Importance of bookstore

The bookstore is symbolic of Elio’s desire to connect his inner world with his outer world. He takes both Marzia and Oliver there, separately, and buys them both a book which he inscribes. This suggests a step toward being able to more openly share his thoughts and feelings with others. The sharing of books marks a step forward from Elio reading books alone and not interacting with anyone toward his eventual ability to openly communicate with others at the end of the novel.