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September 2023 by Jake Gohlke
After walking to an ATM and returning to purchase a book I had picked out, the owner refused to sell me any books because he felt that the way I was asking to buy the book was “rude”. I will forever be confused by this interaction in Ellison Bay ?
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August 2022 by John Stirner
Books overpriced. Sometimes cheaper to buy a new copy. Not all in good condition. Inventory hasn't changed much in many years. A lot of books, but many just fillers. No real rare books or anything special. Jeffery Dahmer was more charming than the owner. Maybe Dr. Mengele wasn't, but it's close. I'm guessing that many people who are impressed with this store have never really spent a lot of time in used book stores. Somewhere in the stacks there is an unexplored, never read book on politeness and how to treat people.
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August 2022 by Susan Hollis Clayson
Great to see the bookstore open and thriving. Such an amazing array of books for sale. On a par with major libraries. Long may it survive and prosper!
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September 2021 by Carmen Baumann
Owner is very knowledgeable and friendly. You could get lost in these stacks for hours. Forums some great local poetry.
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July 2021 by Jay Lott
A delight of a used bookstore, lots of treasures, rivaling the best I've visited in big cities for quality and breadth. Worth a visit for any bibliophile.
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May 2021 by Rachel Traylor
What an absolute gem of a bookstore. This is easily the best bookstore I’ve visited in the state, and in my top 5 in the country. The collection is meticulously curated, and the owner has an incredible collection of out of print books in wonderful condition. I would say that the store is perfect for the academic or very serious book enthusiast. He isn’t one for tons of mass market paperbacks, but you can find any Barnes and Noble for that. Prices will be a bit higher than online (sometimes), but worth it.The owner is an interesting conversationalist if you get him going. I enjoyed listening to him.Be aware that the store only takes cash, and bring plenty if you’ve been on the hunt for books in advanced topics.
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September 2020 by Data D.
Happened on this randomly while driving back from tip of Door County, and husband cannot miss any used book store. It was open (hours are random), so I went in after husband did not leave within 5 minutes, complaining of poor selection, as he usually does. Yes, it is musty, and there does not seem to be a bookstore cat, so allergies are a bit of an issue. Owner was helpful in discussing the books he has published and local authors. There seemed to be a lot of classics and interesting titles, but our time was limited.
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March 2020 by Melody Green
There is no other bookstore like it! A visit to this bookstore is a highlight of my annual Door County trip. For the last twenty years, No matter what my current interest is, the store has had titles that fit what I was looking for--from Icelandic Sagas to Sumerian history. Walking through the store is an adventure! If you like books and find yourself in Door County, you have to stop by this store.
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October 2019 by Doug Tuhro
Not much there all that great, or rare. Large selection, bigger than the other bookshops in the area, but nothing I saw there you couldn't find on Amazon easily enough, for about the same money in most cases. The entire place SMELLS of must, and of course whatever you buy there is going to have that odor. I have been a bibliophile my whole life and was a seller for years as well, I assure you it is a real pain to get that smell out. He has some fans running overhead, presumably to prevent this problem. It isn't working. Dehumidifiers would probably help. Good luck getting that smell out of all the books in the shop now though, a real shame. Place is dimly lit and when I was looking around I felt like I was in a scene of a horror film. Also I did not appreciate the owner (who is a bit of an elderly grump) cursing and griping with his wife in front of me.
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October 2019 by Jeff Spang
Well organized used book store. The proprietor could he more personable though.
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September 2019 by James Rose
The owner is and expert in many fields, especially mystery and spy novels.
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August 2019 by Don S.
Sad that the owner seems to be suffering from dementia that makes him mean. Based on he other reviews, I was excited to pop in and peruse. Nope. The owner was confused and angry and just mean and not at all helpful. Too bad, too, because I was looking for a book to take to Washington Island to read on the beach. Avoid this place.
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April 2019 by elena bender
A true gem for book lovers. The few times I was lucky enough to find it opened I spent hours exploring through the myriads of volumes. I discovered authors unknown to me. I never miss a chance to go every time I am in Door County.
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November 2018 by mike engel
I love this book store. Immense collection of wide variety of topics and genres. You won't get comfy chairs and coffee here. And it does smell like a used bookstore. What you do get is a great interaction with a profoundly intelligent local business man. William knows books and he really knows his inventory. If for no other reason stop by with an obscure topic, I guarantee he can point you to one or more good books in hist store about it.
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August 2018 by harold hirshman
Listen to a wise man who knows books. You might learn something.
