Tell us a bit about your favorite bookstore. Please include its name and city/state. If it's an online venue, let us know why you like shopping there.
Karen Coulson
I always stop at Barnes & Noble whenever I am near one. They offer so many types of books that I can't resist buying several when I am there. Unfortunately, the nearest one to me is 1 1/2 hrs. away (Winston-Salem, NC), so I don't go there too often.
Locally, about 20 minutes away, there is a nice little bookstore in Galax, VA called Chapters that allows book club members a 10% discount on books the club orders for group discussions. They even have a small sitting area where you can rest/read when you stop in.
Diane Derow
I actually like shopping at Amazon.com. It's easy, and my purchases come to me in the mail.
D. L. Nicholl
I can't say one particular one bookstore really. But if I must, Barnes & Noble (San Antonio, TX) and Amazon.com. I find the selection and ordering process very customer-oriented. Of course, I consider myself a hopeless biblioholic.
Nina P
I have a few favorites. Locally, I go to Barnes & Noble. My husband and I will split up, browsing in our favorite sections and picking up "possibilities." Then we meet for coffee as we sit and go through our choices, narrowing them down to those we "must have".
For online shopping, I love Half.com. I'll go to the site with the name of a book I want to see if I can find a bargain.
When in NYC, my all-time favorite place to go in the Strand bookstore on Broadway and 12th ave. There are miles and miles of books to go through. It's a book lover's dream.
sue
Well, hey, it's a Border's Bookstore, but the staff is always ready to help. All genres of books are stocked and easy to find. I always find it annoying when, as soon as a new software package comes out, stores immediately stop stocking previous editions of support books. My store doesn't do this. They do a great job.
Toy Thomas
Barnes & Noble
Cedar Hill, Texas
Sandy T
Mysteries To Die For in Thousand Oaks, CA. The ladies who work there are always friendly. They can suggest a book by author, where it takes place or by genre. They have many authors come in and make it a lot of fun. They know their customers by name and what kind of mysteries they like to read. I love going to MTDF.
Mia Jacobs
We have a wonderful new/used book store called Clayton Books in Clayton, CA. They have wonderful events in their store (book signings, story time for children etc.). They also have a great selection of books and the people are wonderful and knowledgeable.
Lori Barnes
Walmart, on Hwy 581 in Goldsboro, N.C.
I prefer to buy my books at Walmart. They're usually better priced, meaning I can buy more books.
Juanita
Wooster Book Store in Wooster, Ohio --- It's small, but very adequate, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, plus they list book discussion groups from the area and what they are reading!
Betty Burrier
Barnes & Noble in Ellicott City, Maryland. I love this store for many reasons, among them are: there are so many books to choose from, they give great discounts, I can go there for greeting cards, gifts and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere and if I need help, the staff is always very helpful.
Cynthia Baxter
I don't go very often but when I do, I load up at The Book Mark on South Hill in Puyallup, Washington. It's a funky white house with bright purple trim and is stuffed to the rafters with books. The prices are good and you can find just about anything there. Wanna complete your Nancy Drew collection? No problem! Have a hankering for pulp fiction, an Edgar Rice Burroughs series or maybe dig in to Dickens's BLEAK HOUSE--- this is the place to go.
Michelle Miller
BetterWorldBooks.com or BetterWorld.com
Used and new books and all the books sold fund literacy around the world. There is free shipping in the US, and they ship green! What's not to like?
Teresa
Half Price Books --- it feels like regular book story, but with a wide variety of used books. I always find something, even if the book I went for isn't there.
Debbie Lockledge
My favorite online bookstore is christianbook.com because I can find better prices there. My favorite local bookstore is Barnes & Noble in College Station, TX, because they have everything (including a Starbucks and comfy chairs, so I can enjoy a latte and really look through books I'm considering before I make final choices). I have spent hours at a time (and way too much money) in that store.
David Rudy
Borders Books near Newark, Delaware. I browse the books, the music, and review what I may like over a cup of Seattle's Best coffee. The staff there is very helpful if you are looking for a specific item. If it is not in the store, they will order it and call you when it comes in.
Lori George Alexander
I shop at Barnes & Noble in Redding, CA 96002.
Jean
Once Upon a Crime, Minneapolis
It has a fabulous collection of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels. The owners are friendly and eager to offer suggestions.
Marsha Creter
Barnes & Noble
Macon, GA
A perfect date for my husband and myself is a good dinner in one of our favorite resturants and spending the rest of the evening at Barnes and Nobles, leisurely looking at books and a having great cup of coffee!
Lynn Hackenberg
My favorite bookshop is an independently owned store in a small town where the owner personally waited on customers, knew every book in the shop and made excellent recommendations. My office was a half block away and I could count on finding whatever I was looking for --- or I could order it to be in my hands in a few days. I've changed jobs and now only have BN and Borders or the local supermarket, which has been much less personable.
Velma Fitzgerald
I love BookCloseOuts online. I may not find the latest bestsellers here, but I can always find some wonderful books at great prices.
Beth Reimer
Willow Tree Books in Westminster Maryland --- it's a little store and I feel that I personally have gotten to know the owner, Karen.
F Tessa Bartels
My favorite book store is Schwartz Book Shop in Mequon WI (although I also frequent the Shorewood, WI location). I like it because I've come to know several members of the staff, and I attend a lot of author events there. The best thing is the little personally handwritten recommendation cards that are taped to the shelves; after a while, you get to know which staff members' tastes are in sync with your own preferences and look for that person's recommendations for new reads. (My book club meets at the Shorewood location because they have a coffee shop with wonderful desserts on the menu!)
Katie Humphrey
Books-A-Million in Shreveport, LA --- they have a variety of books, you can take as much time to look at them, and it's always quiet.
Barbara Bocan
Vroman's bookstore on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, CA --- it's an old store with a great selection, fantastic atmosphere, plus interesting and numerous author events.
Martha E
Red House Books in Dothan, AL --- this is a used book store where I exchange audios and paperbacks. They have a good selection and inventory on computer to help find what you may be looking for.
Lea Ann in Seattle
My favorite book store is Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, WA state, just north of Seattle. It has used and new books cheek by jowl on the shelves, a book discussion group (and it also encourages other groups by giving book discounts), has a great website, 5 restaurants --- everything a book lover can want. It's a very special place. I love going there.
Julie Q
Half Price Books in Clear Lake TX --- you can get some really awesome deals and it has a great selection. I hardly ever have to spend over $5 for a book. Paperbacks on tuesdays are buy one get one free (or maybe its 50% off), and when they have their 20%-off sale, I am in Heaven.
Krishna
I usually shop at Borders because they have great e-mail discount coupons. But I also like shopping at Thriftstore.com and bookcloseouts.com.
Marie
The Book Revue, Huntington, NY, which is one of the few independent bookstores left on Long Island. I don't live close to the book store, so I don't get to go there often. However, it is a treat when I do. The front windows display all of the upcoming author events (I keep promising myself I'll go to one). Inside, there are tables filled with unusual and interesting titles. It is a wonderful store. I manage to get to it about 6 times a year, and always leave with a pile of "found" titles.
Lyla D
My favorite bookstore is actually a used book store called Book Bazaar. It is in Lakeland, Florida. The ladies who run it are knowledgeable and always helpful. They have a large selection of books for any reader, from murder mysteries, romance, self-help books, Christian writings, children and young adult book, and even cookbooks. I love going there and visiting at least once a week, even when I don't need anything to read!
Edward Garea
Amazon is my favorite place to shop. It has everything I want, the service is great, and the books always arrive in excellent condition. I also use their used book mart because I trust their vendors.
Sharon
My favorite book store is Barnes & Noble on Niagara Falls Blvd., in Buffalo. Its not the biggest or the best B & N in the system. It has no second floor or used book section, but it is the store my sister and I have come back to time after time until it became a tradition. Rather than hitting the bars, we hit B & N. We find some books and a free table, get some tea and read and regale each other in the quirky books we found. My favorite was a listing of last words of some famous, some infamous and some unknown but who in their last breath said something immortal or at least quirky. My daughter is allowed to attend. My husband on occasion. My son --- who does minimal reading --- never!
Leola Norman
I like shopping on Half.Com. It's easy. I rarely have trouble finding a book, which are cheap. The condition is usually very good. I love it. Plus, I can do it from the comfort of my home on a snowy day.
Joan Woods
I shop mostly at Borders in St. Petersburg, FL. I almost always find what I want. If by chance they don't have what I'm looking for, they offer to order it for me. Everyone working there is friendly and very helpful.
Arlene Herring
My favorite used to be Shakespeare & Co, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It closed in '96. They still have stores on the East Side and in the Village. They have great staff picks.
Now I mostly shop online at Amazon because there are no bookstores where I live. And I do enjoy browsing through the site.
(Ms.) Mimi Klein
I love Border's Books & Music, in Aventura, Florida. I am a bit prejudiced, since I worked there for five years before retiring.
It's very spacious, and just a pleasure to work or shop in.
Brenda Cushman
I shop at Borders which is in the mall in Kingston,Ma.
Ray Palen
Books-a-Million.com
They almost always have the lowest prices available and have nearly every novel (popular and rare) that I have ever looked for.
Vin Costanzo
My favorite bookstores are the Barnes & Noble chain. While we live in Massachusetts, we winter in Florida and the Carolinas and we visit many of their stores. I like them as they are full of many, many titles, and they always have what you are looking for. Their in-store staff is very helpful, and if we stay for a longer time, we'll partake in their Starbucks refreshments. They allow you to sit and browse through their books and magazines. While I love shopping in golf stores, I always enjoy my time spent in a Barnes & Noble Bookstore.
Vickie
Barnes & Noble in Glen Allen, Virginia
It is a relaxing atmosphere with a coffee/tea shop, and it is well organized. The employees have always been very helpful, and I never leave without finding exactly what I needed.
Monica
Barnes & Noble in Staten Island, NY
Jacki Robertson
Powells in Portland, Oregon --- I buy from Powells.com since I am in Texas. I like the store because the used paperbacks are always in very good condition. If I spend $50, I get free shipping, their website is very easy to search for my favorite authors, and I pay no sales tax. I make large purchases several times a year, so I always have a variety of books on hand to read.
Maureen
I shop the most at the Borders in Farmington, CT. It's got a great selection of books, great coupons, and I could spend hours there just browsing.
Jerri Patton
The Whale of a Tale children's book store in Irvine, Ca is my favorite bookstore. The owner and people who work there are very personable and very knowledgeable. They have a huge selection. If you are in Irvine, try to get to the Whale of a Tale.
Kaye DeMaio-Hays
My favorite bookstore is Barnes & Noble in Pueblo, CO. They go out of their way to help me find books I want and recommend new books and authors I might want to try. Being a member, I also receive online coupons for special offers and discounts.
Jerri Patton
Rainy Day Books in Fairway, KS, near Kansas City, is my favorite bookstore. They host author talks almost every week. They help people with book clubs. It's a wonderful place to discuss books.
Sandra Smith
Presently, it's the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Burbank, California. There is plenty of parking available in the mall parking lot (always a plus) and the salespeople are always friendly, ready and willing to lend any assistance. I'd like to say, though, that my bookstores for decades have been used bookstores and in the past few years, one after another they have gone out of business. This is such an irreplaceable loss. A story in the LA Times this week is about the last of the Dutton bookstores going out of business. Last year the Dutton bookstore (new & used books) in North Hollywood closed its doors. I know Judy & Davis Dutton personally, for over 30 yrs. It's such a painful loss when a bookstore closes down, unable to compete with rent increases and internet competition.
Lela Fox
I generally always shop at Christianbooks.com. I find that I receive the order on time, and in the meantime, they send me updates on current books and happenings. I have never had a bad experience with them and have dealt with them more than once and will continue to do so. But I also must say I have the same sentiments of Amazon. They have been wonderful to order from.
Kathy
One of the best things about living in Portland, OR is Powell's Books. They have everything. They not only sell new books, but they also buy and sell used books. They have a number of locations throughout the Portland area and are very active in the community. They also have frequent author events throughout the year.
Karen Willett
The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, AZ. It offers books that are not seen in the chain bookstores and an e-mail of reviews each, loads of sessions with authors and even groups to discuss books --- like First Mystery Club.
Michelle Gartner
Joseph-Beth in Lexington,Kentucky
It's a huge and beautiful store with tons of books, games, magazines and lots of other stuff for book-loving people.
Michael Hamburger
Borders in Philadelphia PA. It stocks many new authors, and it's easy to order anything else. Ebay is also quite nice.
A. J. Burch (Ms.)
The Book Mart, Perry, Florida
The Book Mart has been an established and favorite bookstore for residents for approximately 30 years or more (not sure how long). I buy all my books there and the owners support local authors with PR, book signings, publishing, whatever is needed. They are truly an integral part of our community.
Margaret Nance
I live in a small town in the piedmont of NC. We have only one book store, Books-A-Million. It has a coffee shop and is a wonderful place to spend hours. The people who work there are just great and always helpful. They are always happy to order books they do not have on the shelves.
Marjorie L. Carmony
Amazon.com
I can shop there from the comfort of my home.
When I do venture out, Barnes & Noble and Border's are pretty well equal, depending on the shopping area.
Lisa
My favorite is Twice Told Tales / Moonstone Mystery Bookstore in Flemington, NJ. It features both used and new books, with a strong emphasis on mysteries, my favorite books to read. The owner is a book and mystery lover so we always have plenty to talk about and she makes wonderful recommendations. The store is very well organized and inviting to browse through. Additionally, there are book "teaser" notes throughout the store, which help customers who want suggestions.
Dena W.
I get my books online mostly through Amazon. com, Rhapsody and Doubleday book clubs. It's easy, and they have a wide variety of the books I like to read.
Jennifer Baker
I love to shop for books at Amazon.com! The reason is that the books are usually cheaper than in the bookstore; plus, if I spend $25, I get free shipping. You can't beat that! Also, if it's a newer book that you don't feel comfortable paying full price for, they usually have slightly used copies available for a lot less.
Debi
My favorite online bookstore is Books-A-Million because I can trust my order to be secure, prompt, and accurate. My favorite independent bookstore is Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi.
Janet Stewart
My favorite bookstore is Half Price Books in Phoenix, AZ. They have a clearance section where they offer popular books for a bargain price, sometimes $1. The only criteria for being in the clearance section is that they have too many copies of a book. I love finding something there; it's like a treasure hunt.
Christine Earl
My favorite bookstore is Borders in Birmingham, Michigan. I like it there because there is plenty of staff to help you if need be, but they will back off if you wish to shop on your own. There is a large assortment of categories with great depth within each category. Plus, the displays are pleasing to the eye.
Susan Kellett
Northshire Bookstore
Manchester, Vermont
Carol Lirones-Flayer
My favorite was The Book Stall, located downstairs on a side street of what was then, bustling downtown Flint, Michigan. Mom would take us there and spend hours reading and selecting books with us. Then we'd go home with some wonderful treats to share over and over again. While nestled together on a warmed-by-the steam pipes bench, we could lean our heads on her and either close our eyes and just listen OR we could watch the knees, shins, ankles, and shoes of the people who walked by on the street level. Either way, it was a lovely Saturday afternoon spent in a favorite place!
Carmie Peters
I always end up buying my books on Amazon. Probably the reason is that they give me great links to other books in the same vein, I pay no shipping charges, and since I have a Kindle, the prices are always less. I have tried a small bookstore in our mall which claims to be Borders, but their selection is small and the prices are not that great.
Carol Bajor
Barnes & Noble is my absolute favorite bookstore. I can go there and spend 4 hours without realizing it! It's like being in another world. One time a salesman quietly reminded me that they were closing in 5 minutes --- it was 11pm! My Barnes & Noble is at the Marketfair Shopping Center on Rt.1 in Princeton, N.J. They conduct several Book Clubs and I always depart with food for thought and maybe some food from the café. Also, the salespeople are very friendly and helpful. Even my young students knew my favorite store and would ask me every Monday morning if I had bought anything over the weekend. Sometimes I bought for them or would tell them what I was reading. I'm a reading specialist and love my job!
Nancy Gingerelli
Cheesecake and Crime Bookstore
Henderson, NV 89052
An intimate venue with homemake cheesecake. They hold lots of book signings
cheesecakeandcrime.com Check it out!
Barb Broberg
Barnes & Noble in Eden Prairie, Minnesota
I like it because it is quiet, there's a place to sit down and peruse books, and the personnel is polite and helpful.
Annie
Barnes & Noble in the Citicorp Bldg on Third Ave in NYC, with two floors to browse till your heart's content. It's a wonderland of books and a dream come true for any book lover. You'll never be disappointed and you'll most likely find what you're looking for.
Kristy
Half Price Books
Lewisville, Texas
Dianne
Lately, it's Barnes & Noble at The Avenue in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (my hometown). My FAVORITE bookstore used to be Davis-Kidd in Nashville. DK was a lovely, comfortable, classic, welcoming bookstore with oh so much character and ambiance! I'm sad to say, they have since moved into a mall setting. That has taken away the need for my monthly, sometimes weekly, adventure. So, with gas prices soaring, why go to Nashville with a great bookstore right here at home? I think I am still grieving over the loss of the former Davis-Kidd!
Becky Haase
Unabridged Books, 3251 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL, 60657
This bookstore has employees who actually READ! Their recommendations are spot on. They are eager to help and are more than willing to look up books and order them for you. They have a wonderful selection of children's books and travel books.
Linda Huson
I shop mainly at the Barnes & Noble in Reston, Virginia. It is right across the street from the library where I work. Since I stop by the B & N at least 3 times a week, it can be quite "dangerous"!
Deb French-Alesi
I love Borders in Brookfield, CT. I can spend hours there, have a coffee, and spend more time browsing.
Deb French-Alesi
I love Borders in Brookfield, Ct. I can spend hours there, have a coffee and spend more time browsing.
Brenda Klaassen
My favorite bookstore has only been open since Sept. 2007. The store is: Prairie Moon Books in Sheldon, IA. The owner of this store has brought a needed level of awareness to this area of Iowa. The store is always looking for new authors to explore.
Janet Pruett
My favorite is Amazon.com. I keep a wish list and when I am ready to order, I can put the books in my shopping cart from my list. I can also delete books. I get free shipping when my order is over $25. I can also find most books I want through the used books sellers.
Patricia Bean
It's the Barnes & Boble on 6th ave and 21st street in Manhattan. It was down the street from my office, and offered a refuge from a tough day --- I'd go down there to meander and escape for a little bit just to clear my head.
Edie
Borders in Modesto,CA
It has everything I need and is close to home.
Carol Grubbs
I don't shop at bookstores, I shop at library sales. They have a big sale quarterly with donated books and out-of-service books. I leave with bagfulls. New River Library, Wesley Chapel, Florida or Dade City Library, Dade City Florida
Eileen Quinn Knight
I really love the 57th Street bookstore in Hyde Park (Chicago). The owner and the staff are very knowledgeable about books. It has more than just the popular books and tends to focus on the intellectual pursuit that books often afford us. There is no distracting ambiance, but just good people knowing a great deal about good books!
Denise Neary
My favorite bookstore is Politics and Prose in Washington, DC. It's hard to explain how many things I love about it --- the staff is smart and friendly; the collection is arranged in a way that reminds me a little of an old library (and that, for me, is a wonderful memory); they have wonderful speakers nightly; they have a wonderful coffee corner, where I am always convinced a patron is working on the next great novel.
Dorothy Lechmanick
D. Dashem Books
Lock Haven, PA 17745
Good Service
Harriet Stay
I have two favorite bookshops, both independent and both specialize in mysteries --- Murder by the Book in Houston, Texas, and Sleuth of Baker Street in Toronto, ONT, Canada.
I met the owners of Sleuth over 20 years ago at the mystery convention, Bouchercon, and have visited their store while in Toronto. I met the manager of Murder by the Book at Bouchercon as well about ten years ago. I shop from both through newsletters, actual and on-line. I prefer the paper kind; that's why I still buy books. Doing business with people who know mystery books can and do make recommendations, and offer that personal touch is far better than dealing with an unknown entity such as Amazon.
Lori Schultz
Half Price Books - (in St.Paul, Apple valley and other MN cities)
Besides the fact that everything in the store is at least 1/2 price, they carry CDs, DVDs, LPs, and in St.Paul there is an entire room with books from $1.00 to less than $10!! The great prices and comfy chairs and benches for browsing make it a favorite hangout of mine.
Terri Loeffler
My favorite bookstore is Left Bank Books in St. Louis, MO. I believe it's the only independent bookstore in the city, and it is located in our delightful Central West End. They sponsor a LOT of book signings, some in their own space, some at libraries. Their staff is great fun, they have a resident cat, and I love having an excuse to drive down there!
Lindsey Hedrick
Books 'n Stuff, Southport, NC
This bookseller has new hardcover books, new paperback books and used books for half price. She takes paperbacks in exchange for store credit, which can then be used to "buy" more books.
Peggy
I'm a book club person so I tend to buy Mystery Guild, Literary Guild and such. I find the prices lower and I can get the book faster. Once upon a time, you didn't get a Guild book right off, but you can now. Mystery Guild is the best as the price is much lower. I love going to Borders in Long Beach, CA, but they really don't offer as good a deal in buying so I usually browse for new books to order.
Jerry Johnson
Books-A-Million
Pensacola, FL
They have an excellent selection and good bargins. After making your selections, you can sit in Joe Mugs and enjoy a good cup of coffee and read a book
Louise Pledge
BetterWorldBooks.com
A used book site, all proceeds go towards world literacy. With some books, you can choose exactly which program you want your payment to go to. Prices are extremely reasonable, selection is fabulous, and they will refund your money if you're not happy with the condition of a book you receive. CHEAP international shipping, too!
Barb
Lee Booksellers
Lincoln, NE
They are very knowledgeable and helpful. They encourage book clubs and hold author book signings. There store hours are acommodating. It's a pleasant store for all ages!
Bob
Title Wave Bookstore in Anchorage Alaska is my primary bookstore. It is a used/new bookstore and often, I can feed my habit with a used book at half the price. They host book groups. From these, I have references to new books from the participants and a sense of community.
Veronica Sarama
Amazon.com, because they are much cheaper than the bookstores, even the chains.
Joann Archetto
Borders in Attleborough, MA
It's always inviting and has many unique displays, with a lot areas to explore new genres.
Marion Percy
Titcomb's Book Shoppe, East Sandwich, MA
I love Titcomb's! They specialize in rare books, but carry many other genres as well --- new, used, children's, etc. Every time I go there I buy whatever the sales staff recommends. I am always glad I did! They do fantastic community events (some of which I travel to from CT!), reading discussions, and have a great website.
Winterlily
I love to shop at Amazon.com. It has almost everything that suits me. What I particularly like is that I can have a wish list and when I am ready for a new book, I can just go and choose a selection from my list. I also don't have to worry about buying the same book twice.
Another thing that I love is the reviews of books. Before I make a purchase,I can look at what others thought about the book. I also really value their list mania, which I find helpful in getting to know authors I have never heard of before.
I also like their forums. People can feel free to express their thoughts about about any book and any author.
Finally, I love their Bargain Books and 4-for-3 book deals. I save a lot this way.
