The owner is deeply knowledgeable about his wares and curates some rad tunes for your listening…read morepleasure while browsing his wide, well-organized selection of reasonably priced books and records. He has the gift of striking up an unintrusive, perfectly timed conversation---definitely a guy you could spend hours talking to. This is a very comforting, peaceful, nostalgic, and intellectually stimulating place to be---in stark contrast to most other places in Venice/ Santa Monica. As always, I'm particularly keen on supporting small businesses whose existences stand in quiet defiance against the offensively priced, soulless, consumerist corporate franchises that are most businesses nearby. I would certainly come back if I was ever in the area again.

A really great used book and record store where you can find a little bit of everything for a…read moredecent price. The inside is literally filled floor to wall with books and records which is a literal dream for a bookstore lover. The owner is also the nicest guy and plays some great tunes while you shop around. Also always available to help you find exactly what you are looking for, and knowledgeable in what he has for sale. We have been 2-3 times now and plan to make this a regular stop in the future!

Friendly service, awesome author events! The bookstore itself is small, but bookstores are a dying…read moreentity and it's definitely worth a stop. Parking can be dicey, so I'd arrive early if you're there for an event.

I came here to pick up a book a few weeks ago, the staff was really nice and helped find everything…read moreI needed. I'll definitely come back to pick up my next book. There's a coffee shop around the corner that's really good too. Definitely a perfect spot to have a coffee and read on an autumn day.

I've been coming to Thunderbolt Spiritual Bookstore for about two years now and every visit has…read morefelt consistently welcoming and genuinely enriching. The staff I've interacted with over time have all been kind, helpful, and easy to talk to without ever feeling performative or rushed. I also believe I've met the owner, who carries that same grounded, approachable energy that seems to set the tone for the whole space. What keeps me coming back is the depth and variety of what they offer. Their selection of tarot and oracle decks is extensive, and I've found several that I still use regularly. I've also purchased crystals, stones, books, and fragrances there and I've always left feeling satisfied with what I chose. The $5 books outside the store are especially special to me, since they include such a wide range that I would not have discovered on my own. Many of them look practically new, and I've ended up reading things I never would have picked up otherwise, which has been genuinely eye-opening. I also appreciate being able to gift some of those books forward. It's a place that feels like it keeps knowledge circulating in a really accessible way, and I hope it continues to stay exactly as it is for a long time.

Russell is the best! A steady presence in downtown Santa Monica all these years. He's the real…read morething: honest, kind and lives and breathes his bookstore. Thank you, Russell!

I love this bookstore in Venice Beach. Something about the zines in the section by the front door…read moreand the fact that one of my favorite healing authors books was being displayed prominently when i walked around a corner (so i bought it) made it feel comforting and homey. The people who work there are really knowledgeable. If you're in Venice Beach and get a chance to stop by, check it out. It's the kind of bookstore that makes you want to slow down, wander, and maybe leave with something you didn't know you were looking for.

Who reviews a book store? Well me and 99 other people (at the time of review there was 99 haha)…read more I came here on a terrible date several years ago, but because I love this book store so much, I make the trek here every now and again despite my initial encounter. If you're seriously allergic to cats, enter cautiously. They keep to themselves, but I know some people do have fierce cat allergies. Otherwise it's a lovely independent bookstore with recommendations guaranteed to get you out of a read slump. Definitely a fun way to escape the chaos of Venice beach for a few minutes while you stroll through the packed aisles teeming with books of all kinds. One of my favorite things to do and places to be in Venice!

We do go to this location more often than other Barnes locations because it is closer but once…read moreagain, we went in last night and Jasmine was visibly horrible to us. We walked in, she glared at us- I tried not to think much of it, but as she was finishing ringing me up I looked up to thank her and she was literally grimacing at me, and this was after she tried to hurriedly ring me up without even asking if I was a rewards member (I am) or anything else. I keep trying to give her the benefit of the doubt because I also work in retail, but girl just seems miserable. Literally I have NO other issues with any other employee there, everyone else has been so kind so I brought my review up to 4 stars from 3. But if you're going to give me a dirty look Jasmine, wait until I turn around. This is a smaller location but I'll continue to visit, I just really hope Jasmine isn't there- it's always uncomfortable when she is.

Honestly so disappointed in the customer service of this location now…read more This is a long one. I used to go to the previous location and customer service was always on point. Sales associates were friendly, helpful, and always down to talk about books. Now... I feel like I'm a bother for just wanting to buy my books and leave. This experience was the one that kinda left me wondering why do I bother with this location... (It's the closest location to me soo I guess there's that) First waiting 5 mins when multiples registers are open and only one other patron making a purchase for an associate to finally walk back to their register to help us. Young lady ended up being super friendly and all was fine - she's why this gets a redemption of 3 stars - Stardew pin gal you're cool. My family and I walk out I see a bookmark I wanted and u turn back in line. I get helped by a different woman - blond curls (really pretty hair, also I know both your names but don want you in trouble just disappointed) - who seemed completely bothered by helping me. Ok whatever we all have our days. She lets me know my membership is expired...something stardew lady missed. I ask damn ok I wasn't informed can I bring back my books return and repurchase and re up my membership. Now she seemed doubly annoyed and bothered. Come back in a few days she says. I let her know: no no we just walked out with the books they're here. She responds I know just come back in two days..... I look back at the line - empty. Umm so you want me to come back?? Yeah and just talk to whoever is here and explain what you want. Confused I walked out and hear her sigh and when I looked back the three sales associates went back to being huddled and chatting. Double checked policy.... Nope not a policy thing returning books.... TO REPURCHASE WITH MY REUPPED SUB is not against policy. Called a different store they said yeah they should've just done it in the moment. Checked stores hours not close to closing so that's not it. There have been other instances of weird stand off behavior that has left me wondering WTF is going on... Look y'all I'm not gonna tell you how to live your lives or where you should be working, just remember both sides of the counter are human and in a world where being a BIPOC is getting more and more dangerous, a friendlier attitude can go a long way.

So I've driven past this inconspicuous location probably 1000 times ( right across from where tower…read morerecords used to be) but my friend had a book signing there yesterday so of course I had to support. I walk in and it's such a cool vibe! This is a bookstore that carries all the Hollywood legends memoirs. I saw loads of books on people I admire that I have to come back and get when I finish the ones that ones that I just bought. The attendees were so nice and accommodating. The place felt very inviting and well lit. Although it's a small boutique type, it's still was very full with amazing content and a large variety. The prices are about the same as any other book store as well. I will definitely be back!

First off, let me tell you Book Soup has a great selection of newspapers. Newspapers are hard to…read morecome by and this store is always fully stocked. I love the 2 floors of inventory, so helpful to have some selection. The value of the items are fairly priced, as I go to many bookstores to fulfill large book orders for my company. The service was awesome, every bit the sales staff would check in and make sure I was locating everything ok. Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready

I love this store, located inside the Mitsuwa market. It offers a great selection of books, pens,…read morestickers, traveler's Notebooks, and many gift items. You can also find Japanese manga and other unique Japanese goods. Their always excellent selection includes blank books, journals, plushies, and cute tote bags. Also, some T-shirts, mugs, mood rings, and coffee mugs. I came in for adult coloring books. Immediately next door, you'll find a market specializing in all Japanese foods and sundry items. This includes fresh sushi to go and shops featuring all kinds of Japanese fast food. After shopping, you can enjoy a meal there--shop, then eat: it's a great plan. Friendly service. Easy to park!

So this is the 3rd kinokuniya branch I visited and this is the smallest branch. The good thing…read moreabout this location is that it's by mitsuwa supermarket. The location also has a small food court area with a selection of various Japanese stalls. Since it's a smaller branch the selection is less. But if you want to go to a Japanese bookstore, grocery and eat some Japanese food - this location has all 3.

The Book Jewel instantly brought me back to the neighborhood bookstores of years past--warm,…read morewelcoming, and genuinely cozy. It has the kind of atmosphere that invites you to slow down, grab a book, and settle in for a while. Though small in scale, the shop is thoughtfully laid out and manages to offer a little bit of everything. The seating area, with its comfy chairs, rugs, and soft lighting, really adds to the charm and makes the space feel lived-in and inviting. There's even a sweet, sectioned-off area just for the littles, which is a lovely touch. We didn't manage to spot the store cat (must've been on a break), but we did find some great books, so no complaints there. Parking was easy thanks to the large shared lot, which made the visit even more stress-free. We'll definitely be back.

I love a cozy independent bookstore, and this is one of the coziest I've seen yet. Lovely place…read morewith a robust collection of new and used books. Well-organized across a wide range of genres and interests, the inventory is a pleasure to browse. Lots of lovely gifts and toys, too, including local and California-themed items. Service is welcoming and friendly, with knowledgeable booksellers. Parking is ample and the surrounding area has lots of cute little shops to browse as well. A delightful place to visit and shop!