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Book Soup
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Newspapers & Magazines Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Newspapers & Magazines, Bookstores [Edit]
8818 W Sunset BlvdWest Hollywood, CA 90069
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
(310) 659-3110
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
108 reviews for Book Soup
Review Highlights
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"Go and support your local independent book store." In 5 reviews -
"They have a great selection of travel books as well." In 6 reviews
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"...over their limited edition coffee table books, and finding..." In 5 reviews
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108 reviews in English
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Review from Benjamin S.
Newhall, CA
2/24/2012
The best bookstore in LA-no doubts. Any book you need they either have it or will order it no questions asked.
Friendly and knowledgable staff, clean and organized facility.
Only complaint, nowhere to sit. -
Review from Lisa Jane C.
Brooklyn, NY
5/3/2012
This review is for mail-order only.
As someone who collects signed editions, I have ordered from Book Soup many times in the last five or six years. Except for a problem with my initial order, which was resolved to my satisfaction, my books have arrived as described and in a timely manner.
Not only does Book Soup list many author appearances in advance on its website, it has a list of singed first editions, which usually has around 100 items. Buyers are charged list price for the books, and the shipping charges are fair - my cost on my last order was $11.05 for UPS service.
The dedicated buyer should check the website every week or so as many people stop in the store and sign books without an event. Occasionally, I find a great surprise or two.
The authors are as diverse as can be and everybody can find something here. Future events include Walter Mosley, Gregg Allman and Augusten Burroughs. The current signed edition list includes T.C. Boyle, Jonathan Burnham Schwartz, Eric Erlandson, Henry Alford, Amy Waldman, Piper Laurie, Duff McKagan and about ninety others. Many fairly unknown authors are included, as well as occasional sexually-oriented material. Some premium signed editions are also available from Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Andy Summers, John Ashbery and Dennis Hopper.
The orders are always politely taken. As per my request, the UPS tracking number is sent my email the following day.
One problem with Book Soup's ordering system is that no customer information is stored, so details must be repeated for every order. This is time consuming, but in this age of computer hacking, I can understand the reason for this system.
Book Soup has provided me with dozens of gifts for my family, friends and myself.
Hope you have similar luck!Listed in: Read Any Good Books Lately?
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Review from Drea K.
3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
it's easy to get lost in the vertiginous bookshelves...
if book soup wasn't located in the heart of the sunset strip i would probably be more willing to stop by frequently, it's definitely my favorite place on the westside to buy some brand-new books. -
Review from Maggie M.
West Hollywood, CA
5/20/2012
Amazing book selection.
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Review from Rebecca H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/9/2012
After Dutton's bowed out, Book Soup became one of the last strongholds on the Westside, a place where bookish nerds and the community builders who love them can seek sanctuary from wolves and bullies.
Though definitely not as old or storied as City Lights in San Francisco, Book Soup could be its L.A. cousin, replete with brainy selections, tall wooden shelves, and that particularly fine smell of ink and paper found only in indie bookstores.
My last purchase at Book Soup was the cookbook Flour by Joanne Chang. They have a brilliant cookbook section. I often do Christmas shopping here for my many friends who are home cooks and bakers. Two years ago I bought my sister a set of Laduree recipe cards, and in return she made me chocolate sea salt macarons. I think that was a very good trade.
It's a small bookstore, so stock is limited, but if you order a book, they'll call you as soon as it comes in and you can pick it up. There's no parking lot, but honestly, it's never taken more than 5 minutes to find a parking spot 5 minutes away. Last time I parked in front of the Viper Room and poured out a little latte for River Phoenix, one of my first crushes. I still remember how those golden locks flying in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade made my 10-year-old heart go pitter patter.
Vroman's bought Book Soup a few years ago, so I have hopes for its longevity. Although when I whipped out my Amazon Visa card to pay for my last purchase, I began to wonder if I myself might be one of the circling vultures. God, I hope not. Oh, I feel shame. -
Review from Stef B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2012
Great bookstore!
It is nice enough to make me go to the Sunset Strip even though I do not wear gallons of cologne, lease a Range Rover, or have a girlfriend with more fluid in her fake breasts than in her genital warts. -
Review from Whitney J.
Queens, NY
1/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Best bookstore in LA. Everytime I'm back in the city, I make sure to go here. Helps that my mom just moved down the street from it!
Great selection of books from fiction of all sorts to music books to art and cookbooks to science writing and a great attached newsstand. Their kid's section is small, but stocked with classics and great new additions.
The employees here are really helpful and know pretty much anything you could need answered. Support your local independent bookstore! Read all the things! -
Review from Kevin T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/19/2012
I need to spend more time here! Went there today for my first time to see if I could get a copy of the Hollywood creative directory. Called on the phone to see if they had it- was told they had a copy in the store but was disappointed st first to find it wasn't on the shelves when I came in shortly after calling. A couple of the guys were helping me out and were really cool about helping me find it. They offered to order it for me but I declined.
Anyways, I was not upset at all by the fact that they didn't have what I was looking for. The guys in the store were laid back and really helpful. You could spend a whole day looking through the store. It also seems like the kind of place to meet interesting people and hear interesting stories. Seems to have an energy about the place.
Will be headed back! -
Review from Daisy S.
West Hollywood, CA
3/10/2012
In my fantasy life, I work in this bookstore. I'd ride my bike there every day and organize and shelve and recommend books all day long. There is a lovely feeling here.
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Review from Melia S.
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Book Soup, our time together was too short. Independent bookstores are one of the many items on the list entitled "things I miss about Los Angeles."
For those who have been trained, like myself, to accept the modern day coffee-slinging, bargain touting bookstore, Book Soup is an overhwelmingly refreshing take on what bookstores should look and feel like. While I don't love paying full price (I dropped $45 on two books here), I love me a good independent bookstore. Book Soup is in the category of rare breed when it comes to retail bookstores; non-chain bookstores are far and few between and the number of decent non-chain bookstores is even fewer.
Book Soup had the variety of a chain store and then some-a little something for everyone. They had a great selection of cookbooks, some from your standard celebuchef and a lot of not so standard ones. Each shelf is flagged with staff recommendations which you'd never see in a chain store because their staff probably doesn't read. They had, in my opinion, a pretty astonishing art section-books you'd be hard pressed to see in hard copy form anywhere else. There was a lot of unique photography, fashion and art books to choose from.
The shop has a cozy set up (see: tight squeeze), but it's not uncomfortable and kind of adds to the charm of a place. It just had a great vibe to it-very warm, comforting and it's easy to get lost in how magical it is. Yes, magical!
The staff was really friendly and helpful, so coughing up a little extra for books didn't hurt as much when you factor in the great service. Location is right on Sunset which is kind of a nightmare (my friend's boyfriend got a ticket for his wheels being pointed in the wrong direction while parked on a hill...). However, I didn't drive and should I go back next time I'm in town, I won't be driving then either!
Book Soup is what all bookstores should be. Period. -
Review from Mandi S.
Long Beach, CA
2/20/2012
Oh how I love this place! Great selection and very helpful staff. I told one staff member about a book I just finished and enjoyed, and when I asked if she had any suggestions for my next selection she brought me to three or four perfect selections. I also like the suggestions on the shelves...it seems rare that people who work in a bookstore actually READ the books!
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Review from Kristyn W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/29/2012
This is by far my favorite bookstore in Los Angeles. They have a huge selection for such a small space, and the inventory is perfectly edited. The staff is wonderful, and they give recommendations that could only come from true book lovers! As an avid reader I find it difficult to discover new authors/books in your average bookstore, but Book Soup never disappoints. I've discovered some of my favorite new authors here, and I stop in regularly to chat with the staff and see the new arrivals!
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Review from Amanda B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/16/2011
THE BEST. Great service, always has what I'm looking for (or will order for me) Always calls me when a book or magazine I want is available. Really knowledgeable staff. Parking is behind in the alley, free for one hour!
The only bookstore worth going to. -
Review from Graham S.
1/4/2012
Really cool, local book store. They have a great selection, and--unlike many ma and pop book stores I've been to--the shelves were neat and well organized. Staff was friendly and helpful to boot. Buy local!
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Review from Candice G.
Mid Wilshire, Los Angeles, CA
9/1/2011
Love this place. Had never been before but friend of mine had a book signing here last year and I have been back at least once a month since.
Super small, quaint and charming.
Great place to sit and read. -
Review from Anastasia M.
Glendale, CA
9/6/2011
Friendly, knowledgeable staff and the best-run book signings I've ever attended.
Support your local independent bookstore!! -
Review from Richard P.
Mercer Island, WA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
so cool to be in a place that has something that others don't. definitely worth checking out if you like books. I frequent many bookstores because I get a rush looking over the selections, kind of like opening presents on Christmas morning. Supporting small businesses is one of my passions, especially in this economy. This bookstore is one of the better ones I have been to.
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Review from Kali M.
2/18/2011 9 Check-ins Here
This is a really great little shop.
It's not a Borders or a Barnes and Noble, so don't show up expecting it to be. It conjures images of crowded old neighborhood book shops in Europe. Small, with a limited selection... they may not have that SciFi novel you're after, but they'll do you one better with an awesome industry-related coffee table book and a pretty great moleskine selection.
Big magazine stand on the side of the store. -
Review from Jim U.
1/21/2011
So, Spike Lee has been randomly picking places around the country to sign copies of his "book" on his famous film, "Do the RIght Thing". I missed my chance to see him in Brooklyn, and I left Los Angeles before he arrived in town to sign copies at Book Soup. Fortunately though, I found out online that I could purchase a signed copy from their store and have it sent to me. Basically, they just have him sign extra books after the book signing for outstanding orders and send them out in the mail. Easy, right?
Well, my credit card was charged on 1/7 for $39.95 + $8 UPS shipping. The event was held later that weekend. By 1/14, I was getting worried having not received the book. By 1/20, I called to find out what was going on. I gave my information, and didn't receive a call back. I called again on 1/21, and went through the same process. Just now, I received the following email:
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Hi James,
I deeply apologize for just getting back to you. I was waiting on Spike
Lee's people to see if he may consider coming back in the store to sign
stock. Unfortunately, he is traveling for the next few months and won't be able to, and we ran out of signed stock the day of the event. I have issued you a full refund via PayPal. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate.
Thank you and apologies for the delay -
--
Rebekah Weikel
Assistant Promotional Director
Book Soup
8818 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-659-3684
Fax: 310-659-0344
http://www.booksoup.com
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How exactly did they run out of copies when I reserved one BEFORE the event? Just a 2-week hassle for nothing. Why couldn't they just "do the right thing" and have him sign the extra requested copies either before or after the actual book signing? -
Review from Eva K.
1/28/2011
I'm excited to go to a reading here, though I imagine it would be hard to find parking if you didn't have a permit. Where do people park without permits in this part of town? I hate paying for parking.
I love, love, love perusing the shelves. Rows and rows of glorious books! I wish I could buy them all, and people TALKING about books in the aisles, and the bookshelves, dark beautiful wood. The smell of new books. And the little, adorable cards (albeit expensive).
Plus, you can walk around outside, look at the shops. It's a congested part of Sunset Blvd., but there are other people walking around, too, which is nice. To see people using their own legs to propel themselves forward.
I could wander through these shelves for hours. But it also makes me sad, because I can't buy all the books I want. There's always libraries, I know. One day I'll be able to drop hundreds and hundreds of dollars for glorious books every time I visit. I'll fill my apartment with them - from floor to ceiling - and my boyfriend will officially hate me, because he hates clutter, but I will be happy, snuggling with my books and cats, and life will be swell and all kinds of lovely, and then 2012 will hit and we'll all be dead. The end. -
Review from Buster M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2011
A solid bookstore and I give it a little extra juice since Paris Hilton came in while I was browsing. (She stuck to the fashion section.) The selection of books is good and plentiful.
But I have to ding the place on two counts. First, the staff has way too much attitude. Second, the staff isn't really as knowledgeable about books and literature as they think they are. If you just keep your head down and browse, Book Soup is fine. If you are trying to remember the name of a book you read ten years ago and you're hoping that a helpful employee might know it, look elsewhere.Listed in: Bookstores of America
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Review from Joy G.
2/28/2011
Big selection. Lots of helpful notes on the shelves from employees about their favs, but not really a friendly staff - at least of the people working when we went - no one even said hello when we walked in, let alone attempted to help us as we perused.
NOT wheelchair accessible. Whoever said it was is crazy, there are stairs EVERYWHERE - and most don't have railings. Thankfully, I'd gone in with my crutch, and was able to navigate this little fun maze of a store with some help from my guy. I'd go again. -
Review from Demon V.
Los Angeles, CA
12/11/2011
Sunset Boulevard is usually where the self-absorbed go to be spotted but placed unobtrusively on the main street is this fantastic little bookstore. The place is, literally, stocked floor to ceiling with books which makes up for the tight space and there's an extensive magazine rack outside. Selection is quite good with plenty of new and sometimes esoteric books packed in, no crap airport bestsellers. The only real complaint is that the science fiction section is unforgivably small while the movie section is unpleasantly large but still a terrific place.
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Review from Mark L.
2/18/2011
Great bookstore! I love supporting these independent bookstores and I have to say that this is the best one. There's an aura of inspiration when you walk in. I wish it was more convenient to me to go.
The parking is the only downside to this shop...it's on Sunset Blvd though so that's pretty cool. -
Review from D D.
Redondo Beach, CA
10/28/2011
Book Soup is an oasis. How often is it, these days, that one gets the opportunity to poke around in a little indie bookshop with high shelves, books crammed into every inch of free space, and knowledgeable employees?
The staff knows their stuff: if you ask for recommendations they will talk your ear off. If you're asking for info on Los Angeles/SoCal writers, they will be especially enthusiastic.
I was here for a book signing one night, too, I thought that the line was fairly well organized until we got into the store. Once we hit the doors, the line dissolved and there was no rhyme or reason as people surged toward the little area set aside for the Q&A. The signing was friendly, otherwise. A staff member took photos for those who wanted them, and we were given a generous amount of time to talk with the author. It was a lot more intimate than the book signings I have attended at some of the big box stores.
One star off because there were dogs in the store. I know this will be a plus for a lot of people, who like to take their dogs everywhere, but narrow corridors + large dogs = disaster for those who don't want to meet Fido and Fluffy. Especially when the owners don't have their pets leashed. There have been sections of the store I've had to pass up on some visits because I just don't want to deal with someone's animal jumping at me. -
Review from Summer S.
Studio City, CA
10/2/2011
I LOVE Book Soup. It is my go-to spot for photography monographs, and they generally have pretty much anything I am looking for- yesterday yielded a Robert Mapplethorpes "Polaroids" and Paul Jasmin's "California Dreaming". The store just has a great vibe, and I love hanging out and browsing for an hour or so. Be prepared to search for parking...but don't be discouraged- it's worth it.
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Review from Torry D.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great book store. I wish there were more.
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Review from Ueli G.
Los Angeles, CA
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm glad the Book Soup is still around. The staff is nice, knowledgeable and helpful. Great if you want to find a gift for someone.
Go and see for yourself!
I guess I always got lucky finding parking on Sunset right in front of the store. I'm sure it can be hard to find parking at times. -
Review from Maggie M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/23/2011
First time visiting this book store was for the Henry Rollins book signing. I was early as heck, I spent my time wisely. So many books, I can't even get my thoughts straight, the place is overwhelming with great books. &&&& the staff is attentive & helpful.
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Review from Betsy L.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 10/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here
A huge thank you to Ted at Book Soup. Based on my experience last night at the shop, I need to update and give a rating of 5 for the Greg Graffin and Steve Olsen book event last night.
Ted accommodated my disability and was funny and kind to boot.
I am so thankful for Ted and Book Soup for going out of their way to help me be able to attend this truly special event last night.
Cheers to Book Soup, and please give Ted a raise asap, because if he's half as awesome as he was last night, he's a shiny, bright star at your shop!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/1/2010
I want to give this place 5 stars: I love supporting independent businesses, and I love bookstores… Read more »
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Review from Greg K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2009
Four days ago. 5 o'clock hour. It's nearing sundown and I'm driving east.
I'm on Sunset, driving too fast but slowing down, passing Whiskey A Go-Go on my left. I'm not even bothering to peek at the billboard-signage fixed on the very famous and very red building: a parking spot at the curb, that's what I care about and Book Soup's coming up on my right at a tricky spot where the boulevard takes a sharp curve.
I need a new book. And I mean new as in unusual. Strange maybe.
Red building alert and park. After that, I'm walking and the sky is in competition with the street as far as the light goes. Everything's glowing, you know that time of night. It makes you happy. Does me anyway.
I'm in the store now and step on a creaky floor in between books that are stacked on the floor at my feet. Many of these are portfolio-style photography books that can be as much as a-foot-and-a-half-wide-by-two-feet-high and thick as my arm. I'm making my way down the angled aisles, past the tall cases with ladders occasionally in the way, hitting louder creaks by the biography section, getting lost timewise. A long time near a staircase with unique artisan birthday cards and fifty per cent off holiday cards. Beautiful cards. High style snarky cards that say Merry Fucking Christmas, watercolor cards of L.A. landmarks, contrast-y black-and-whites of screen sirens with fierce cleavage and hairdo. And books and books and books and books.
Time's passed. And more time. I'm swimming in this aquarium of words and can't leave. Not until I find a new book... not until I make a strange catch.
I make it. From the Staff Recommendations rack. It's a book that was written almost forty years ago but only recently translated from French to English. The writer's work is dark like Jim Thompson's. Turning around to pay, I'm facing the windows: outside, it's solidly night, like it's midnight with no moon. I'm still indifferent about the time when I leave. The store was still open, what did I care?
What was on my mind? The promise of pleasure from this new book I was about to consume, and that's all. The story will take me there.
Anything's possible, you know that kind of thought. It makes you happy. Does me anyway.Listed in: Sandbox Yelping
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Review from Matthew P.
Washington, DC
2/13/2009
Much as I hate to kick Book Soup when they're down, and much as I genuinely hope that Book Soup endures on the Sunset Strip...
I used to live right around the corner -- like, a 30 second walk away -- but I decided I would not go back after I went in one day, jonesing for a pulpy genre novel, and asked if they had any JD Robb (which I understand is not respectable) and was told archly "if you would find it in a *drug store*, we don't carry it."
Which, you know, I kind of loved.
But also, Amazon will charge me 30% less on average, deliver it to my door, and not sneer at me when I want something pulpy.
It's too bad, because lord knows there are too few bookstores left staffed by people who actually read. And, I do admire how natural the (clearly well-practiced) condescension comes, but I am not willing to pay a premium for it. -
Review from La-asia L.
North Hollywood, CA
10/19/2010
Super, Super, Super bookstore. I love this place. You can easily get lost with the selection of book that is offered.
I'm on a quest to visit all of the indie bookstores in Los Angeles and of course I had to visit book soup. I was in love with this store the moment I walked in, they have an awesome display of the Indie Next List books, they have floor to ceiling book shelves. The staff was always available for questions.
I adore. -
Review from Mike L.
Norwalk, CA
9/21/2007
Nice bookstore and a lot more in an unsuspected area.
Considering before you walk in to the store, at the front window display is the announcement of the authors scheduling to appear for book signing. I'm mean we're not talking about slouches, there are some famous or well known celebs that are making the round. We are talking about guys like David Mamet to Norman Mailer and then we are getting into Jenna Jameson and Ron Jeremy have all made appearances for their book signing at this location.
Besides the book signing from well known authors and pseudo celebs, this is a wonderful place to get some obscure and hard to find books. Some of them will be easier to get http://Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles. It's the fascinating books of off beat cultures you will never be able to get from the mainstream stores that will keep a store like around for a long time.
For passionated readers of science fictions or enthusiasts of biographies to the curious lurkers of the *ahem* mature sections, this would be like a wonderland where you can be there for hours and not noticing how fast the time flies. It's a book store like this that will make them a necessity and books that are not going to be for sale at http://Half.com .
The book store is deceptive tight, but have a vast space to walk around and is like a maze in front end of the store. It has a huge selections of children's books as well as any categories you can find. The one nice service the bookstore can do for you is to preorder a book for you if they don't have in stock at the store.
This is a candy store for the avid readers where tons of books can be found. Of course the nice little draw was that this store can attract a nice selections of big name authors for signings, but they also can book a good number of upcoming authors or some good underground writer that is on the cutting edge. It's nice mix between the off beat and the mainstream in this store.
Of course a lot of book store are falling to the waste-side these days. I just hope this is one of the few store that can withstand the deep discounts of Amazon or Walmart ...because we need them to!Listed in: Incognito Shopper, Ho Ho Ho! Merry....
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Review from N G.
West Hollywood, CA
10/13/2011
Great place to buy books and looks very European. Only thing , there is no place to hang out to look at the books.
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Review from Sarah H.
Long Beach, CA
7/31/2008
If you know me, you know I loooooooove books! I collect rare and sometimes stupid books, but they have always been a passion of mine. This place is so awesome, I could spend all day in here.
I went to a book signing here to meet my freakin hero, Amy Sedaris. Everything went smooth, long line but I got to meet her! And she signed my painting "Pee on Me"
The only thing I don't like is the prices, but then again I am a cheapie whore when it comes to books. I usually get mine at the thrift store, or acres (RIP). They do have the most amazing photography books though. Parking usually blows, but that's Hollywood for you, no big deal to me! -
Review from Noe H.
Los Angeles, CA
10/9/2009
Book Soup - a fitting name for a plethora of books strategically targeting the music/art culture that is Los Angeles. Much to be desired square footage wise, but the space you do have, you make it work.
My one pet peeve while browsing a store, any kind of store, is feeling that there is a lack of privacy as far as employee's eyes watching/judging you while shopping. I prefer the type of employee who is too busy reading and/or playing solitaire. Unless I need your help, don't stare at me and internally laugh about my tendency to gravitate toward the new Louis Vuitton coffee table book.
Newsstand on side of building is fab. Plenty of specialty European fashion mags that are so worth the 35 dollars, or euros, don't remember the exact currency, but they are pricey.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Jennifer H.
New York, NY
7/27/2007
I love you, Book Soup. I love your enormous newstand. I love your large roster of visiting authors. I love your cramped and tall shelves that, if I squint, make me think I'm in some really cool person's library. I love the books you recommend. I have no complaints about Book Soup, except maybe that it's not 24 hours. What if I have a Norman Mailer craving at 4am or a serious need to read the latest Italian Vogue at dawn??
But seriously. Amazing. -
Review from Kione E.
3/24/2008
If you love reading, then this peace of reader's heaven on earth is perfect for you. Small, intimate, quiet and incredible.
Book Soup is my favorite kind of book store. I alway try to support local and privately owned businesses. So when my brother brought me here, I immediately fell in love with the place.
Unlike places like Barnes& Nobles, Borders, and those other giant sized shopping mall type book stores, that tries to cater to every one and their children and grandmas, and then you have to get into a line that mazes it's way to the counter as you are bombarded by reading paraphernalia.
Book Soup is not one of those places, this place has soul.
They don't try to get every book for everyone. Yeah, they select the books they want to sell, which means not everyones is going to be piling through the doors. No. This place is designed to bring in certain types of readers. The traveler, the artist, the film and music student or historian, serious readers, collectors and the likes .
I could have spent all day there. There are some places to eat and get coffee near by, so thats cool. There a news paper/ magazine stand right out side the door. Also very cool.Listed in: Why I love Southern…
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Review from Katie F.
Montclair, NJ
10/16/2011
These guys are awesome! I'm based in NYC and needed to get copies of the LA Times shipped to me. They were so easy to deal with, let pay over the phone, and took care of shipping. If I lived in LA, I'd become a regular!
