story, Rian began thinking about what owning and operating the store would look like. After talking with Josh and his wife, Jenna, about the opportunity, the transition of Big Story seemed to make sense for everyone involved. The opportunity for the Heims to own their own bookstore and expand on what Josh had built seemed too amazing to pass up. Locally owned and operated by Rian and Alyssa, Big Story has a bright future and a story that will continue to serve the Bend community.