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Bookfellows / Mystery & Imagination
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
238 N Brand BlvdGlendale, CA 91203
Neighborhood: Glendale
(818) 545-0121
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 12:30 pm - 7 pm
Sat 10:30 am - 9 pm
Sun 12:30 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Bookfellows / Mystery & Imagination
Review Highlights
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"Big on the mystery with less science fiction." In 4 reviews -
"If you are a Ray Bradbury fan, you will never leave." In 3 reviews
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"She introduced me to a handful of Issac Asimov must reads." In 3 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Joel P.
Glendale, CA
5/23/2012
This is where I shop. I shop here because when I ask the average Barnes & Noble guy about books of a certain age, they go crosseyed, drop their gaze, and lament that Jesus has given them a heavy burden that afternoon.
But at Bookfellows, not only can I count on finding some great books, with a particular slant to classic pulps (my favorite literary ANYTHING). I can also count on the proprietors to offer suggestions, new or classic, and even shoot the bull on various story points and their symbolisms.
BEAT THAT YOU B&N BASTARDS!! *ELBOW SMASH LIKE RON ARTEST** -
Review from Chuck A.
4/14/2011
.., great used books selection. Found some pretty cool cookbooks here.
The employees are friendly & very helpful. I believe it was the owner who helped me last in our search for a Thomas Keller's French Laundry cookbook. Midway thru our search he became more determined to find it more than I was. They didn't have it but I still managed to find some Williams Sonoma cookbooks. Thanks guys, I'll be back soon! -
Review from Scott D.
North Hollywood, CA
10/13/2011
Three word review: This. Place. Rules.
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Review from Denis S.
6/27/2009
I have found the mother ship! Ok, I've been on yelp long enough that I can let you all in on this. I love Isaac Asimov. I own the entire foundation series, the robot series, the empire series. A whole slew of his short stories. A dozen of his books. But sadly, history has seemed to forget this man.
Not here. Here, they have an entire Asimov section. They have both hardcover and softcover. Books I can't even find in libraries these days are here for the taking. And on the cheap!
If I could, I'd set up a tent and just live here. -
Review from Ted A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2007
Oh, Bookfellows! What a heart breaker you are! My girlfriend and I made the mistake of visiting Bookfellows after having blown our used book budget at Brand Bookstore across the street. If only I was a centrillionaire!
Brand and Bookfellows are arguably among the very best bookstores I have ever visited. Both are organized neatly, both have excellent staff, and both pour forth an abundance of literary treasures. We spent over an hour here at Bookfellows last Saturday and would have probably stayed even longer were it not for the fact that we were starving for dinner.
I would also like to point out that their section for serious music literature is excellent.
We will be coming back again very soon and we will leave with our arms full of books and our pockets emptied of our cash. I cannot wait. -
Review from Demon V.
Los Angeles, CA
10/1/2011
It's difficult for any bookstore to survive in the age of the nearly monolithic Amazon but this unassuming place carves out a lovely niche. It's easily got the largest selection of science fiction and fantasy books in the greater Los Angeles area and inside the cases there are hundreds of old books, many first prints, signed and in fantastic condition. The staff clearly cares about what they do and are happy to chat about their stock and help out with requests, not to mention little tales such as when Harlan Ellison brought in Neil Gaiman before the latter was famous. Add to that the many exclusive signing events they host (Like with Ray Bradbury) and this is the place for anyone who claims to love books.
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Review from Josh L.
Studio City, CA
7/25/2009
I went in here looking for some hard to find Asimov book club books. When I asked about them she was really friendly and took me to the Asimov section...but alas, they didn't have any...8^(
The woman here was nice to me so I don't know what you guys are bitchin' 'bout.
They seemed to have a nice selection of books.
I think some people just expect their asses to be kissed wherever they go... -
Review from dave s.
Glendale, CA
9/4/2011
The hair in the back of my neck stood up when I saw vintage pulp novels, early HC editions of Sherlock Holmes and The Shadow and Doc Savage pocket books! Great genre selection especially for writers scouting for research materials. I picked up a used copy of Soviet Science Fiction (1971) that I needed as research for an upcoming sci-fi graphic novel. Didn't realize Soviets wrote science fiction in the 40's-50's. Rare find. The woman who sits in the front desk is knowledgeable with her authors and books. She introduced me to a handful of Issac Asimov must reads. While the casual reader may find the store overwhelming and un-appreciative their primary clientele are avid readers and writers.
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Review from Chris V.
Arlington, VA
9/20/2008
I hate to ruin the party, since everyone has been giving this place such good reviews.
Bookfellows has a great selection for a used bookstore. First I ventured in to check it out. Saw two books that I thought I would definitely want. So I went back out to my car to get a handful of books I brought to hopefully get some credit for.
I brought my books in and asked if they would be interested in them. The lady looked at them for 2 seconds and said "No thanks but thanks for asking". Right as I was about to open my mouth and say that I was going to get two books up by the counter anyways, she turned around and walked off.
I stood there for a few minutes while she helped two others customers, obviously ignoring me. So I just left without buying any of the books.
But it did have the great selection so I'll have to try it again in the future. When I do I'll update my review. -
Review from Kevin L.
Glendale, CA
7/18/2009
I walk into Bookfellows after first going to Brand Bookshop. The book buyer wasn't there, so I thought, hey why not try the place across the street? I walk in, the lady is too busy not noticing us standing at the counter for awhile so my girlfriend gets her attention. I show her my books and she says "I don't have any use for those."
...Well, excuse me if my books aren't good enough for you. WTF? I had a fantasy and a horror book: both things they carry. She offered no polite explanation for why she didn't want my books, just an incredibly rude and snooty response. In that single instant she guaranteed I will never ever go back here.
Do yourself a favor and go to Brand Bookshop instead, where they treat you with respect. -
Review from Michelle C.
Pasadena, CA
8/6/2009
The couple that own this place, they're dolls! I adore them for the selection of clean, hard cover fiction they offer. They also always seem to have the out-of-print books I'm looking for.
Be warned: They do not purchase non-literary books (i.e. language, hobbies, finance, etc.). They also have a higher standard for the books they purchase and will only buy books in clean, mint condition.
So if the owner looks at your books for only a second and does not buy them from you, don't be insulted, understand that they have a different set of standards and core demographic.
It should also be noted that this is the first used book store I've been to that does not smell like dust, nor will you find any amongst the books. -
Review from Graham B.
North Hollywood, CA
8/11/2010
A wonderful place. If you like genre fiction, this place is for you. If not, don't bother.
They have an incredible selection of out of print and first edition pulp paperbacks in excellent condition. Their prices are affordable as well. For instance, I purchased an advanced copy of "Fifty-to-One", autographed by Charles Ardai in perfect condition for just six bucks. That's less than the cover price on the book!
They're just an amazing store with friendly owners. Also, if you can find a space on the street outside the parking is free. Thanks for this one, Baby Jesus. -
Review from Karl H.
New York, NY
5/18/2011
Opening up before 12:30 is a good idea... was going to spend money at their big 30% off sale but no one was there at noon! This is a good store with lots of inventory, but it tends to be pretty pricey and suffer from a bit of an inflated self-image.
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Review from Sarah T.
Van Nuys, CA
7/28/2008
I loathe repetition, (which is why Phillip Glass makes my skin crawl), so I won't repeat what other reviews have already told you.
I will simply tell a tale of just how amazing, almost miraculous this store is:
Since the age of about twelve, when I go to any bookstore or library I always do the same thing; I check to see what Shirley Jackson books they have. My collection has never been complete and I have been looking for the missing books for many years. in Bookfellows, I found TWO. I have never even seen copies of these books, let alone read them. I excitedly skip over to my father and show him and hug the books tightly to me. I wander the aisles and come across another section with Jackson's books. I sit on the floor and look through the selection and see a book of her's, so rare, I have never even been able to find a synopsis of it. Very few copies were made and it dates back to 1966. This book is so rare that it is never even listed in her credits. Yet, here in my hands is a single copy of Famous Sally , a book she wrote for her favorite daughter. I open the cover and look at the price. I know I can never, ever afford to buy this. I begin to read the first few pages then, again, run to my father with my treasure. A little circle of the people in my party come to look, there is not a one among them who doesn't realize what this book means to me. Without my seeing, the proprietor is approached and drops the price. My mother, (have I mentioned she is the BEST?), says she will pay the majority of the cost. Leaving twenty dollars left. Everyone else pitches in a few dollars here and there, and I now own my very own copy of Famous Sally .
I devoured HP Lovecraft's writings when I was nine. The only items left unread was an obscure collection of letters and articles he had written. I now own a copy of this volume, obtained at, yes indeed, Bookfellows.
Too bad I spent all my money at Comic Con this week. I just know some books are waiting just for me... -
Review from Aleli C.
Glendale, CA
4/17/2007
Fantastic place to shop for rare SciFi books that you just can't seem to find anywhere. The staff members are really nice and truly know what it is they're talking about. But, perhaps the best feature of this place is the fact that they always have numerous authors coming in for meet-and-greets (including signings). Almost everybody has heard of Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451 author), right? Well, do take comfort in knowing that he practically lives at Bookfellows. He comes in frequently and is very nice to talk to. I give this place 5 stars for having a great selection of books and giving me the opportunity to meet Mr. Bradbury.
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Review from allison j.
Austin, TX
3/18/2008
I love this bookstore. Great books with a personality. You can find really great priced books here and it is just fun to see what may be in there.
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Review from Bruce K.
Studio City, CA
9/8/2006
Bookstores, great used bookstores, are waning. The Internet has become a haven for booksellers, who save on the rent and don't have to interact with customers. Phooey to that. Shopping for books, whether a casual reader or a collector, is a tactile and wonderful experience - the thrill of the chase and the hunt, and the shared experience of being around other book lovers. Malcolm and Christine Bell's Bookfellows is a great store - still has the mom-and-pop feel. There are pricey collector copies of rare first editions, and there are bargains galore to be found on their ample shelves. They have wonderful author signings, and the whole vibe is just right. Go. Spend a few hours. You'll be happy.
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Review from Jennifer W.
North Hollywood, CA
3/18/2007
Being a huge Sci Fi fan this store is a must visit on a regular basis. The staff is wonderful, and they play the BEST music in store!! old classics that make the browsing that much more satisfying. Great place for signings, reasonable prices and tidy product! I have many books in my library from the shelves of Bookfellows.
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Review from Grant P.
Burbank, CA
12/7/2008
This shop is opposite Brand Bookshop and specializes in mystery and science fiction. Big on the mystery with less science fiction. If you are a Ray Bradbury fan, you will never leave. Their range of other selections is less spectacular.
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Review from Armando O.
Los Angeles, CA
6/13/2009
A lot of good books and the service is quite good. One of the few used book stores left in Los Angeles county.
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Review from Elysa G.
Glendale, CA
7/14/2010
I just called Bookfellows to see when the buyer would be in. I have a great amount of books in excellent condition that I wanted to see if they were interested in. The woman was very rude to me. She asked what types of books I had and she said, "Oh well you must have never been in our store! You must be thinking of the place across the street." I had been in the store, but it had been about a year or so. I thought I had the variety they would be interested in. Then I asked her, what types of books are you specifically looking for right now and she refused to answer me. She was very rude. I was being very polite. I don't know what the problem was. I just know that it was very strange and unexpected. I will never go there again. It's sad.
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Review from Darren B.
Whittier, CA
10/5/2009
Bookfellows/Mystery & Imagination may be known for its mysteries and science fiction; but it's also one of the best places to go for high-quality, hardcover fiction and poetry. No junk here: they are discriminating about what they put on their shelves, and you're going to pay for it ($). But if you're a lit weenie, you may find something here you've been looking for for years.
This is the kind of store many communities would envy, with author events, signings, theme parties, readings, etc. The owners are professional: they will greet you politely at the door, and then leave you alone unless you ask for help. The store is clean (so are the books) and quiet. And as several other reviewers have indicated, don't even think about trying to sell them your yellowing paperbacks or the latest bestseller you picked up at Costco.
If your literary tastes run toward the middling, head across the street to Brand. But if you're looking for the good stuff, and aren't afraid to spend, you're going to love this place! -
Review from Esnard B.
Hancock Park, CA
6/14/2008
Another nice bookstore. Both Brand Bookshop and Bookfellows are excellent and have wonderful people working at them. They're quite different stores and compliment each other perfectly. There are great books to be found here, year in year out. It's on the east side of Glendale Boulevard, Brand is on the west side. The two stores almost face one another.
