Book Stores in Boston, MA

“I always think that a bookseller who knows their inventory is a true gem, and today I found gems at I AM books.I particularly came all the way from Fenway (where I am staying for only two days, I live in Maryland!) To see this bookstore that everyone wrote such beautiful reviews about, and what a delight it was for me to discover this beautiful Italian neighborhood in addition to that.I met Adele and Michela (apologies for misspellings in advance to both!) Who helped me find books from authors I loved and beyond, I asked them so many questions and they let me browse for so long, they didn't seem to mind my messy coat and bag (that I threw on the floor to get to books!) And they were beyond understanding and helpful when they found out I can't take back stuff with me and agreed to mail them to me.The selection is not huge but very decent, especially for lovers of Italian Literature, history and poetry. In addition to all of that there are so many types of cute stationary items, which in my opinion are rare in America (everyone seems to be happy with office max pens and paper, so apparently they don't need beautiful things to write with).Great kids selection, many souvenir type items!These guys even gave me suggestions about which Cafe to go to that's best for reading ?Cannot wait to go back sometime in the future!”

“This is my last Boston adventure review in which I can make an NYC comp. When I was in college, one of my favorite places to visit was the Strand, an iconic bookstore on Broadway just south of Union Square. It was very close to campus, and my friends and I would often try to find used books here for our classes instead of paying an egregious amount for a brand new one at the NYU bookstore (they took so much of my money I can't even). I knew so many people who applied to work there - it seemed like the dream part-time job, with books stacked up to the heavens and a $0.48 bin on the sidewalk for the novels that needed a little more love than the average tome. All of those memories flooded in when my top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality and I came over here toward the tail-end of our trip - another place with history, another place where you can grab a super affordable book that someone else had a journey with in a prior decade, another place with personality oozing out of its pores. We stopped by on a dreary Monday morning - dreary enough where there was a bit of concern that the skies would open while we were perusing the outside wares, of which there were many (we actually had to cut that portion of the visit short because the books had to be wheeled off to the side to allow for a truck to come in). You can see from the attached picture that there are wooden bookshelves built into the sides of the outside lot, along with partitions/coverings that are easily placed in front of them after business hours, so the books probably get more fresh air than me. That was my favorite area - also similar to the Strand, it can get claustrophobic inside when you're navigating around narrow piles of books - and it was nice to stroll around and look for a new/old literary classic to add to my own shelves. The interior section was more organized (though I kind of liked the adventure of roaming around not exactly sure what I might stumble across - one of my purchases was a new/old copy of Grapes of Wrath from 1939. My literary expert chum isn't convinced it's a first edition because, "Viking Press used to play fast and loose with that stuff," but if it's not, it's super close) and it was easy to find specific genres that piqued my interest, notably a fun bookshelf for presidential-related books that was in chronological order, exactly how I have it at home. My only nitpick (per the attached picture) was that Obama intruded on my chum Nixon's shelf. Not all of us were allowed to finish two terms, Barack. Brattle boasted a third floor, which apparently had some very edgy first editions, rare books, etc. You needed someone to accompanying you up there, understandably so, but neither of us was so invested in gazing upon an autographed Henry James or whatever was on that floor to initiate a conversation with an employee. (And full disclosure - I was starting to get a hankering for lobster.) Maybe next time. Everyone we interacted with was very nice. I've had some run-ins with the snobby Strand employees who think they're living on a higher plane of existence because they can quote random chunks of Moby Dick, but no such issues were encountered on this visit. I'm trying to curtail my literary hoarding problem, but my chum merely contributed to hers, practically staggering under the weight of her purchases as we left. This was a great find, and had the added benefit of featuring many great finds within it. Definitely stop by if you still enjoying turning ye olde pages with your paws.”

“Visiting from Vermont, ended up chatting with the most charming gentleman named Wyatt. It was a lovely memory of Boston, I wish I didn't get shy. After such a nice conversation about Hawaii... I should have given him my card to stay in touch. This book store was beyond magic, the amount of books, ephemera and knowledge. Can't wait to return.”

“I highly recommend this used bookstore. Well-organized displays of books, spacious, clean, and very pleasing layout (how often is that the case with a bookstore?!). Books are reasonably priced (most I checked the prices on were $7-$8 for like-new hardcover). I found several books I wanted, all in new or almost new condition, which seems to be mostly what they stock. The music section alone is a remarkable collection of books. Fiction section, although not huge, was also of a diverse selection. The staff is very and friendly and helpful, and let me give a special shout-out to Jocelyn for all the assistance she provided on a recent visit. They also carry some previously owned clothing, and other gift items, although I was sorry not to have more time to browse those items. All it's all for a good cause. Will be back.”

“The selection is great and the staff are so friendly and helpful. We were looking for a book they had 1 copy of and they made it their mission to track it down! Success!!!”

“I saw so many positive reviews about Patience Adamson and I must confess that surely she is a skilled professional trader and the best among all as her clients all said, she managed my account after I Invested $1000 and got a successful withdrawal of $12,000 within few days of my investment, up-till now am still so shocked and surprised "It always seems impossible until it’s done"., with Mrs patience Adamson your hard-earned money is 100% secured/Safe trust me you have nothing to lose or to be scared of at all, You can contact her via Email: [email protected] Whats-app:+13236286419”

“Super cute bookstore! It doesn’t feel like it has a huge selection like other Boston bookstores, but it does have some good picks. I also love their pay it forward program!”

“Almost every year (sometimes twice a year), I take a trip to Boston, to spend a truly lovely day on Northeastern’s beautiful campus. A big part of this experience is going to the Northeastern University Bookstore!! I LOVE the Northeastern Bookstore!! It has a fantastic selection of apparel, stationery and, of course, many books. Lastly, Tim, the bookstore’s manager is without question, the finest scholar and gentleman. Customer service must be Tim’s first priority because every time I work with him, I have an Awesome experience!!”

“The best place, that I knew a very time ago, to explore information about Christian Science, the Christian Scientists and Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of the Christian Science! Thanks for all Staff.”

“You will find all the things you need regarding anything for school but I will say it is a bit expensive. They do have a good go to snack array and have everyday essentials needed for the dorms or at home.”

“I LOVE this bookstore! Great book selection, friendly and helpful staff, fun small gifts and stickers. The cafe has a great vibe - grab a seat at the counter and dive into your new book while you enjoy brunch. This is a neighborhood gem!”

“CLJ is the best church I've been to in Boston. I've been a member since 2008. I am very blessed to be part of this organization. This church is Bible-based and is very well organized. It has an amazing worship team and many programs that serve its members and the community. It's great! Come visit us!”

“Some of the best food I've had in a while! So glad that I was introduced to this place, the Japanese themed decor makes for such a great dining experience. P.S. , The pan fried gyoza is incredible!”

“Such a great bookstore. I've only been here once but I'll definitely be going back. The workers here are so helpful and do their best to find whatever you need. The used books are the best, going for as cheap as $3-$4. Got a handful of books for under $20!”

“I have been a collector of rare books for 3 decades and have never been in a shop with such fine employees. I brought my 20 yo son who had never been in a similar setting and they immediately attended to him and helped him to feel comfortable and appreciated. While they are not the largest antiquarian bookstore the volumes they own are carefully curated and chosen for people with budgets from $50 to $50,000. I have no other relationship to them except as a customer and get no discount for my opinion (I wish!). Much luck to them. Ask to see the Picasso miniature!! Jim”

“Excellent source for liberal religious books from meditation manuals to social justice themes to studies on congregational topics to gifts. And ordering on their website is super easy too.”

“Very nice lady. I had a long conversation with her. I like talking to people so I enjoyed her open heart. This was in November 2019, but she was very kind and in return to some medical advice she gave me a complete set of Russian dolls. Very generous! It might be that when the shop was closed she was ill and the person who was supposed to keep it open for her, didn't care enough! Call before you drive all the way to the place!”

“After a shocking price tag at a designer place in Winchester and a horrible experience at Home Depot, I gave 3 days blinds a call. I had just bought my first house and the blinds that were on the windows had the 3 day blinds labels on them, indicating the previous owners had used them as well. From start to finish I had a great experience. My consultant was Sara Morin and she did a wonderful job understanding my vision, I felt a connection instantly. After the consult there were several follow ups from the installation company. The installers came exactly as scheduled and did a great job. We are very happy with our purchase, which I view as an investment just like tile work or new cabinets and counter tops. Our kitchen looks so different now, its amazing how a window treatment can transform a space! Even one change helps to make a space feel like its your home, your design... yours. :)”

“The gentleman that assisted us, didn't get his name but he was around 40 w/ beard and glasses, thank So much for your help. You were patient and very friendly!!!”

“Was surprised by the amount of detail put into the shop decor and layout. Great selection of books and bookish goodies. The prices are pretty average, but worth a look if you're looking for something to read on the plane. The service was okay. I didn't end up buying anything, but the place still seemed pretty neat.”

“In 2016 I purchased from Helen, the proprietor of the Boston Book Company, the manuscript edition of Henry David Thoreau. This is the cloth edition and remarkably, it still had the dust jackets from 1906. Having seen at least one hundred sets of this edition over forty years of Thoreau collecting, this is the finest example I had seen. Helen made me feel welcome. At the end of the deal, I thanked her with a kiss to the cheek. Thanks Helen!”

“This is a rather small bookshop near common park. I was disappointed in the selection of books they had on site, but this is caused due to the massive amount of Emerson College merch they have.”

“The area around HBS is actually hard to find a cheap lunch option. Not just because of the increased inflation, but if you don't want a sandwich. It hard to find a variety. Spangler offered a full tans of food varieties all being fresh. My office just moved closer to Spangler and sometime I just want a quick soup n salad. They have a hot bar that offers cuisines from around the world which makes for a nice change. The staff is so kind and helpful. Peak lunch time can be crowded so plan accordingly.”

“I went to the store a while back when I went to Massachusetts to visit my grandmother and we went to see the store (I was starting my Harry Potter journey) it has a cool selection of Harry Potter and you will likely find something from your house. And the owner is very nice and even has a small conversation about how I was really enjoying Harry Potter and how far into the series I was. I would really recommend going. I know I will when I go back to Massachusetts.”

“Excellent place to get my Daughter a nice BU hoodie sweatshirt, @ a fairly reasonable price - quality considered. Taking it back to Alabama where my Daughter's a sophomore @ Jacksonville State University. They had an array of items; great selection. A+”

“I stopped by Booklink to grab a book for my flights, I ended up buying Christmas decorations. Yes, I know I was surprised too! Booklink is a pricey bookstore/gift shop located at Boston-Logan Airport. Although, it is pricey, it has a good book selection and a surprisingly well stocked gift shop with lots of great items. During my recent shop there, I saw large christmas table ornaments, that was really a candle. Neat! I also found some beautiful Christmas themed hand towels. One hand towel has a picture of a cardinal on it, the other a blue jay. This was perfect as one of my themes in my Christmas decor is birds and the two just happen to be cardinals and blue jays. I ended up getting one of those ornaments and the hand towels, pricey but definitely worth it! Check out Book Link, if you find yourself inside Boston-Logan airport!”

“This is an amazing school! The people and Professors are kind. The administration is very helpful. It is reasonably priced and they go out of their way for each student with the same care and understanding!! Wish all schools were as kind and generous and as attentive with total professionalism, as this school!! #THIS SCHOOL ROCKS!!”

“The store itself is very neat and organized despite the chaos of all of the students coming in to pick up textbooks, merch, and devices. All items were in their respective place, nothing was on the floor and staff was very friendly. They have everything you could think of here.”