“Everything here is overpriced, especially since they get most of their books through donations. I have been using these guys to get rid of my old books and get some honeymoon cash. Sure it'll only get me a few cheeseburgers, but that's more cheeseburgers than what I came in with, and I just think that's neat.”
“One of the coolest shops I found during my trip to Seattle. I felt like there was a map here for every location, every niche interest. I purchased mostly neat postcards and stickers as mementos of my visit to this city, but I imagine this would be a delight to many other map-appreciators like me — whether you’re local or beyond. Spent a lot of time poking around various spots in the store, which was overall very well-organized. Staff was super friendly and welcoming, and good music playing!”
“I’ve been coming here since the 90s on trips to Seattle. It’s a truly great bookstore in both ethos and inventory. I always find something unexpected that feels like a book hunting event. There are great places for a bite to eat on the block. Go. You won’t regret it.”
“Such a cozy little spot! I come here regularly with my kids and it’s always so fun. They have a great variety of books, and also some fidgets and trinkets. The highlight is most likely the amazing staff, who are so nice and have great book recommendations!”
“I freaking love this place. Noodling around in the shelves is always delightful, and the staff are kind and helpful. And they are tolerant of my toddler playing hide and seek while I’m shopping.”
“This place is located inside of a shopping market. Small to navigate through as it is popular, but is has really neat items and things that come directly from Japan. My wife who spent time in the land of the rising sun was super excited about it and it brought back memories for her. I would say this is excellent.”
“Such a lovely book store on the junction. They have a great variety of books, a large kids section along with events like book clubs, children's story readings on the weekends, author signings, and fun deals around some holidays or special events. They also provide free gift wrapping, and offer to send books and gift cards to anyone in the United States on your behalf! Whenever I want to order a book, I do it through the Paper Boat Booksellers instead of Amazon. Support your local bookstores!!”
“Stopped into this bookstore while on vacation back in April, and my only regret is only buying one book and not spending more time browsing. Lots of variety and the owner was friendly and helpful. I was looking for a specific book and while he didn’t have it in stock, there were plenty other books available by the same author. When I made my pick he mentioned it was actually the better book. I just finished it, and honestly, he was right, it completely blew me away. If I'm ever back in Seattle, this will definitely be one of my first stops”
“Couldn’t be nicer! Store was full of beautiful things and the people were amazing! Blessed our purchase and our family with a relic. Will be going back when we are in the area! Love the store and the employees!”
“Lovely local bookstore! Good selection of books for children and adults, (did not really see any comics, but that's ok!) They sell a nicely curated collection of new and used titles and the clerk I spoke to was excited to have us! An excellent experience overall and a real gem of a bookstore!”
“Little indie bookstore that knows it's niche and has phenomenal vibes. The owner is great for a chat and was super helpful. Very worth your time to stop in and poke around, even if only to stop and smell the metaphorical roses”
“Such a cozy shop! The chairs at the front giving you a space to sit down and decide if a book is for you is my favorite part. I love being able to buy my audiobooks on Libro.fm through this shop as well!”
“This has been my go to location for decades. They always have an amazing selection of vinyl, and they are also really good about doing store transfers and special orders.”
“Lots on offer, from art and delicate figurines to whites to scripture sets to stuff for kids and more. Theres a little goodies nook with lots of yummy treasures near the registers my daughter got a kick out of.”
“Whenever I visit Kent I always make sure to stop by and support this shop. The selection is massive!! It has many of the new titles everyone wants and countless older books that will make you fall in love with reading all over again. I especially love that the Sociology section is always stocked with great vintage pocket books and that the manga selection takes up almost an entire wall and additional shelving around the store!! The owner is also so knowledgeable about what he has in stock, he didn't even need to look up the authors I asked for; he knew exactly what I was looking for and where to find it!! He rocks!! Go support this incredible independent bookstore!!”
“Well organized. Many shipping options including in-store pick-up. Very fair pricing. They are in the middle of all the action in Seattle so if there are events or games parking can be difficult. But their corner location is easily accessible and near restaurants, plazas, and landmarks.”
“My favorite bookstore! The staff are wonderful, the book selection is unparalleled, and the store itself is such a lovely inviting space. I’ve been to so many great events here. If you’re a poet or lover of poetry, this is the place to be!”
“Wonderful place, and thank you so much to the employee who assisted me! Very charming and kind, she initiated a store transfer for me for a book they only had at their Issaquah location. It arrived quickly! For me, it's closer than Tukwila (Half Price Books), and I love that I usually have the store to myself, but let's change that! Even if you're not looking for something, swing by and take a gander. A house of books is a place of limitless opportunities--explore them!”
“I’ve been to plenty of indie bookstores before but this one stands out. The booksellers really know their stuff and are happy to help you find a new book to take home (along with plenty of recommendations).”
“The team at Peter Miller went above and beyond to secure a copy of the Jazz Kissa book by K. Kusunose, D. Turnbull. A limited edition, it took a few months to secure the book, importing from Europe and shipping across the US. They provided regular updates throughout the process with the book ultimately arriving to my home in perfect condition - amazing:-)”
“A hidden Seattle secret where you can find some of the rarest books, the best people watching, a refreshing beer & pleasant bartender, out of the ordinary conversations with patrons, and maybe a 1968 Royal typewriter producing a poets latest book. 😉📚For those who know…”
“Chrysanthemum is hands down the BEST little shop I have ever been to!!! The staff are warm, considerate, and extremely helpful. They always take the time to make their customers feel welcome and they ensure you find just what you are looking for. They have an array of quality items for children and adults alike, as well as the cutest children’s clothes I’ve ever seen! I have never left empty handed or without a smile on my face!”
“Thoughtfully curated collection of unique clothing, toys, and books. Absolutely had no intention of buying anything but couldn't resist getting several items! Will return!”
“I was just visiting for a few days and found the cutest nook! They have a good variety of genres and while the organization is a little confusing, each of the two days I went the staff were really helpful about finding stuff. All of the books are in great condition and at a great price, I even found a few Taschen books in their notable architecture section at almost a quarter of the cover price. Great vibes, great books, cool staff, I'd definitely go back.”
“Above avg. beer selection and food from Seattle's famous beer purveyor Chuck's, lots of seating, cool old bldg w high ceilings, noisy when busy, but adjacent & expansive retail book section manages to be noticably quieter. Overall, feels like an independently hip and happening place to be. We played a board game downstairs while a dozen+ cribbage players match took place.”
“This place! This wonderful space! A great place to shop and recharge your spiritual battery. Cindy has generously provided our community with an amazing one of a kind resource center and gathering place.”
“My husband and I were wandering around Pike Market when a poster of a pretty watercolor cat inside a store caught my attention. We decided to check out the little store. Inside, we could only find some cats postcards and posters by that same artist. Out of curiosity, we asked the gentleman working there if there was an actual book by this artist. Turns out - yes! There was an art book with cat poems called Fur Coats & Backpacks by Mari Ichimasu (check it out! it’s lovely) However, he informed us that it was sold out. Then, to my surprise, he told me I could get a postcard for free because he felt bad that I couldn’t get the book. It truly made my day. Luckily, the book happened to be available on Amazon, so I was able to order one for myself. Hi Mr. Bruce! If you still remember us - thank you so much again! I didn’t know your name at the time or that you were also the founder of Chin Music Press, until I finished the book. Something just told me to look it up, and here we are. Wishing you the best on whatever journey you’re heading toward! I hope to come back to Seattle one day and visit again.”
“Friendly, helpful staff & great selection of merchandise! Remembered my phone call from a couple of weeks ago and provided excellent customer service, resolving my problem quickly and efficiently.”
Barnes & Noble is proving that physical bookstores aren't going anywhere. The retailer just opened three new locations across Texas and South Carolina, marking another step in its comeback story. Barnes & Noble opened 57 stores in 2024 alone - more than it had opened in the entire decade from 2009 to 2019. The company isn't slowing down either, with plans to open more than 60 new stores in 2025 and a goal of reaching over 1,000 stores nationwide in the coming years.
