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June 2024 by Amy
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!
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May 2024 by Tal Hitron
The political atmosphere made me feel very uncomfortable.Borderline antisemitic and particularly upsetting given the store's location in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood.
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May 2024 by Keren Shechter
Couldn’t believe the amount of antisemitism going on in the store since October 7th. Presenting misleading and one sided information. From a great place they have become a scary and not safe store.
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March 2024 by Meg E.
LOVE this place! Went to a poetry reading there. Best bookstore I've visited in Boston!
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March 2024 by Jessica T.
As a visitor, Brookline Booksmith was recommended to me as "the best bookstore in Boston" so I HAD to come visit... and I was not disappointed! The overall look and feel of the store is so comfy and the vibes are so positive and chill. On a Sunday afternoon, this store was PACKED. They have a great selection with some great deals on the tables. In the basement level, they carry used books for cheaper prices. On top of that, they also carry cute Boston merch (which I was really looking forward to, as a tourist). Everyone I spoke with was very nice, including the person who rung me up at the register. I walked away with a ton of postcards, stickers, and goodies! I will definitely be coming back the next time I'm in town!
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February 2024 by Kim P.
Appreciate having Black cards. Don't appreciate having them buried in one section in the bottom. Nah. I did bring it up so hopefully these will get relocated to a section more accessible to all.
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January 2024 by Caity Meaney B.
Outstanding bookstore in every way. Mission-driven; passionate, dedicated staff; amazing selection of new, used and bargain books; a unique, beautiful gift selection and events that share diverse voices locally, nationally and from around the world. Entering the store is like getting a warm hug--you'll want to stay for hours. Do not miss this gem.
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September 2023 by Celie Macri
My visit to this bookstore was absolutely delightful. The carefully curated bookshelves, adorned with staff recommendations, added a charming human touch in this digital age. I was particularly touched by the section proudly displaying “banned books sold here, love freedom.” This place is incredibly LGBTQIA+ friendly, and I’m thrilled I had the opportunity to explore it during my time in Boston.
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August 2023 by Sasha Sloan
I almost skipped this bookstore, and I’m so glad I decided not to. The location is adorable (the building is tucked behind a little campy Tudor-style suburban castle) and parking is super easy at the Trader Joe’s nearby. They had a large selection and I nabbed a couple of fantasy titles.
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August 2023 by Ruby Ahern
I had a delightful experience exploring their vast collection of books. The store's cozy atmosphere made it a joy to browse through different genres and discover new reads. Additionally, their gift store is equally fantastic! They have a great selection of unique gifts that cater to various interests and occasions. It's the perfect place to find thoughtful presents for friends and family. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, offering great recommendations and creating a welcoming, positive environment in store. I can't praise Brookline Booksmith enough for their excellent selection of books and gifts, charming ambiance, and outstanding customer service. If you're a book enthusiast or on the hunt for the perfect gift, this place is a must-visit. Highly recommended!
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July 2023 by Megan Zalenas
I recently relocated to Boston and was on the lookout for a privately-owned bookstore. I'm not a big fan of shopping at the "big-chain" book stores.I also am not huge on reading books from an electronic device. I'm on my computer and phone all day. My eyes prefer a physical paper book.I scoured Yelp and found a spot called Brookline Booksmith. The reviews were solid and I knew I had to check it out! I am glad I did!The size and selection is unmatched. This isn't your ordinary bookstore. While they do have a plethora of books to choose from, they also have a massive selection of other products.They have a massive selection of craft-made sweets, snacks, sauces, craft-sodas and drinks, CBD infused drinks and candy, craft-beverage mixes, cocktail kits, sugar cubes/sticks, cocktail rim salt/sugars, craft chocolate bars + truffles, craft teas, rice crispy treats, craft popcorn, cookies, nuts, and so much more!If you're looking for home-goods, they have you covered! They have a solid selection of glassware, plates, mugs, teapots+cups, bowls, chopsticks, utensils, platters, bar ware, kitchen tools, and more! The quality is top-notch and the items are incredibly unique. I've never seen such an incredible selection!They also have a solid "self-care" section with incense, candles, body care, cosmic crystals, crystal sets, stones and stone sets, crystal candles, chakra stones, meditation stones, healing stones, serenity stones, grounding stones, and other assorted minerals and stones!If you're looking for gorgeous jewelry, they have you covered on that too! They have a huge selection of anklets, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and so much more!Now, onto the books! After all, it is a bookstore! They have a massive selection of books in every genre you can imagine. They also have a solid selection of cookbooks and adult coloring books! They do have a solid selection of book lights for those who like to read at night without disturbing others.I love the adult coloring books and they have the largest selection I've seen anywhere. You can even find the profanity-laced coloring books here! They have a solid selection of quality, high-end colored pencils and such so you don't have to go anywhere else!If you're looking for a new journal, THIS is the place for it. They easily have HUNDREDS of choices in nearly every size, color, and pattern imaginable. They also have a solid selection of accessories for your new journal, like a loop to hold your pen.Honestly, it was overwhelming there were so many choices. You'll see what I mean when you first walk in. It is the biggest selection anywhere! They also have a great selection of calendars in different themes, sizes, and designs.I strongly suggest spending an afternoon taking in everything they have to offer. The amount of stuff is incredible! The book selection is massive. I wish I had more time on my first visit here, I did not realize how large the place was.I will certainly be back on a rainy afternoon to really spend some time shopping and picking out a few good books. I did end up grabbing some craft snacks and sweets and a CBD infused beverage! I look forward to coming back!The only thing that could make this place even better would be a small cafe! However, I understand why they don't have one. There likely wouldn't be the space to accommodate a cafe.Service is friendly and efficient. The line at checkout moves quickly and they do have employees on the floor to help guide you to that perfect book! Prices are very reasonable for the quality products offered. I can't wait to come back!
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July 2023 by Eithne McDonald
Wide selection, GREAT author events, and the staff are so friendly. They even helped me with getting to the bathroom to change my baby. Decent prices too considering it's an independent bookstore. Highly recommend!!!
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July 2023 by Michael A. Burstein
Brookline Booksmith is an amazing place, a great independent and community bookstore. They have a wide selection of books plus many other things, and a knowledgeable and helpful staff. I have always found either the book I was looking for or something I needed. They also host a lot of author events and do a wonderful job with them; I have attended many of them over the years.
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June 2023 by Jackson
Friendly staff but they're also happy to let you browse in peace on your own. Probably my favorite Boston-area bookstore; they have a good selection of the types of books I want to read. There is also a fun selection of gifts, including candles and jewelry. Used books in the basement (which is not, I think, wheelchair accessible).
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June 2023 by dosamit
What can I say about this place..nothing would be enough. During our longish stay in Boston, this was the go to place often during Sunday afternoons..not just new, curated and annotated titles, their used book cellar is a gold mine. A heavenly place for book hunters..all titles arranged by topic and in alphabetical order. Recently they have expanded to nearly double their area, so double the fun!! Must visit for all book lovers visiting Boston. Special treat is their handcrafts section!!
