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Book Passage
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
51 Tamal Vista BlvdCorte Madera, CA 94925
(415) 927-0960
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for Book Passage
Review Highlights
"But best of all are the author events."
(in 10 reviews)
"Gotta love the local, independent book store."
(in 7 reviews)
"This book store is a treasure to Marin County."
(in 6 reviews)
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60 reviews in English
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Review from J M.
San Rafael, CA
2/8/2012
Local, and they always have what I need. The employees always seem thrilled to help (it's nice to see people who appear to genuinely enjoy themselves and what they do!)
***Most importantly: Support local businesses!*** -
Review from Kevin F.
Mill Valley, CA
9/2/2011
I love this place because it's one of the few 'keepin' it "real"....the used section and travel annex are great. I go there often, it's always changing!
Book Passage has awesome programs...just Google them and subscribe to the Fortnightly newletter which will give you a heads-up on what's going down! Language classes, writing classes, great magazine section, a nice little cafe and they have tons of talks by authors.
I tell you, it's a nice little place if you're a real reader. -
Review from Maureen D.
Sausalito, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I AM SUPREMELY IMPRESSED. Four words: ALWAYS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES! I have always heard about Book Passage and have been attending lectures co-hosted by them with Dominican University the last couple of years, but today was the first time I walked into the store. Amazing: friendly staff, great writing workshops, language classes, coffee shop, travel gear, and a used book store too! Best part: different authors who come in to autograph their books and/or lecture. Best place ever for both the casual and hefty reader.
Listed in: Marin Musts
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Review from Genevieve G.
Mill Valley, CA
11/22/2011
Skip the crummy impersonal giant chain bookstores and come here instead.
The staff are helpful and make great reccomendations. Support local bookstores! -
Review from EdwardF A.
Hollywood, FL
5/24/2011
This place I been few times and this place is SMALL and yet they have other books in the store but other books or magizen you need to step outside of the store and walk 5 store fronts down to get more books and magizen still part of the Book Passage store fronts since the first store so tiny. It Like heading a needle in a hay stack then after you find 1 but you need to dig few more stacks more to find what you need! This place is a ok store but Its pricely and VERY Limted you can find! Iperf go to chain of SUPPER store to find what you need and they have CAFE in which that place don't have!
Book Passage come on. If you think you can out beat the chain stores, You need baddly a supper store, cafe, much lowwer prices to compare to your store! Corte Madera do have HUGE store fronts don't be that CHEAP! Move a place more bigger then small. Your screwwing your self no one want to go small. Go for HUGE! If you want to make it in this world!!! -
Review from Jeffrey S.
San Leandro, CA
4/25/2011
This is my favorite bookstore; not just in Marin County, not in the Bay Area, but anywhere. In the days of internet shopping, it's hard for any bookstores to stay up and running. But it's great to see so many people supporting independent booksellers, including this one.
Every time I've walked into Book Passage, a staff member has greeting me and asked me if I needed assistance. And while they don't have the inventory of a big box store, the selection of books always seems fresh and contemporary.
But the #1 reason to go to Book Passage are for the author events. In year+ that I lived in Marin County the latest time, I attended numerous author signings. I've been in audiences as little as a dozen people to events that are standing room only. I recommend that you check out the website or their paper schedule. If an author you enjoy is speaking, I recommend arriving early to reserve a seat. -
Review from Lynn m.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2011
Excellent selection, book readings/author events, & classes with top-notch writers. Am a huge fan. Wish you were not way up in Marin, but that store truly is where the heart is. Thanks for existing, Book Passages.
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Review from Kay D.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/30/2011
Best Bookstore in San Francisco and Marin? Yes!
Book Passages is a First Class bookstore - superb staff - great collection of books- tons of free parking in Marin and the piece d' resistance
the Speaker Series - is like the 8th Wonder of the world. Incredible. from Jimmy Carter, Thomas Friedman to David Sedaris- the list goes on.
Book Passages really 'Gives' to the community - on numerous levels- in addition a vast, impressive array of books - Elaine P. really contributes to the community. Brava!
Owner, Elaine is very gracious - and very smart. Both her vision and her taste in books and speakers is terrific.
Love the staff - they know-eat-live- breathe books - Karyn is the best!
Support your local indie Bookstore1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/20/2010
Thank you, Book Passages for providing a First Class bookstore - superb staff - to San Francisco and… Read more »
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Review from Christian H.
San Rafael, CA
9/13/2010 1 photo
This place has always amazed me a little bit. I don't know how they are able to pull it off in such a small space, but they will frequently have author events which often feature huge celebrities on book-signing tours.
Equally amazing is the fact that they have been able to "hang on" as a local, independent bookstore while many others (chain and independent) have failed in Marin. With the looming technology of Kindle threatening the future of large chain Bookstores across the nation (Borders and Barnes & Noble are suddenly struggling to find their relevance), something tells me that this place will survive for decades into the future just fine.
Maybe that's because their cafe has really great soups and sandwiches which make this a great "quick stop" for lunch, on top of everything else Book Passage has to offer?
You have to make sure to "bookmark" this place if you are ever in the area! -
Review from Amelia B.
Menlo Park, CA
12/13/2010
Wonderful book store for browsing, with tables of beautiful and well-selected books. This is the kind of place that makes me aware of how much books are truly luxury objects today, in the midst of our digital world. I didn't have to bother the staff much but there were plenty of people around to help and the whole environment is welcoming and relaxing.
There's a small coffee shop here too, so makes for a nice hang out. But best of all are the author events. My mom did a poetry reading here and the staff was gracious and welcoming. Wish I lived closer to go to more. -
Review from Eric B.
1/19/2010
Book Passage is one of my favourite independent book stores, although you might need directions to get there. But it's worth passing Go (Barnes and Noble) and collecting the "$200" of literary treasures that await.
Book Passage has been around for more than 30 years and provides its community with a regularly published and full catalog of author events, writing and language classes, and writing conferences. They have a nice selection of books nicely distributed throughout 2 buildings (with a nice common space in between). The main building has a nice coffee shop and a comfortable place to hear author readings. The "Travel Building" also hosts events and is my favourite place to browse around.
I belong to Friends of Book Passage as the viability of independent bookstores like this is very important.Listed in: Independent Book Stores
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Review from Ed U.
4/3/2008 1 photo
Tom Hanks as...oh who cares?: "...we're going to sell them cheap books and legal addictive stimulants. In the meantime, we'll just put up a big sign: "Coming soon, a FoxBooks superstore and the end of civilization as you know it."
Meg Ryan as Meg Ryan: "...but no one will remember you. And maybe no one will remember me either, but there are plenty of people who remember my mother, and they thought she was fine, and they thought her store was something special. You are nothing but a suit."
I was channel-surfing, and "You've Got Mail" showed up. While it's one of those damnably plasticine Tom-Meg movies, it does bring up the conundrum of indie bookstores who must face the massive price cutting of the megastore chains. Oh, how I wish there were more stores like Book Passage around. They have a much smaller store in the Ferry Building, but the Corte Madera location is the one to visit for some serious perusing.
I only became aware of this place because a friend of mine raved about a travel writing seminar they held here. I stopped by on the way back from Guerneville and wasn't thrilled to find this in a mall. However, the owners creatively divided their space into two parts, and the international side is the place to be. There are lots of travel books, tomes on how to expose your creative side, coffee-table books of all kinds, and a great back section for used books.
Night owl that I could be, I wish the store was open past 9:30pm like that other mass-market store whose name we dare not mention. I don't know if I'd frequently lay down a five spot to go across the Golden Gate, but I could see doing the occasional weekend drop-by and hanging out for hours and hours. The cafe also has WiFi for you perpetual laptoppers. Oh, how I wish San Francisco had a bookstore as humungous as Powell's City of Books in PortlandListed in: Northern Exposure for the Big…, Books Without Borders
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Review from Robyn H.
San Jose, CA
8/10/2009 2 photos
Gotta love the local, independent book store! The second I walked into this place I knew I was obsessed.
Right away Judy greeted me from behind the counter. I told her I was new to BP and just exploring the area. She was fantastic- telling me about Mt.Tam, the area, the shop, etc...
This isn't just your average neighborhood book store, it also boasts a cute little cafe with outdoor seating that faces Mt.Tam. Is there better way to study, read, write or eat?! Bonus: Free Wifi (Woo-hoo!)
in addition to a selection that rivals B&N or Borders, Book Passage has some super cool extras that make me happy:
-A collection of rare books (perfect present for your book worm friend)
-A selection of autographed books
-Tons of events and author signings
-Workshops! (I'm all about self-improvement!)
-Amazing, helpful, friendly staff. (Did I mention Judy? Amazing!) -
Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
Updated - 8/21/2008
Yowza! How lucky am I? Hubby and I were about to enter Book Passages when we literally bumped into ED U! I was totally flummoxed and honored to meet one of my favorite Yelpers.
I hope I didn't startle him too much when I had blurted out with gasps of excitement, "Are you Ed?" He smiled at me even though most normal folk would have wondered, "Who the HELL is this woman and why does she know me?" When I told him I was Rinky from Yelp he didn't even flinch or try to run away. So I got to chat with him for a few precious minutes. When I introduced Ed to my husband and told him what a brilliant writer he is, Ed just blushed and humbly said, "Aw shucks." Okay maybe he didn't say that exact phrase but he was indeed humble.
And whenever I think of "humble: I think of my favorite kid's book, "Charlotte's Web."
"Humble" is the ultimate compliment in my book.
So, Ed I'm so glad to have finally met you.
You write reviews that are brilliant, funny and inspirational.
I love when you put your reviews to song.
You also taught me how to correctly spell:
Ambiance
Brilliant
to name just a few words.
What a good omen to meet Ed at the one of two places I got an ROTD!
Ohhhhh
and btw Book Passage is still a might fine bookstore.
Their collection of books all seem to be lovingly selected.
Great travel books-found some books on our fall travel trip.
Nice greeting card section.
Wonderful kid's books with a delightful stuffed (plush) animal and puppet section. I really wanted that Lynx puppet....... sigh.
Nice staff
They were holding a Travel Writers Conference and they have several other workshops, readings and conferences throughout the year.
Hooray for independent bookstores!Listed in: Please don't forsake them, oh…, Non-chain chain chain of…, GREAT Customer Service, If They Only Had a…, BOOKS--Our favorite Indepedent…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/7/2007 ROTD 11/15/2007
We love patronizing this INDEPENDENT bookstore. Even though it doesn't have massive quantities of… Read more »
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Review from Liz S.
10/17/2007
Before the Ferry Building location opened, city dwellers had to cross the bridge to experience Book Passage - my favorite independent bookstore in the Bay Area. They do a fantastic job of making the books leap off of the shelf and into your hands, via written staff recommendations, knowledgeable sales people, and an unbeatable roster of readings and book signings.
When I used to work in Marin, I would read the newsletter every month and try to figure out how I could skip out of the office for a few hours during the day to hear Isabel Allende or some other favorite author read from their latest work. It never happened, but it was fun to think about. They also have evening readings and some on weekends.
There is a great focus on travel and travel writing here, transporting you far beyond the mall and into the world outside, even if it is a rainy Tuesday night in February and your laundry is piling up at home.
The food counter is nice and has an assortment of sweet things and coffee - there is an apricot/oatmeal bar that makes me say "mmmmmm" out loud every time I have one, right before I crack the pages of my new read.
Book Passage offers a reader a place to browse, interact, learn, and ultimately, escape. They do this with a firm sense of community, which is exactly what a local bookstore should do. It is un-fancy, and you don't feel like you are being merchandised to death (I don't want to buy toys at a bookstore, thank you). They are serious about the pleasure of buying books, and I always leave with a bag full of wonderful works, eagerly awaiting the joy of curling up with one of them.Listed in: Read Me
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Review from Jason R.
San Francisco, CA
7/3/2007
I think this is my favorite bookstore.
Their selection is great and the staff is really knowledgeable.
But the thing that really sets Book Passage apart are their classes and author events.
I've seen all sort of world class writers doing readings here and I've also partaken in classes taught by some of my favorites.
Places like this deserve your business. -
Review from Mildred A.
Bay Area
5/20/2010 8 Check-ins Here
How have I been so blissfully ignorant of this amazing book store that's right in my backyard?!
Ample selection of anything and everything. The mystery section is huuuuuge. So is the used mystery books section for that matter. The staff is very friendly.
But where Book Passage shines is in the quality and number of in store events with author book signings, presentations, writing workshops, etc. They have close relationships with many local authors.
The Isabel Allende event was great. Relaxed easy going energy, superb organizational logistics, insightful reading and background story on the author's latest book, inspired and candid questions and answers chat with Isabel, tasty catered lunch from renowned Insalata's in San Anselmo whose chef was on site, an autographed copy of the book and a chance to briefly meet Isabel in person (I think I hyperventilated at this point, she's my favorite author EVER). What the heck more do you want?!
For those who give meh reviews based solely on the higher prices...come down on those days when they do sales. There's a 50% off sale this weekend for example. Or, do what I do, and borrow books from the library. Always FREE. But please don't pick the unmentionable corporations over Book Passage. They can't hold a candle. -
Review from Inga B.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2008
Ah the good ole' Book Passage.
Privately owed bookstore, with a large selection of books, they get some of the most amazing people to speak there. To find out who it is that is coming you need to join their newsletter.
I use to go here every morning for a latte when I worked across the street. The cafe has some very delicious food as well. Fresh local produce and quality meats. -
Review from jill j.
Mill Valley, CA
11/28/2007
Kepler's (in Menlo Park) it is not. And I think my rating of Book Passage suffers in comparison to Kepler's.
They do SHINE in their author speakers! All I have attended have been great, and as the hostess said this week, "the Marin audience never disappoints" in terms of good questions!
The space seems dated, as if it could really use a remodel, but the selections seem fairly complete and well organized, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The split-store concept never seems to work anywhere, though, and Book Passage is no exception. The travel/art/used books are all in a separate building right across the courtyard.
And maybe I'm nitpicking - I know it's in vogue to have food in bookstores these days - but the smell of someone's greasy fried cheesy thing while I was browsing the new arrivals literally drove me out of the store. Yeah, yeah ... isn't it cool that Cafe Borrone is NEXT DOOR to Kepler's and not inside! -
Review from Susanne C.
Fairfax, CA
12/10/2006
Love the place
Used books are great.
The travel section is incredible.
Only reason it loses a star is for the cafe which serves some stale pastries -
Review from Maryanne R.
Cupertino, CA
3/21/2007
Fantastic fiction selection. I want to read (or have read) everything on their display tables. Also great that they host so many readings - everyone stops here! Props to the children's section too. I found a book here today that I have been looking for for nine years! It's back in print and they had 5 copies.
I would love to give this place 5 stars because it's independent and we have to support our few remaining independent book stores, but....the service is lame. The people who work here are cranky and snobby. This is not a one-off observation. It's been my experience for years now. It's a bummer to drive all the way to Corte Madera from Cupertino and then deal with the cranky snobs. If it wasn't for such a great selection of fiction, I wouldn't come here. -
Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2008
This is a wonderful bookstore. For some reason, most times I've visited it's been raining, so in addition to browsing a great independent bookstore, I got to sit down and read with the blustery window soaking this place's many windows.
Their selection is pretty extensive, and this is a really fun place to look through. It doesn't have the nooks and crannies that many bookstores have, but it makes up for that by being shaped circularly, so there is some sort of interesting element to it. -
Review from Ann G.
Emeryville, CA
4/7/2009
Wonderful, independent book store with a decent used book section. Connects with Hospice every year and I love that. Only gripe is the retail section in the middle of their 'travel' area. Poorly merchandised, cluttered and just doesn't fit with the whole vibe of Book Passage. Never has. And strangely, the staff on the coffee shop side seem much nicer than the staff on the travel side. Odd.
I still love it and try to always buy my books here. -
Review from elizabeth o.
San Rafael, CA
11/5/2008
I'll always remember book passage because I attended AL GORE'S book signing. It was great he picked a place in Marin county which is away from the city and at a local family owned independent store. I don't know how book passage scored a date with Al Gore but the community (well as least for the people who loves him) with buzzing with excitement.
I prefer coming here than Borders I strongly believe in supporting local businesses to kept the community thriving with diversity. I make sure I stop by when I am at the DMV, I mean there is nothing better than to pick up your spirits after a dreadful wait at the DMV. The staff is friendly and will so the best they can to find you the book you need.Listed in: I have a love for books
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Review from Ellen S.
Mill Valley, CA
4/17/2011
Supportive of local writers & readers. Staff goes out of their way to help you find your books. It's very, very easy to buy your books on-line from BP & then pick them up in the store, to save on postage, or to have them sent to your house, for ease. I am continually amazed at their level of customer service and outreach and the quality of their programming. BP really contributes to the rich literary life in the Bay Area. I ordered a poetry book on line the other day and received a call from BP. "We don't have the hard cover, but we have the soft cover, would you like it?" "Yes," "Would you like us to hang onto it for a few more days to have the author sign it?" "Sure," I said. Now I don't think amazon would make sure the author signed your copy before it was set aside for you.
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Review from Tom S.
Placer County, CA
7/29/2006
Best book store for travel and cooking subjects - Period!
Frequent author readings and lectures.
Go to Border's if you're looking for kiddie-daycare, coffee & pastries, a place to Wi-Fi, or to dog ear the magazines. -
Review from Sophie D.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2007
Such an adorable, charming independent book store!
SUPPORT! -
Review from Sue M.
Fairfax, CA
1/19/2009
Probably preaching to the converted here by saying we should always buy from local, independent bookstores.
I would like to confess that I do not always do this. Amazon is a hard habit to break.
But every time I go into Book Passage, I'm reminded that usually the prices are the same as Amazon. They'll order anything they don't have in stock, and it'll get to the store in about the same time Amazon would ship something to me (sometimes less, and with no shipping fees).
Plus, you don't get friendly human interraction at Amazon, or a wonderful atmosphere to browse in. Or amazing speakers. Or a business who supports your local economy.
Do the math. I really should shop there more often. -
Review from K P.
Chicago, IL
11/4/2007
It appears to be on the outside a quaint, struggling little local bookshop. :'(
In reality, the owner doesn't truly support other local businesses that support or do work for him, yet expects the people of Marin to support him and "save" his store from the "big bad wolf".
I rarely found anything here, and the staff is usually cranky, or maybe they just don't know how to smile or interact with humans.
If they don't have what you want on hand without ordering it, go somewhere else. You'll save time, and money and spare yourself from the unhappy employees. -
Review from Sarah B.
Mill Valley, CA
6/20/2008
If you have a lot of time to kill and really wish you had money to travel somewhere, go spend some time in the Travel section of Book Passage. They have a decent selection of non-travel books, but the Travel section and maps is really where they shine.
Haven't experience any negative customer service as some reviews have. But mostly I just want people to leave me alone in a bookstore so I can loiter for hours over the books. -
Review from Candice B.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2009
Book Passage is great because it's an independent book store.
That, and the fact it has AC when Marin County is boiling in heat.
Also, you get to sit around in the cafe for hours in a fancy sari and hot roller in your hair and no one will question you, or even do as much as look at you. -
Review from S.E. J.
San Rafael, CA
7/27/2011
The Book Passage is not just a bookstore. It is a cafe, bookstore, and meeting place for all kinds of cool events. It is quite unique. The ambiance is cozy . A really well kept bookstore with a nice selection of classics and best sellers. The Book Passage 2 next store sells used books and is the cleanest , most organized used book store I have ever seen. If they don't have your book they will order it...which we can do very easily ourselves these days but the offer is nice. It is a great place to have some coffee and read...or attend a book signing or lecture. I hope this bookstore never goes out of business. I will go buy my books there first before I decide to order on line. I like having a cool place like The Book Passage in the community. I am sad to see the bookstores disappearing as I liked to sometimes spend a morning or afternoon drinking coffee and thumbing through various books deciding which one to read next. I understand the economics of it but I hope we can keep a few around. This one is a keeper as it is a bookstore and much more. Big thumbs up!
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Review from Maryrose S.
Fairfield, CA
3/6/2009
This spot has some of the best author events in the Bay area. I seldom get to venture to this location because it's on the other side of the bay, but I relish any opportunity to attend their author events.
Continue to support your local, independent book stores! -
Review from Karen T.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
3/1/2011
I love this place! You won't find a better bookstore. End of story.
Support your local bookstore my fellow readers! -
Review from Caitlyn L.
San Rafael, CA
7/28/2009
Absolutely one of the best book stores around, especially the Author Events, and I love the Cooks with Books. I'll always remember book passage because I attend these book signings. Love, love, love the fact it is in Marin county which is away from the city and it is a local family owned independent store.
I prefer coming here than Borders I strongly believe in supporting local businesses to kept the community thriving with diversity. The staff is friendly and will so the best they can to find you the book you need. And, there is a over the top seperate building just for the travel section! -
Review from Aaron S.
Mill Valley, CA
6/17/2009
I've been going to this book store my entire life. I don't know how these guys do it; they have a FAR better selection than Borders, Barnes and Noble, or any of those big-player corporate book monopolies. Service is O.K.; generally the people are happy to help and readily available but sometimes the odd layout can make finding them hard. Great atmosphere; just FEELS like a bookstore. Evincing how great these guys are, one time I bought a copy of "Gilead" from a book fair (NOT sponsored by Book Passage) only to find I already had one at home. Without hesitation, they offered to give me store credit in exchange for the extra copy! What an awesome place!
Merchandise: A-
Service: B+
Atmosphere: A+ -
Review from Veda F.
Fairfax, CA
4/7/2010
I love the Book Passage. The staff is friendly and makes an effort to be personable. The selection is fantastic and what they don't have Book Passage can easily order for you. Featured lectors are always a treat and Book Passage has a new writer almost every day. The second building hosts a used book section as well. All profits go towards charity.
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Review from Sarah H.
San Rafael, CA
9/17/2007 ROTD 2/9/2008
This book store is a treasure to Marin County. I have seen my favorite authors speak here--they get big name authors to visit and speak in an intimate setting. You will never get as close to your authors as you will here. Their book selection is superb--and if they happen to not have it, they will order it for you, and it arrives fast! Their in-store cafe also offers a nice option to take in a hot chocolate while browsing a possible purchase. In an age of fast-growing mega-chain stores, stores like Book Passage are unfortunately a dying breed. I am so thankful that they are here.
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Review from Tracee E.
San Rafael, CA
11/1/2008
Locally owned, active in the community, good selection of books (will order for you if they don't have it) and sponsors one of the best author-speaker series west of the Mississippi (maybe even in the whole US)- what is there NOT to love about it???
Listed in: My 'hood haunts
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Review from A. K.
CA
4/12/2009
Strolled in here today to find a couple of travel books I had needed.
Decent selection- grabbed 4 and went to the counter to purchase.
Waited......waited.......waited..... patiently waited while two saleswomen engaged in total social conversation with the customers ahead of me who were done making their purchases.
Waited over 10 minutes until I realized I didn't financially want to support a bookstore who hires these kinds of salespeople.
Put the books down, went to Amazon, and got them for less than half the price.
