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Category: Bookstores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Coolidge CornerCoolidge Corner (Green)
Mon-Thu. 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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Oh, Brookline Booksmith, you make me so happy. One part new bookstore, one part used bookstore, and one part adorable card and gift shop, the Booksmith has it all. This is my favorite store in Coolidge Corner to browse, waste some time, and buy things that I didn't know I need until I saw them here (example: cat grass seeds to grow in a little garbage can pot called "Alley Cat". So cute. Or a book of monkey portraits. Also adorable).
The staff are always friendly and helpful. If I can't find something, they're happy to walk me over to the item that I'm looking for which is hard to come by in a bookstore these days. They also put out a great newsletter that you can subscribe to by email where they recommend new books, tell you what authors are coming up for readings/signings at the Booksmith and have generally interesting trivia.
I had forgotten how much I love this store until I visited again last week.
Sure, the ratio of people can hover around 1:1 with the number of books. It gets crowded, but with good reason. Stacks of reasonably priced books, both new and used are stuffed into every conceivable space here. If you are like me, you could spend hours (and hundreds of dollars) in this little store.
The staff contribute to the overall personality of the store: intellectual, but not stuffy; knowledgeable, but not haughty. Even the patrons generally seem content to relinquish the 'go! go! go!' mentality so prevalent in the North, opting instead to lazily peruse the aisles. Everyone united in their love for books = my moment of hippie, book-loving Zen.
And yes, with all of those people the lines can get long. They move quick, but aside from that, hello! you are probably buying a book so read it while you wait and stop complaining.
I love to support my local shops and the Brookline Booksmith makes it oh so easy to do so.
In addition to a great selection of new books, their used section downstairs is fantastic. I also love that I can always find a fun little toy or desk item in their gift area. On a regular basis great authors come for readings and signings.
Oh, and I can't forget to mention...the staff! They are fantastic and if you check out the website you can get some great reading recommendations from them.
I love the Brookline Booksmith.
Pound for pound, it's my favorite bookstore here in Boston. It's cozy, well stocked, and unpretentious - 'well-stocked' being a common factor in much larger bookstores but the other two falling short. Because of the Booksmith playing to these strengths, it gains a major edge over it's monolithic, glossier brethren.
The staff at the Booksmith are phenomenal. They all clearly love literature, and will assist the customers in any way possible. It gets busy from time to time, and because it's a smaller store this can be noticeable, but the staff is efficient enough to keep a good tempo. The store never comes off as unnecessarily crowded because of the skill of the staff here.
Best part of the Booksmith, though? The used books in the basement. You can find some exceptional deals, and certainly some novels that you may not find in circulation anymore. Each and every time I go to the Booksmith, I find myself entrenched firmly amongst the used books, often times walking away with many more than I had intended to get. The climax of this is the reveal at the register, where four novels I wanted cost the price one would at other bookstores.
Brookline Booksmith is bookstore gold as far as Boston goes. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone in search for something to read. From staff, to selection, to the simple fact that they hold onto an independent stance make the Booksmith a definite favorite.
Awesome bookstore! I love grabbing Starbucks next door and walking into Brookline Booksmith to browse books, gifts in the back, and the big used books section downstairs (make a left when you enter the front door to access stairs). They always have a great selection of books on sale on the main floor for ~$5 that I love looking through (different tables have signs indicating fiction, nonfiction, art, cooking, etc). The little odds and ends in the gifts section are always fun to check out as well. There's even a children's section in the back which is smaller but still offers some nice books for kids (many discounted).
The used books section downstairs is great - most are in really good condition and organized enough not to make you feel overwhelmed.
I love this place. They are nice to teachers, and generally all people, and it turns out dogs too!
I went in for a GRE prep book and saw a pooch in the store. When I went to the counter to pay for it, I asked about the dog policy. They said, "What about it? We love dogs, they are welcome here. We have treats and will probably play with and love your dog so bring it in!" Win in my book
Also, ordering is a breeze, and the bargain books are always a good choice
This place makes me want every book ever. I want to grab a big stack of brand new hard cover books and buy them all and spend the rest of the year reading.
I want to jump in a pile of matte finish paperback books, and then lay on my backside and flail my arms and legs and make book-angels.
But alas, I am only a poor grad student and can only afford the $1 books on the outside cart. At least there's some diamonds in the rough there...
This is hands down my favorite bookstore EVER. They go above and beyond having their call of duty as a bookstore. I am always excited to see the staff's picks of books, the weekly book reading, or the eclectic discount table. Beyond that they have an amazing selection of cards, postcards, and knick-knacks that I could spend hours looking at.
Oh, and the used book cellar is a hidden gem. It's located downstairs and has everything from cookbooks to the latest jodi picoult (at about half the price, of course). I go down here at least twice a week and always end up finding something that catches my eye.
Brookline Booksmith, job well done!
One of the very best independent book stores on the East Coast, it's the rock star of the Coolidge Corner area. Your favorite authors - locals and the famous from afar- stop in here on a regular basis. Great spot to meet your literary idols. It's a very welcoming, colorful shop with all kinds of new finds. In fact, I always walk out with something when I come here. Always. They have sweet gifts and treats for kids, plus their full basement of used books.
I have to admit that I find some of the prices for used books a little higher than I am used to paying, but I could spend the whole day down there- and lots of hard earned money. If you need a hot, best selling paperback for your book club, check downstairs first as you may find it there for half the price elsewhere. Who can resist that? I love their cookbook section where the quality seems to be especially fine.
I always support my local independent bookstore and this one is just one of the best I have ever come across. Wander in. Get a book. Read. You may want to find a soft pillow, curl up in a corner and spend the night. It is just that kind of a place.
No joke. This place is for real. You go downstairs, and you're like - oh that looks interesting ... oh, that looks interesting too! There is very little in this store that I wouldn't read. The prices are standard - usually 50% to 55% of retail for used. But they seem to give decent deals on good used books you want to get rid of, perhaps better than what Harvard Book Store might give you.
These guys are good and deserve your hard-earned money. Now go and buy something to read and turn off the TV!
I love this bookstore. I could spend hours searching through their massive assortments of styles. Its used and new book collection is magnificent. It also has weekly book readings.
I highly advise visiting this shop before you head towards a Barnes and
Noble type of establishment.
Brookline Booksmith is just about the best bookstore in the Boston area. Along with those in-demand bestsellers they have a great and unique collection of local authors, obscure titles, and hard-to-find collections. Not only is the book selection fantastic, but they also have an adorable gifts section where you can again find interesting things made by local artisans, fun gag gifts, original cards, and other various sundries.
But wait...there's more!!! They have an ecclectic blend of local and national magazines, but you won't find Cosmo or Mademoiselle stuck in there...oh no...but you'll find some of the most random titles imaginable. In additon to all this wonderous-ness - the staff is friendly, educated, and they READ. What a concept.
I cannot be trusted in a bookstore. I buy and buy until l have to go to Ikea to build a bookshelf to hold my addiction.
This bookstore is perfect; it fuels my addiction without breaking the bank. I've never looked upstairs, I head straight downstairs to the used books. I think a book is better when someone else has already loved it; it's like a shared experience. And the price is right, let's not lie.
They also have a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, textbooks, criticism, etc.
My second home. Seriously, if you're ever just stopping by my apartment and I'm not home...I'm probably at the Booksmith. I love the used book cellar and have stocked my shelves with classics, my own (select and varied) favorites, and even occasionally as gifts for people who are smart enough to realize that a gift of used books means that they're getting 4 times the amount of "gift" they'd get for a new hardcover.
However, the main floor where the new books are is immaculate. It's well-organized, always busy with like-minded people who like to support local stores, and the staff picks are so reliably good that I take their word over the Publishers Weekly reviews most of the time! And the staffers are all super nice, friendly, and knowledgable. Bonus points for getting 20% off new books if you're a member of WGBH/PBS!
The odd little gift store off of the main floor is great, too. Got a friend a fun Henry VIII mug with Henry's mysterious vanishing wives who disappear when the mug is cold. Weird? yes. Awesome office dishware? Absolutely.
Other perks, I've scored two galleys from here for free just by commenting on their blog...free books several months before they're released to the public? Yes, please!
I went here last weekend while walking around the neighborhood. I was pleasantly surprised.
I must admit that I am a total big box bookstore fan. I hate going into most small stores because the selection is usually sketchy at best and usually way to narrow for my tastes. My reading ranges from scifi to investment banking. I read just about anything I can get my hands on and the small stores are usually limited.
There was a good selection here. The scifi section was stocked well and had some of the less mainstream selections. The other sections that I looked at (i.e. crafts, travel, investing) were well stocked as well. Definitely a sign of a efficient supply manager.
The other random gifts and novelty items were good too. A respectable selection of action figures ( they had the Librarian Action Figure and Marie Antoinette with Popping head action!)
A good spot to check out some books without having to trek to one of the B&Ns or Borders.
This one of my favorite bookstores in the country! Brookline Booksmith stands with City Lights Books in San Fran and The Strand in NYC as one of the best places to feed your literary addiction. Hours can pass, dollars are spent, and stacks of books lay on my shelf waiting to be read acquired from this store. I can honestly say I have a book buying addiction, and it doesn't help when they're so close. Is there a helpline?
For the Booksmith, a haiku:
Great neighborhood store
Drove B&N out of town.
Who else can say that?
You know that part in movies where people get to the pearly gates of heaven and everything is awash in light and clouds? Well, that is how I feel every time I walk down the stairs at Brookline Booksmith.
If you need me, I'll be digging myself out of the piles of books I buy at super discount.
After Diskovery [see my review], this is my fave bookstore in the city.
The staff is very knowledgeable and passionate about books. I've gotten really good recommendations there. They are not just doing their job, they are loving every minute of it. You dont see that very often.
I think they should charge me rent, as I spend way too much time there. The book selection is extensive, amazing and unbelievable. They have every possible book you may need. The new books are on the ground floor, the used books are in the basement. I love the basement, I have a soft spot for used books, and I always try to buy used books.
They also have a bunch of funky gifts and paper goods.
Oh, and they do buy backs, you dont get much $$ back, but enough for lunch at Zatfigs or at least Panera.
I wear my I heart Brookline Booksmith button with great joy and pride.
It's a used book junkie's delight. I've stopped off at Coolidge Corner many a time and stopped in the Booksmith just to piss away a few minutes; it usually turns into 15, then 30, then 45, just browsing the shelves. What a great used book selection. I've found a ton of great paperbacks for $1-5 - a couple of James Ellroy tomes, "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco, "Empire Falls" by Richard Russo. I just love finding a great selection in those racks.
Any other bibliophiles will love, love this place. Stop in next time you're going over to the Theater or hanging out in Brookline.
I actually stopped buying books on Amazon because of this place. The shop itself is really well laid out pleasant for spending time browsing. The staff is super friendly and always willing to rummage around to find things with you. Once I had a problem with a credit card charge and didn't have the receipt, their manager dug out the charges for the week I had come in and sorted through everything only to find out it was Bank of America's problem (surprise).
The remainders/bargain books are great, too. I almost never even venture downstairs to the used book section because I've usually found 2-3 books that I've been meaning to read on the remainder table.
When I first moved to Boston from the south, I had a bit of a tough time transitioning. The food, the people, and the weather were all completely different from what I was used to to. However, one special place - just a short walk from my apartment - got me through it. And that place was Brookline Booksmith.
In all seriousness, though, this place is everything you could want in an independent bookstore and more. The selection of both new and used books is outstanding, and the "staff recommendations" are insightful and marked on nearly every shelf.
I find myself wandering over to the gift section more and more now, and it is really something special. The selection of cute, reasonably priced jewelry is wide and seems to change every day. The cards are great, as are the quirky, hip gifts. I almost always buy something, be it a bracelet made of old buttons or a miniature stapler shaped like a sushi roll, from this section.
Bottom line: go to Brookline Booksmith, and be amazed.
This place is truly a gem. I have a thing for book stores and used books so when I stumbled across this place while in Coolidge, I had to stop in. I didn't explore much of the first floor, but their used book collection downstairs is spot on. What makes this particular space so perfect is how neat it's kept and its nice open layout, making it easier to explore and find what it is you are looking for. This is a great place to stop in and pick up a coffee table book with some personality, or maybe just a thoughtful gift for someone special in your life.
I really need to stop spending so much money here...
This bookstore is fantastic! The penultimate! Hands down, this is my favorite bookstore in Boston.
To begin the illumination of it's many attributes: it has a used book section. I personally like to browse the upstairs and then try to find the books I wanted to buy in the used section. It can be hit or miss, but finding Godel, Escher, Bach for 8 bucks was a steal.
You can also go back and sell off your old books. There isn't a lot of money in it, but a little change is better than none.
Then the upstairs. They have some pretty smart and quirky employees that lay out stacks of books by genre that manage to catch my interest every time. In fact, I would say that getting past this section of the store is the most difficult hindrance to entering the actual rank and file shelves.
On top of all that add in book signings, book readings by great authors, a handsome selection of material, and a card that gives you discounts.
All they need is a couch and a fridge full of beer and I wouldn't even see the point in leaving.
I love you Booksmith!
Thanks for giving me 10% off with my Coolidge Corner Theater membership.
Thanks for having such incredible sales - even on fairly new titles.
Thanks for promoting used-book-buying-and-selling.
And thanks for making my horrid commute slightly more enjoyable by allowing myself to be distracted by an engrossing book.
Gotta knock 1 baby star off for your lack of techie books (not even the #1 web analytics book on the market? I can understand not stocking a variety, but I'd at least appreciate the top books of each field). Anyway, if I could knock off only half a star for that, I would - sorry.
I always make sure to stop in here when in Coolidge Corner. With serious competition from Barnes an Nobles, Borders, and Amazon, I love the fact this place is thriving. They have a great selection of used books, as well as new, bargain-priced priced books that are way cheaper and cooler than the competition's "bargain" section. I purchased three books for $12! Even if you're in the market to buy something full price, feel good you're supporting a local business! It's worth the extra couple of bucks :)
I got to meet (okay stare at breathlessly) Barbara Walters here!!! They had THE Barbara Walters here!
This place is great because they have all types of authors here signing/promoting their books. And most importantly the books! They have a well rounded selection of books here. I seem to discover more authors going to a small bookstore compared to a big chain and this place offers all types of genres. You cant loose here because they have two floors of books... top floor are the new books and the lower floor is for used books. The staff is pretty good here too. Cant seem to remember outstanding or horrible service here- just passionate book folks.
I'm quite fond of this place. I suppose I have such an emotional connection to it because I grew up so close to it and made tons of local trips to it throughout my childhood and as I developed into what I would like to think as adulthood.
I love how you can go and get books or cards (they have a pretty good selection) or just hang. Throughout high school, I would frequent our poetry fest, held every year where high schoolers and teachers alike would come up and read their poems. I would be the sappy lovey dovey one who would read hers and be embarrassed at the end when everyone aww-ed at her poem.
They have talks about books and authors coming to meet people all the time. It's a nice event to attend if you want to feel like a true intellectual. Haha. This bookstore holds so many memories for me. It is seriously awesome.
This is what a neighborhood bookstore should be. Brookline Booksmith (BB) is staffed by intelligent people who can recommend new and exciting books (their "staff picks" are often quite wonderful). BB is particularly strong on fiction and hardcover non-fiction. Like most neighborhood bookstores, this is not the place to go looking for - let's say - Judith Butler.
Finally, BB routinely brings amazing authors to the bookstore, and, when need be, to the Coolidge Theater across the street. Highlights have included Andre Aciman, Mary Oliver, Edward P. Jones, and Tobias Wolff.
Downside: I've found the used section - which seems to be shrinking - to be a bit lackluster.
Fantastic diverse selection. Great location. OK prices. Used section for those trying to save a few clams. Helpful staff. The awesomeness will speak for itself.
I like books.
Notice, dear Yelpers, how many reviews of this place start with "i love..."
That, in itself, should give you an indication just how beloved this little bookstore is in the hearts of its patrons.
I often find myself straying from the path of commercially run/owned establishments like Borders, Barnes and Noble, not because they are bad (they def. have their merits - Seattle's Best Coffee, woop woop), but because there's something unique that only independent booksmithies possess.
It's Magic, with a capital M.
It's wonder and kid-like amazement, spreading like an infectious grin on your face. Every nook and cranny, decorated with individualistic creativity, beckons for you to come and explore. It's a veritable Emporium - not unlike Mr. Magorium's - that seeks to exploit your every literary need.
Come here for a breath of fresh, new book air (yes, you know you love that smell) and I guarantee you'll be captivated enough to stay awhile.
Don't even get me started on the bargain basement (buy back hours, Wed to Sat 10am to 4pm).
Really, don't. JUST GO! :)
I really love the Booksmith.
It's got a staff that's always willing to help--you might have to track them down in the store though--and the size of it makes me smile. No getting lost among shelves and rows of books you're not interested in!
The card/boutique-y area on the north side of the store is wonderful if you have someone you have to buy for, yet don't really know what to get.
The used bookstore in the basement has never let me down. I almost always find the title I'm looking for and I would rather buy a used book anyways.
The only complaint I do have is their lack of selection at times. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally off-put by the size of most chain book stores--do you really need three stories? No.--But, I am a little sad when I go in and there are so very few of any given section. I can usually find a great fiction there, but specialty books are a little sparse.
I have not gone to any of the readings/signings that they constantly have there, but I'm really anxious to try one out.
This is a neighborhood gem. Another reason I love living in Brookline!
I can't walk by the Booksmith without taking a second to go in and peruse their awesome, varied selection. Their used book area takes up the whole of the downstairs and is well-stocked (everything from the latest Jodi Picoult to War and Peace), well-organized and very cheap. Upstairs they have new books, as well as a little space off to the left where they sell notecards, magnets, jewelry, mugs, and other assorted odds and ends. I've had some great finds at the bargain book tables upstairs and love to check out the eclectic staff picks. The employees are mellow, and the general atmosphere there is laidback, which means that the Booksmith is great for taking your time and browsing around. All in all, a solid local bookstore where you can feel good about spending your money.
A great old fashion neighborhood bookstore. More intimate than the chains. A wide selection of non book items and an excellent used book cellar.
As a conscientious consumer of books, I attempt to support independent bookstores at all times. In the Boston area Booksmith is my seller of choice. Their staff is friendly and useful, they have both a checkout area and a well labeled information kiosk with an actual person to help you. Children's, travel, travel writing, fiction, graphica, history, and my personal favorite, staff recommendations all make appearances. New releases for both fiction and non are located towards the front of store. And that's just upstairs. Downstairs is a used bookshop and area for author appearances. Of all the bookstores in the Boston area, Booksmith always seems to have the authors that I actually want to go see.
My one complaint is selection. Booksmith tries to cater to everyone, which can mean they don't have what you want. But if you just need a book and not something specific, Booksmith is where you should be.
I love this place. I cannot walk by without going in. They always have a great selection and I love that they also have a small section based on the movies that the Coolidge Corner theatre is playing across the street. I love their discounted books and they have a great gift selection, perfect for those last minute gifts.
What a phenomenal find! I just moved to Brookline a couple days ago and went exploring this afternoon. Into Brookline Booksmith I go... out I come an hour later and $50 poorer. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. I spent a significant amount of time hovering over the "bargain' book tables, which, wouldn't you know it, are stocked with new titles that I've been coveting over the past couple months. Hooray for Brookline Booksmith!
Why Brookline Booksmith is way better and cooler than the nearby Barnes and Nobles:
1. Heeb Magazine with the first ever Jewish swimsuit calender. HAWT.
2. New York Times Jewish Cookbook laid out before all other cookbooks. HAWT.
3. Discounted stack: Book on saying common phrases in Yiddish. Again, HAWT.
On the surface, this looks like any indie bookstore, but the gem of the place is UNDERGROUND where… Read more »
I lived in Brookline for a year and was completely obsessed with this place. Not only is the used books section downstairs AMAZING for someone as book obsessed as I am, but they let me bring my puppy- my sidekick- in with me!
This place is one of the best bookshops I have ever been in. Now that I moved away, I make special trips up just to go here.
I love this bookstore because it is a browsing bookstore. The tabled selections are organized just right. It is definitely easy to waste hours here just taking a look at everything. Plus, they have a lot of cheap/on sale books and some well thought out non-fiction sections such as history, cultural studies and film. I am glad that the Barnes and Noble is gone from Coolidge Corner and that the Brookline Booksmith prevails.
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