Favourite Book Shops [Archive]

NiceguyEddie

28th July 2007, 08:43

Mine is a 2nd hand book store in Wantage. It's set in an old mall (takes up most of it) and is crammed full of used books. It is HUGE. All used hardbacks used to be £2, but recently some 1st editions have been put up to £3.50.

It has ancient books and new & I travel the 20 miles to it once every couple of months to see what new stuff they've got.

Has anyone here been there or can anyone else recommend one?

Freewheeling Andy

30th July 2007, 10:47

My favourite bookshops are, basically, in London:

Daunt, on Marylebone High Street. It's a great shop. Lovely, lots of dark wood panelling, all the books organised topographically rather than thematically, so all the books about, say, Greece: All the guide books and travel writing, and all the novels by Greek novelists, and all the novels about Greece, and the maps are all together. There's something I really like about the organisation.

On the travel theme, I also love Stanfords on Long Acre in Covent Garden, travel writing and maps only.

And then there's the second hand book market that's often outside the NFT, under Waterloo Bridge.

NiceguyEddie

30th July 2007, 15:10

I see you're in Reading, Andy. Not too far from Wantage. Next time you're at a loose end, it's well worth a trip up the A34.

Freewheeling Andy

30th July 2007, 16:02

I'm in London, and from Oxford. Reading is, well, a joke. Never even imagined Wantage had book shops.

happyanddandy

30th July 2007, 16:35

I'm in London, and from Oxford. Reading is, well, a joke. Never even imagined Wantage had book shops.

Ha ha - I also that you were in Reading :lol:

Kell

30th July 2007, 17:08

My favourite book shop is Barter Books (http://www.barterbooks.co.uk/), but I hardly ever get to go there because it's in Alnwick, Northumberland, and I'm in Aberdeen, Scotland! It's the most gorgeous, rambling second-hand book shop ever, and you always find something interesting when you wander round the stacks. It feels like a proper book shop, if you know what I mean.

I also adore Green Metropolis (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/www.greenmetropolis.com) - they only deliver in the UK, but I love the whole concept of buying from them, as each book bought means a 5p donation to the Woodland Trust. :)

NiceguyEddie

30th July 2007, 18:04

My favourite book shop is Barter Books (http://www.barterbooks.co.uk/),

Whoa! See their prices! £5.60 for a BCA reprint Jack Higgins. Good job they are a long way away, you'd want a second mortgage for those prices.

Kell

30th July 2007, 19:55

They also deal in very rare books, first editions and autographed books. I once got a pack of 6 books from there for £1.50 - very good deal, I thought. And I found several books I'd been hunting for forever and got them for just a few quid each in hardback. And the staff at Barter Books are wonderful - very knowledgeable and equally helpful and friendly. And it's worth a trip for the atmosphere too - whenever I visit family in Northumberland, I try to make a point of visiting Barter Books.

Esiotrot

30th July 2007, 20:44

Any good bookshops to recommend in Aberdeen Kell? I usually make the trip to the big smoke once every month/ 6 weeks so would be good to know.

Because of where I stay I am mainly an online book shopper - Amazon, The Book people and Ebay are my main sources but have just discovered Green Metropolis thanks to this forum so will be giving it a go.
I ocassionally buy from Tescos/ Asda but found the nearest bookshop, which is 30mins away, quite expensive.
kX

Kell

30th July 2007, 21:21

Any good bookshops to recommend in Aberdeen Kell? I usually make the trip to the big smoke once every month/ 6 weeks so would be good to know.
There's a lovely second-hand book shop with a cafe called books and Beans on Belmont Street. Next time you're headed in on a weekend, give me a shout and we could meet up for a coffee!

Esiotrot

30th July 2007, 22:40

There's a lovely second-hand book shop with a cafe called books and Beans on Belmont Street. Next time you're headed in on a weekend, give me a shout and we could meet up for a coffee!

Ah I know Belmont Street so will have a look in past.
Coffee sounds great Kell - I will give you a PM next time I am heading through. Got a funny feeling you will lead me astray and I will come back laden with books though LOL!
Kx

Polka Dot Rock

1st August 2007, 16:02

Daunt, on Marylebone High Street. It's a great shop. Lovely, lots of dark wood panelling, all the books organised topographically rather than thematically...
And then there's the second hand book market that's often outside the NFT, under Waterloo Bridge.

Oh wow! Thanks for the tips, Andy :) They shall both be on my Must Visit ASAP list once I'm down there in September.

Daunt sounds like it could be really useful for me: I'll - hopefully - be taking a course on Caribbean writing and I'm interested in literature from African countries. Sounds like it could be a great resource.

FishAndChips

1st August 2007, 16:39

I also adore Green Metropolis (http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/forum/www.greenmetropolis.com) - they only deliver in the UK, but I love the whole concept of buying from them, as each book bought means a 5p donation to the Woodland Trust. :)

Oh really? I had better check them out then.

wrathofkublakhan

1st August 2007, 18:53

If you get a chance, pick up a copy of Literacy and Longing in LA (http://www.literacyandlonginginla.com/).

In it, our hero describes all the people who are working in her favorite funky bookstore; some who are specialists, some who are book snobs, some haven't a clue. It's pretty brilliant how she breaks down the characters (remember that odd duck who worked for Hugh Grant in Notting Hill? What a perfect bookstore character.).

Freewheeling Andy

2nd August 2007, 07:59

Oh wow! Thanks for the tips, Andy :) They shall both be on my Must Visit ASAP list once I'm down there in September.

Daunt sounds like it could be really useful for me: I'll - hopefully - be taking a course on Caribbean writing and I'm interested in literature from African countries. Sounds like it could be a great resource.

If you're looking for general Caribbean or African writing, it's the perfect resource, rather than spending your time scouring alphabetical book shelves, go into Daunt.

Inver

6th August 2007, 09:55

Any good bookshops to recommend in Aberdeen Kell? I usually make the trip to the big smoke once every month/ 6 weeks so would be good to know.

kX

Ah I know Belmont Street so will have a look in past.
Coffee sounds great Kell - I will give you a PM next time I am heading through. Got a funny feeling you will lead me astray and I will come back laden with books though LOL!
Kx

Can I come too if I am around!!!:D

carm

6th August 2007, 12:54

my most favorite bookstore is the used book cafe in lower manhattan which is connected to my agency- what's great about this place is that once a month they have a 30% off sale on everything in the store- the good part is since im an employee of the agency i get that discount anytime- carm

Kell

6th August 2007, 16:30

Can I come too if I am around!!!:D
Of course - the more, the merrier!

Inver

8th August 2007, 09:37

'Borders' bookshop (also has stationary etc too and lots more in Dundee is huge and has a costa coffee place to chill out. It is on the main route through Dundee near the bridge (where JJB Sports, Next etc are on the front). Sure my sis and I spend nearly 2hrs in there one day just browsing and stopping for a coffee ofcourse.

angerball

8th August 2007, 18:55

'Borders' bookshop (also has stationary etc too and lots more in Dundee is huge and has a costa coffee place to chill out.

I didn't know they had Borders in the UK! :thud:

Just googled it...bah, the nearest is 1.5 hours drive away (and they only have 2 branches in the South West)! Might be time for a longish drive. ;)

Princess Orchid

13th August 2007, 08:39

My 2 all-time favourite bookshops are Pages (Queen Street) and World's Biggest Bookstore - both in Toronto. My parents used to take me to WBB every weekend before going to Old Angelo's for dinner (I was allowed to buy one book to read in the restaurant whilst eating - I think so my parents could have their dinner in peace!). Pages is fantastic for slightly artier books, and I've never walked out of there without a huge haul.

Roland Butter

13th September 2007, 10:13

I love Daunt's in Marylebone High Street too. Although it's ostensibly a "travel" bookshop, they carry lots of general fiction, as well as a good history and current affairs section, and I always find something out of the ordinary there. For a small shop, they manage to fit in a remarkably wide selection of titles, and unlike many of the "chain" retailers, their staff are very knowledgeable.

As Andy says, it's an atmospheric place - my idea of what a "real" bookshop should be like. It would certainly be my Number One recommendation for any bibliophiles visiting London. Just don't go there if you like to do your browsing against a background of clanking coffee cups!

Honourable mention for Crockatt & Powell, in Lower Marsh, Waterloo, a fairly new shop who have a commitment to good books. Marie Phillips, whose first novel "Gods Behaving Badly" is getting great reviews, used to work there. And, like me, Matthew Crockatt's a Fulham supporter, so he needs all the support he can get ....

jenmck

13th September 2007, 12:38

My favorite bookshop is a place that doesn't exist anymore. My Dad used to take me to Berkeley, California with the express purpose of hitting the bookstores.

There was one that was two stories and had new AND used books. It had a smell that I've never forgotten--dust, paper, and a musty hint in the air. I miss it.

Now I buy my books at Borders, but it's just not the same. I live in the boonies and there are no independent bookstores. None. Only Borders and a couple of used bookstores. It's sad actually.

nicnic

14th September 2007, 09:13

Janet

14th September 2007, 13:46

I don't even know what it's called, but there is one in York, I think it's on Fossgate. There are a a few on that street but the one I'm thinking of is the best organised one and has a little winding staircase to the upper floor. It's warm cosy and just the way a second hand bookshop should be. Decent prices too.
Sounds idyllic. I love York so much - we haven't been for a few years now so perhaps a trip is in order?! A lovely second hand bookshop and a trip to the Castle Museum - what could be more perfect?! :)

Adam

2nd October 2007, 23:35

happyanddandy

3rd October 2007, 16:14

I have found out there is a bookshop called 'Barnes and Noble' in Florida - I will endeavour to get there on my trip next week. Is this a good bookshop US members?

Adam

4th October 2007, 01:31

I have found out there is a bookshop called 'Barnes and Noble' in Florida - I will endeavour to get there on my trip next week. Is this a good bookshop US members?

I am not American, but I have ordered from Barnes and Noble before and I have been really happy with their service. They are very similar to Amazon. They sell books of all kinds, music, DVDs and little gifts. You will be very happy with this book store :)

Echo

4th October 2007, 01:56

I have found out there is a bookshop called 'Barnes and Noble' in Florida - I will endeavour to get there on my trip next week. Is this a good bookshop US members?

I honestly prefer Borders over B&N because I find the service to be much better. I have had issues returning things and sometimes they're just not as nice. But all in all, they're a good all-around bookstore.

Princess Orchid

4th October 2007, 10:04

My favorite is Chapters. I know its a big chain, but the one here is really nice and it has Starbucks! :)

I also like to go to this little place called the Ugly Mug. Its a small coffee shop that sells used books. You can get some great deals there.

Hey Adam, where in Canada are you from?

I used to love Chapters when I lived in Montreal, as it was always open late and Montreal is really cold in winter! The big Indigo and the Chapters in downtowm Toronto are pretty good too.

Adam

4th October 2007, 19:55

Hey Adam, where in Canada are you from?

I used to love Chapters when I lived in Montreal, as it was always open late and Montreal is really cold in winter! The big Indigo and the Chapters in downtowm Toronto are pretty good too.

I am from Lethbridge. Its a fairly large city of about 100,000 in Southern Alberta. Chapters has always been good to me and I always leave happy :D

Coles is also another good book store, but not as big. There is also a used book store called Westside Stories here, but the selection is not always good there.

scottishbookworm

4th October 2007, 21:16

my favourite bookstore is waterstones

Roland Butter

5th October 2007, 11:10

Hey Adam, where in Canada are you from?

I used to love Chapters when I lived in Montreal, as it was always open late and Montreal is really cold in winter! The big Indigo and the Chapters in downtowm Toronto are pretty good too.

Yes, I found Indigo when I was in Toronto a few years back, and I thought it was a good bookshop too.

In fact, one of the joys of travelling, for me, is the thrill of finding new bookshops and exploring the sort of literature you don't find at home. I always come back from any large city with an armful of exotic books which I've bought on impulse - some of them even turn out to be quite good :) (although I did buy the worst book I've ever read in Angus and Robertson in Sydney!)