Re: Reading Used Books

Well curated bookstore. Obviously the bookstore owner knows what he’s doing and he was very easy to interact with, especially when you start to speak his language: books, beautiful books. Fantastic assortment of Canadian literature in hardcover. Walked away with four exciting books plus a bonus four volume set on mathematics (which just happens to be like a love letter to the art of math). Will be back and often.

What I thought would be a nice, quaint neighbourhood bookstore, turned out to be a shop run by a pretentious cast of characters. I visited the shop in the midst of my PhD studies in literature; naturally I am a bibliophile. I was looking for a popular novel and thought I’d support a local shop. My inquiry was met with a snooty denial that implied «of course we don’t have THAT book… go to the mall». From that day, I have boycotted this business. Obviously, they have lost a LOT of business from me. A piece of advice– lose the Jack Black from High Fidelity impression… you could be turning away lucrative gains!

To take a cool boutique and turn it into a used bookstore in the height of the recession and for it to be quite successful is quite a feat. Kudos!
VIBE
One of the coziest used book stores I’ve been in. The gorgeous hard wood floors left over from the boutique do make a difference. Everything is pretty organized in here as well and staff are very friendly and of course, well read willing to talk about their favourites and if your choice is any good or not. Not sure if the couch is still there. I think it is. I also like the map on the wall.
THE GOODS
Yes, lots of fiction, non-​fiction and comics. There are some good classics in here and I got Rohinton Mistry’s book for under $ 10 (I just have to read it still).
I like the added touch of the owner’s and his wife’s top picks.
They are always overstock for those selling books. They have a nice exchange program –it’s better than Circus’s but I do think Circus has a better selection in terms of cookbooks and more popular books (like Harry Potter for instance).
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
I always think of the phrase «Reduce Reuse and Recycle» whenever I think of the name but great location and probably a good way to spend time if you’re waiting for that table at next-​door-​neighbour Pizzeria Libretto.

Even though we’re in the age of the kindle and other e-​readers, there is still something nice about the feel of a «real» book and this shop is a great place to spend time pouring through a vast collection of used books. The store is pretty well organized, with designated sections for first editions, award-​winning books, recommendations from the owner (and his wife), Canadiana, literature, art, travel, cooking etc. They do have a LOT of books and as a result are actually no longer accepting more books for the time-​being. There is also a small selection of CD’s (there were several copies of Alanis Morissette’s «Jagged Little Pill» lol) and DVD’s for sale for dirt cheap. There are a few comfy armchairs that add to the atmosphere of the place.

I like the cozy front parlour in this place, it seems so nice and inviting and the staff here is usually very nice.
I do love the atmosphere here and I wish I could give this place 4 stars but the truth is I personally find their selection of books a little unbalanced.
There is a huge section of comics, mystery books and even historical fiction.
Sadly there is not much in the humour section and no media, pop culture or philosophy books.

On my way home from the nearby Centennial campus I happened upon this quaint little used bookstore on the Danforth. The best way to describe this book store is to say that it has a little bit of everything. Books both non-​fiction and fiction, comics and DVDs. Not the largest collection but I’m sure you’ll be able to find some interesting reading.
It’s a comfortable store for browsing and I was even offered some homemade cookies from the charming brunette behind the counter (YMMV) to munch on as I perused the bookshelves. Amongst the books you can also find some Star Trek memorabilia as apparently the owner is a Trekker. Of course the store also buys books and so if you are looking to unload your copy of Arsenic and Old Lace or that dusty copy of Joy of Cooking you should be able to establish at the very least a trade for what have you.
I look forward to returning and checking out more of their selection, especially since upon leaving the lovely woman behind the counter informed me with a wry smile that the cookies contained a slow acting poison and that I’d have to return in order to get the cure. Now that’s how you get repeat business! I’ll be back for a cure for what ails me, literary or otherwise, soon.

This place has a HUGE selection of used books & DVDs. The service is always excellent & friendly. The prices are more than reasonable. Everything is organized in a way that makes sense. I love this place!