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Bookstar - CLOSED
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
3402 Poplar AveMemphis, TN 38111
(901) 323-9332
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
7 reviews for Bookstar
7 reviews in English
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Review from Anthony C.
Memphis, TN
Sadly, this place will close at 6 PM on 12-31.
It is/was a great book store housed in an old movie house. The art deco styling of the theater was pretty much left in tact. Loved the lounge style seating in the bathrooms.
Always fully stocked with books and bargains.
I mostly hung out at the magazine rack area, which housed a plethora of publications.
I also like that the cafe was set apart from the main room so you didn't have to be disturbed by the sound of coffee beans and ice being crushed while you were trying to read (if you know what I mean).
So with Bookstar closing that leaves 1 large book store near midtown (Davis Kidd). Hopefully it can survive. I'm a tech junkie but still nothing beats the 'analog' look and feel of a 'real' book/magazine. -
Review from David M.
Memphis, TN
6/2/2007
Housed in the old Plaza Theatre, (home of midnight screenings of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show') immediately apparent from the marquee sign and the old ticket booth out front, Bookstar is worth a visit for the architecturally inclined.
Scads of good deals on books, they have several tables of bargain books and one of the largest newsstands in the city.
If you need a book now-instead of 'Amazoning' it, they're good about looking for an item or putting books on hold if you call ahead.
If you're so inclined they also have a Starbucks and if that overflows, there's another Starbucks across the street. Sheesh! We're getting to be like Vancouver.Listed in: Books, Records & Other Stuff
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Review from C S.
Germantown, TN
3/23/2010
Bookstar is owned by Barnes and Noble so it has the same selection, deals, magazines, and non-book items. It also has a cafe (another reviewer said it was a Starbucks but I don't remember it being one). Bottom line is that, in my opinion, a B&N is a B&N is a B&N.
But what Bookstar has to offer that most B&N's don't is a personality. As was mentioned elsewhere, Bookstar is in a converted one screen movie theater. Consequently it's a long narrow bookstore with few nooks or crannies in which to lose yourself. It's really neat to walk down the aisles and look at the ceiling, where the screen would be and look back at the old projection booth - and don't forget to check out the bathrooms.
Bookstar is worth a trip for the novelty of shopping in an old movie theater but otherwise it's your standard book store. -
Review from Erica B.
8/3/2010 1 photo
I have been meaning to stop into the Bookstar for quite some time, and decided my Friday off was a great day to do so. I have a slight obsession with books and my husband prefers not to enter any stores with "book" in the title in my presence. I was so intrigued by the outside of this place and the "movie-theatre" vibe that I could hardly contain myself. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that they have a Starbucks inside. Starbucks AND books- this girl's in heaven sir!
I was completely taken aback when I entered and saw the Barnes and Noble signs everywhere. I thought I had entered "Bookstar" a completely new and different book store I had never been in before. But alas, I found myself inside the ginormous chain store. I got over my disappointment quickly and did a couple loops around the place to get a lay of the land before diving right in.
As with any B&N, they have a large discounted section of books towards the front of the store and a huge children's section. I could not seem to find the "Pregnancy and Childbirth" section, as I was looking specifically for "What to Expect While You're Expecting." I hate asking store clerks to point out sections to me because they are normally right under my nose, but after 3 loops around the place I got impatient. When I located two women wearing uniforms I asked the whereabouts of my book choice and they both immediately cooed "OHHHHH! Congratulations!" I didn't have the heart to tell them (after their niceness oozed all over my body) the book was most certainly not for me, but a gift.
After purchasing my book, (I paid 16 and some change for it- typical for a chain book store) I decided to grab a coffee and treat and read my new purchase in the coffee shop. I just received a Starbucks gift card for my birthday and was eager to use it there and take in the delicious coffee and smell of new books (can I ask is there anything better than the smell of new books?!) The lady quickly let me know that they do not take Starbucks gift cards. I am still pondering this odd little fact- due largely in part to the glaring "Starbucks" signs in every corner. How are you Starbucks, yet you don't accept their cards? So, I gave up my book smell and headed to the Starbucks next door (yes there is one directly across the street if you find yourself needing a coffee fix and wanting to use your gift card).
All in all, this place has a great selection of books, they are a little pricey, but the service is great and I will definitely be back in the future. I was just a tad bit disappointed that it wasn't in fact the Bookstar in my head....the one that is singularly devoted to Memphis and full of character. I would much prefer my hard earned bucks go towards locals than chains. -
Review from Tanya T.
Memphis, TN
Updated - 11/12/2010 1 photo
Bookstar is closing at the end of January. So sad!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/13/2010
Bookstar is now a Barnes and Noble, but you wouldn't know it by glancing at the storefront. Housed… Read more »
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Review from Janice T.
Somerville, MA
5/4/2008
Did you know that Bookstar is home to A Very Tasty Italian Sandwich? Yes, I know, it's a cold sandwich stored in their fridge up until the point you order it and they throw in on the panini grill. But, my-oh-my, is it scrumptious (oh, yes, "scrumptious" is a word we must all use more often) once it's been transformed into a crisp, crusty, melty delight. The staff at the "Starbucks" are pretty friendly, too. I left a scarf there last winter, and they found it and hid it safely for me until I was able to pick it up. You can also nab a good deal on their books in the discount aisle.
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Review from Noelle V.
Memphis, TN
5/27/2010 4 photos
This store has a great eighties vibe, as it's a refurbished theater, complete with a ticket window. The first thing that I noticed was that it's comfortable. Not too huge where you feel completely lost to the point where you need to seek out someone with a badge. Just large enough where you can skim over sections and titles and find a great selection, from 'Twilight' craze items, to older classics. It does carry the slight Barnes and Noble feel, while still maintaining a uniqueness that makes it all the more appealing. You'll find a great selection of magazines, board games, and a nice cafe where you can grab a cup of coffee over your purchase and/or surf the 'net. I'll definitely be back.
