“This place is adorable. The workers are very nice and helpful. Their selection of toys are very interesting and fun for kids. Good place for gifts plus free gift wrapping.”
“Anywhere that has books is awesome but Porter Square Books goes above and beyond. I keep coming back time and again because of the people as well as the selection!”
“My absolute favorite place in Cambridge! Amazing selection in all departments, but my favorites are non-fiction, children's books (especially the staff picks -- I've discovered so many hidden gems thanks to them!), and the used book section in the basement (both the contents and the vibe). The staff members are amazingly helpful and knowledgeable, and they more than deserve a fair wage!”
“Very helpful staff. It's a place for anyone to enter who wants to expand their options as readers and citizens of the world. Broad selection for sure! Staff can help you hone in on in store and online options.”
9AM - 5:30PM
9 West St, Boston
Book Stores
“you would be hard pressed to find a shop with a better collection of american history books, let alone in the conditions and prices available, anywhere in the country.”
“A great bookstore, very large, well stocked and organized. Many historical and more recent books. I looked for a book by Dennis Lehane (the author of Mystic River, who is from Boston) but couldn't find it. Damage. But an address that I recommend for lovers of old paper.”
“The price is there to remind you that reading is a luxury that to many are without. But, when you have the $$, a great way to spend a lazy afternoon (stormy, super hot, etc...), with the kiddos, is for all to find a new book and to share a venti frap while reading to each other (and themselves). There are lots of ways to spruce it up (like, picking out each other's books or teaching each other something new).”
“Called this store to find a hard to find magazine and not only they had it but the agent whom I spoke was extremely kind and offered to hold it for me. I went there and found a top notch book store that includes an entire floor of used books. The staff was an absolute pleasure. I will certainly be back to this hidden jewel!”
“Theys a zoo in there. Jam packed book store with tables intermingled. Tight tight tight space. The young lady we had was lovely but everything is ordered on an app..... it's so busy in there with book shoppers and diners. Very loud. Large portions slammed together quickly but very tasty. Probably flavour from the grill and pans. Coffee isn't great. If you are interested in good value not presentation and service then you will love it here.”
“If you're looking for the ultimate cozy vibe, save @beaconhillbooksandcafe, time melts away here. Where the coffee aroma and books creates the perfect pause. Your next favorite read awaits. ✨
Visit my blog @kikylifestyle on Instagram for more recommendations.”
“If you love (board games / rpgs / fantasy / science fiction / CCGs) Pandemonium is your place. A well organized really well stocked store with tons of events to enjoy. Pandemonium is a hub to enjoy your hobbies with others and also buy hard to find treasures.”
10AM - 5:30PM
610 Main St, Reading
Book Stores
“They have an adorable children's section with great books. They have a "growing up" bookshelf with tons of useful books with sweet messages. Staff was very friendly but not overbearing.”
10AM - 8PM
124 Salem St, Boston
Book Stores
“Their array and pricing has something for all. I always have to stop to look at the books outside and I love that inside people sit on the floor and look through books. The only thing missing is a cat that will sit in the sun and sometimes choose you to be the one to lay with as you browse.”
“Seven Star Bookstore and Crystal Store is a shining beacon in the neighborhood, earning a "rock-solid" seven-star rating from me! While crystals may not be my forte, their impressive collection of books sorted by themes ensures there's a star-worthy read for everyone.The bookstore offers a diverse range of books sorted by themes, ensuring that there's something for everyone. Whether you're into history, learning, or exploring new genres, you're bound to find a book that captures your interest.What sets Seven Star apart is its progressive vibe, perfectly in tune with the spirit of Cambridge. The store's dedication to providing a wide selection of books and fostering a welcoming environment is commendable.Having such a great bookstore in the neighborhood adds immense value to the community. It's a place where book lovers can explore, discover new reads, and engage with like-minded individuals. Kudos to Seven Star Bookstore and Crystal Store for being a fantastic addition to the neighborhood!This store's name isn't just a celestial coincidence; it truly lives up to its stellar reputation. From their diverse book selection to their welcoming atmosphere, Seven Star Bookstore and Crystal Store is a "gem" in Cambridge!”
“Classic independent bookstore. Staff was super friendly, space is bright, great selection. Basement has used books but we didn't have time to go through them-will be back”
“Fabulous women-owned bookstore in Jamaica Plain, selling, as far as I could tell, only new books. Leave plenty of time to browse - the selection of books is wide ranging, and, for a relatively small space, very large and comprehensive. The exterior signage alone is remarkable! Definitely among my favorite bookstores world-wide. I came away with their The Papercuts Anthology: What Happened Here, a collection of poems, essays, and fiction by authors they hosted during their first year (2014) in business. What a nice souvenir, co-edited by the store's owner, Kate Layte.”
“This store sells products and souvenirs with the theme of MIT, which is a research center of the highest level in the world, considered a leader in technology. They sell keychains, caps, t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, gloves, USB drives, among a variety of products. the prices...just like the rest of the state of Massachusetts, they are high prices. The clothes are made in other countries such as the Republica del Salvador, China y otros, however they are of very good quality.”
“I've been to this bookstore several times now, and love the atmosphere. It has a really nice and wide variety of books for its small/cozy size. There are also cute products in the front of the store. I stumbled upon a concert there earlier this year ??”
10AM - 5:30PM
311 Main St, Stoneham
Book Stores
“I love this little bookshop and visit it often! Great selection of all kinds of books with fair prices, and you can sell used books here too. They have a great inventory of gifts and puzzles as well. The owners are really nice and knowledgeable, and they have a good rewards program. This has become my go-to shop for buying books!”
“I absolutely love local bookstores like Hummingbird because I can tell that the employees actually read and enjoy the books they sell. Nothing makes me happier than being complimented on my book choices when I check out, or a random comment about how they loved a particular book I'd picked up. It gives it an extremely warm and welcoming vibe, and that's why I visit as often as I can!
Their selection of titles is great too and I always find something new and interesting.”
10AM - 5PM
488 Main St, Melrose
Book Stores
“Stopped in for a last minute birthday gift and the staff was super helpful recommending the perfect gift for a 4 year old! Great selection of toys and crafts with a book section as well. They also gift wrap!”
10AM - 6PM
559 Main St, Winchester
Book Stores
“The staff here are very nice and super helpful! I was looking for a air fryer cookbook for my roommate and two of the staff helped me search through their cooking section for it. When we couldn’t find it, they looked on the computer and even went to the back room to find a copy for me. 10/10 customer service :)”
“I miss this place! I lived in Boston 13 years and used to walk to this place: it was my go to “treat yourself” shop. I have so many crystals from here and goddess statues. Some of the crystals are excellent and rare pieces at great prices. I’ve got three stunning opals I got from here. I loved going here. The cutest shop.”
“I LOVE that we have such bookstore in our town, it’s really amazing. When I couldn’t find my book in store you can always pay first and they will order for you , once your item been filled you will get notification to go pick it up, it’s super convenient. I highly recommend this bookstore. Such wonderful store”
11AM - 7PM
127 Newbury St, Boston
Book Stores
“The workers here were so kind and helpful, they made fantastic book recommendations. It was clean, colorful and the music was so fun! Mason in particular was so lovely!”
“I loved the range and selection of books, both fiction and non-fiction. I would have gladly spent hours there but it was very crowded (went on a holiday weekend) and each of the top floors were crowded and tight.”
“Wow what a special treat it was to stumble upon this book store! I’ve been to the OG Porter square and this was top notch to find in seaport. Such a lovely display, atmosphere, and overall vibes. I love the concept of this collab with Grub Street and the coffee shop! Definitely check it out and support a local book store thrive in Boston!”
“Wonderful wonderful. Rema is a gift herself as is the rest of the employees. They need to be commended for their outstanding and above and beyond enthusiasm and performances.”
“The book rack is a very special independent book store. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They sure pack a lot of new and used books into the space they have. Make sure to sign up for an account and trade in the books you've finished. Love this place.”