Delightful little used bookstore. Shelves and shelves of gently used newer books and some quite nice antiquities. The owner is very nice and happy to help you find what you’re looking for. If you’re planning to trade books in, do call first to make sure somebody is available to look at them. I would agree with other reviewers that it’s a little pricey, but if you’re looking for something out of print or rare it’s certainly worth it.
David G.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Chesapeake, VA
Ok place. A little pricey, though, and one is immediately greeted with the scent of mildew. Not a great place to sell your used books as the new owners will not pay as much as Dave & Jane did.
Amanda L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Littleton, MA
Hi there. Boyfriend and I have both agreed that we spend too much $$ on books and it is about time we put a stop to the madness! We drive by this store all the time and made it a point to stop this last weekend. We both agreed that this no frills, get down to business, used bookstore was right up our alley. We’ll be visiting regularly. Some books were a little overpriced(in my bookm no pun intended) but I think it depends on the condition because I found another copy of a book I wanted that was $ 10 cheaper, so I naturally got the cheaper one. PS. I think anyone required to get summer reading books or bookclub books should check here first. Definitely cramming a lot of books in there.
R V.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Monroeville, PA
Decent place, great atmosphere — really«feels» like a used bookstore, piled high with books all over. Fairly well-organized, including sections just for rare books. I agree with the previous reviewer that prices are really hit-or-miss — some of their price tags just blew me away as nearly criminal(or, perhaps, overly optimistic) for books that weren’t really anything special(old does not automatically equal important). At the same time, though, a couple others were such good deals I had to buy the book on the spot, despite swearing I was«just looking.»
Mateo B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Antonio, TX
For years I’ve driven past the unassuming red building on rt. 20. Little did I know that inside held the largest collection of first edition/rare books locally. Where else around here can you thumb through a first edition Vonnegut or Capote? What about a $ 1000 first edition of Kerouac? I’m one to scour old book stores for hours. If there’s a book, this store has it, and possibly has it in an older edition. Hardcover’s are hit or miss on price range, sometimes absurdly high and sometimes a striking deal. Paperbacks are ½ the cover price or a $ 1.50 minimum. Parking is behind the building. The staff are a married couple who love their work. Barely Read Books is a destination worth driving to.
Scott W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Maynard, MA
What an absolutely wonderful little place… I moved to Maynard about a year ago, and found Bearly Read during an exploratory drive one Sunday afternoon. Being a fan of old books and old maps, I decided to stop in and check out their selection — ended up buying a book on old baseball parks and eventually found an old atlas as well. They have first editions of several books available(out of my price range, but if that’s your thing you’ll be thrilled) and their science fiction section is vast(again, not my thing, but it’s worth the drive if it’s yours). The owners are extraordinarily gracious with their time and very helpful — just tell them what you’re looking for. Easier than going into Boston for some food for the mind, and the people are nicer to boot — get over there and enjoy!