This little book shop is amazing. We found it on a stroll after a show down the road and it was great. From the moment you walk in, you smell Peet's Coffee. Such a good combo! ;) They have a variety of genres at good prices. Friendly staff too! We will be back. read more

Books Inc was acquired by Barnes and Noble and it looks like it's an improvement because they brought back the magazines. You get a limited stock of the magazines a full service B&N carries. They also now accept Apple Pay and you can get your B&N points through here. Still a great bookstore. Drop by and browse! read more

Can't give a bookstore less than 5 stars because bookstores are such a rarity these days. So much content is now online that walking into a physical store with books is like sighting a dinosaur. Especially so when it's not a used bookstore. Books Inc in its different locations host readings from different authors, so that's pretty cool. Not related to this store, but related to author readings, I met several famous authors when I used to attend readings. I don't do so much now because I dislike crowds. This bookstore is next to a Peets Coffee. So you can also enjoy some coffee after your purchase. read more

Books Inc - Inside - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Books inc is a local independent chain in the Bay Area. They have a good selection of books, magazines and sell games puzzles and more. Fun place to shop read more

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Legendary store. Have always enjoyed every visit here. I always find good finds each visit from all the many options to choose from here. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I love the location as it is near a restaurant I adore, Max's Opera Cafe. Peet's shares the building and entrance so that is a nice perk. Buy a book, get a beverage, sit and enjoy both. There is a parking garage with Valet service in the building. Love the many live talks with authors. read more

Books Inc - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I am a lover of books, libraries, and bookstores. During the pandemic all libraries are closed and only available for limited pick up. Even so sometimes there is only so much the library can do when you have to take it up a notch that's where Books Inc comes in. Don has been very helpful in ordering rare and specialized books. For example recently he helped me order a book written by my friend Ansgar who I met during travels in North India. His book is called: the gift of abhyasa: a personal encounter with the yogic trinity by ansgar schoeberl My friend lived more than a dozen years in India and SE Asia doing pilgrimage and intensive yoga studies in yogic, buddhist, and tantric centers in India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. His book is one part memoir, one part yoga practice guide, and one part integrated experiencial yogic philosophy. Recommended! I also requested Books Inc order another book by my yoga teachers Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor called: Bringing Love into Light: bringing the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita into Modern Life. I was going to get this book through Shambhala Publications who put the book out yet decided to catch two birds with one hand (vegan metaphor) ordering by Books Inc. Love the selection of books here, the friendly staff, and especially the staff picks recommended books in the back. Being in a bookstore in the days of pandemic is refreshing. Check them out! read more

Books Inc - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Often times we're online for work, online for learning or online for chat or social media. When was the last time it was just you and a physical book? Books Inc in Opera Plaza can help you here. They have a huge assortment of books AND magazines to satisfy your knowledge of any subject. How nice to touch fine paper. Turn a page or dog-ear the page so you can come back to the place you were last at. There are benches to perch on as you peruse and this shop is attached to a Peet's coffee shop! How perfect is that!! read more

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I was out running so errands today I stopped in after passing it a lot . I have no particular book genre I was looking for other than what my boyfriend wanted I found these books in the store . This place is very clean . The customer service is really good I was greeted and I got some recommendations. There where some book on sell as well . I love it I would be back really soon . I recommend it 10/10 read more

Books Inc - Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I grew up going to Books Inc in Burlingame and was sad to see that location close. Now that I live in SF, I still love going to Books Inc, especially this location in Opera Plaza. It's warm, welcoming, and inviting, and I love the layout. I always know where to find what I'm looking for and they put out interesting recommendations and reviews in the front, on the side, and on display. The reasons I like this location best are - it's on Van Ness, a busy street easily-accessible by public transit, and busy enough that I feel fairly safe walking home at night after events here. - they host authors and speakers such as NYT-bestselling author and Bay Area native Jasmine Guillory who I saw on January 7th interviewing Amy Spalding for her book launch of We Used to Be Friends. They also hosted local writer Meng Jin for a Book Launch celebrating her Publisher's Weekly Starred Review debut novel, Little Gods and next month I'm excited to see Tahereh Mafi! read more

This is a good sized bookstore with an interesting layout. There are a few comfortable places where you can sit and read a page or two or just browse. Their new Fiction/Non-Fiction area has all of the latest books you can want. I bought Joseph Finder's latest for an upcoming trip. (Still buying hardcovers!) "Judgment" It looks juicy and entertaining. This particular Books, Inc is located in Opera Plaza and the entrance is on Van Ness. Van Ness is a complete mess because of the new street design that has been going for a while now. We parked on Franklin and walked a block. The staff was friendly and helpful. I'm glad to have this bookstore in SF. read more

Books Inc - New arrivals. - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I walked into the Vaness Ave. location today and they have so many books and magazines. What drew my attention were all the different puzzle books and magazines. I decided to go inside and they have books for all ages. I found a few cool books on sale and decided to purchase one. I will definitely return to this location because I prefer to buy from actual bookstores versus online. If you are in the area the bookstore is located next door to a Peetes coffee so I would say buy a book or magazine to read and the go nextdoor to the coffee shop. Anyways great find for a bookstore. read more

Books Inc - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Does anybody remember that early 1960's "Twilight Zone" episode where Burgess Meredith (a.k.a. the Penguin) plays a bespectacled bookworm who manages to be the last survivor of an atomic bomb explosion? He is thrilled when he finds he can read all the books he ever wanted to read for the rest of his life in complete solitude....that is, until his glasses break. Well, you can just call me Burgess...since they decided to re-open the Opera Plaza bookstore that used to be the much-missed "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place for Books". It is now another outlet for "Books, Inc.", my favorite bookstore in the Castro. This is all good news, especially the connecting add-on of a Peet's Coffee store next door. The layout of the store is more spread out than before, though I have to admit I prefer the feel of a more crowded, somewhat disheveled bookstore. On first glance, the selection seems about the same, and they thankfully still offer up authors on their book tours. I had a memorable encounter with David Sedaris under the store's former identity. Something still feels rather off about the place. It feels a little too antiseptic. There are silly touches like stuffed dogs whose barking is activated by twisting their tails - unfortunately abused by a group of pre-adolescents when I was there. And what is with all the kids in here? I look forward to feeling a greater intimacy when the new store gets more established. In the meantime, my glasses haven't broken...but they are kinda fogged up. read more

Books Inc - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Bookstores seem to be an endangered species, so browsing one feels special. Like going on a safari. I came here for the Dave Eggers signing. The staff were very friendly. read more

Books Inc - Hello, Dave Eggers! - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

This bookstore is great! I'm a school librarian and I go here to support local but also because they will go to great lengths to get the books you need if for some reason something isn't in stock. The store is well-stocked usually, with relevant displays and is very clean. What I most appreciate about Books Inc (the Opera Plaza location particularly), is that everyone is very friendly there. Whether I'm just walking in to buy something random or whether they're calling or emailing me to let me know that books I requested are ready for pick up, it's always a delight to hear from them, as if you can sense their smile over the phone. Don't order from Amazon, support Books Inc! read more

Well, I had two successive doctors' appointments yesterday at CPMC Van Ness Ave.. And a couple of hours to kill in between each appointment. Thankfully Books Inc still has a location on Van Ness just 5 blocks away from CPMC so it gave me a place to kill time, get my mind off my upcoming doctor's appointment. Wow. Pleasantly surprised. It is located at Opera Plaza and is connected to a Peet's coffeeshop. The best of both worlds: Books and coffee! Also the bookshop space is huge. I only visit Books Inc in Laurel Village and the other branch in the Marina district. But honestly I love the Van Ness location now as well. Of course, I purchased a couple books plus a a couple magazines ( they have a great selection of magazines BTW including a few British ones). Also the staff are very helpful and friendly. read more

Today I went shopping at books inc. I was the only customer in the store. I was racially profiled the whole time I was in the store. Please don't boycott them. My purpose in writing this review is not to harm them. They are struggling like all business in the city and they made a mistake, like all of us have. It's human nature to make mistakes. But I am deeply hurt by what happened to me and feel like I need to tell my story to move toward healing. Everywhere I went in the store the same the same white woman suddenly appeared. I have shopped in that store for decades and given them, literally, thousands of dollars. When I am in Alexander's bookstore on 2nd street I roam the store freely and no one follows me around. That's is where I will buy my books going forward. read more

My favorite bookstore in the nabe! They always have the latest fiction and I like the way they have staff picks and curated selections too. -Great travel guide section -fun greeting cards -large selection of moleskin notebooks -friendly and helpful staff -cool gifts and calendars -puzzles! It's quite a bit more expensive than Amazon so I typically end up getting only gifts here or perusing the sale section but I don't mind giving them my $$$ occasionally. I have a frequent reader card from 4 years ago that I'm still trying to fill up (I don't know if they still even give them out). One day I'll earn a free book :) Pro tip: their gift wrapping is da.bomb.dot.com read more

Books Inc - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Let's see...four blocks from my work, pleasant staff and awesome events like the recent Nick Hornby book reading? What's not to like??? Ok, Amazon might be cheaper but when I need that book RIGHT NOW, I'll pick it up at Books Inc. read more

Books Inc - Nick Hornby at Books Inc. - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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ONLY REASON I GOT ON THE SMELLY BART TO HAVE PEOPLE LOOK AT ME AND TALK TO THEMSELVES IN MY EAR. E L JAMES. Author of the 50 shades of Grey trilogy. She did a book signing here on the 25th of September. Lemme break it down for you ok. Pow chika chika wow wow! Ok. First do no judge. I am a fan. I am in love with Christian Grey. 2nd. When Facebook announces She is Coming to the Yay Area, oh hell yea I'm moving cars and monsters. So Book Inc. Set's this up where we HAVE TO, buy the books to get 1 ticket, if you buy all 3 in a Trilogy set you get 3 tickets, So I buy my books online. I already had these books on my kindle fire, Juan B was kinda mad I spent 50 bucks on a box set. Screw you dude! this is as close the Mr.Grey as I am going to get. Time passes. It's September 25th. I get ready and I go looking for this place. I feel stupid me and my brothers girlfriend walking along Van Ness we didnt see it. Not 1 but 4 people gave us the wrong way Mean people man. We finally get there ok. There's no one. I got there early I was told if I got there early I would be receiving a "Laters,Baby" button did I get one. No!!!!! Why I don't know. I'm still really pissed. So I have 2 hours to kill. I went to McDonald's across the street. I ate, I went back talked to fans until my jaw went numb. The organization for the event was not cool, The girl walked out with like a college bound notebook with the letters A-Z on them just walking around like a number girl in a boxing match, Mind you she is walking amongst thousands of horny women and some men, you dont make an effort to call, some people didnt hear their Letter Called. I was Letter "L" and I was another hour till I was called. SHOWTIME. I met E L James. (GOAL MET) But I got tongue tied and really shy and cried, I asked for a hug she gave me one. ok after this really quick encounter I'm walking away, the security leans into me and says "Your lucky I let you do that" LOL are you serious? I respond "Too bad, you must not being doing your job too well." and I walked away. Not like I care about what security think 100% of the time anyways. Like if your going run your events make sure its not so sloppy. And I seen on the website NO POSED PHOTOS with Ms.James. Um Why later on the new I seen that the book club took a group photo with her. That pissed me off!!!!! If you bend a rule for one, you can bend one more. That really wasnt fair. they need to stay on their policy if they are going to insist. Overall if you come here for a popular book signing be sure you have something to do. it's cold here bring a sweater. Also the staff for me wasn't too friendly, I wont be making my way here again, I wish she would signed my kindle and I could of saved a tree. read more

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The city of my youth used to have a Books Inc... inside of Country Club Centre (anyone echo this piece of nostalgia out there?!)...nothing as spiffy as the one off Van Ness! First time visit. Hooray for the oldest independent bookstore in the West. However, with that one gets no sales on books... boo =(. Had some time to kill before dinner reservations, and knew that one of my favorite authors (whom I've met twice, and who bothered to email me back when I told her how I felt about Shanghai Girls) was back in town, due for a book talk there at 7PM... same time as those darn reservations!!! Didn't even know that the plaza sporting Max's also has a bookstore, with a popular Peet's hanging off to its side. Clean, organized, well laid-out small-medium sized shop with all the chairs propped, ready for dear Lisa...want to tuck into Dreams of Joy after I've killed the stack by my bed....course didn't help that I just purchased A THOUSAND SISTERS, by Lisa Shannon. It's about the devastation among women in the DRC, and having just joined an African Book Club, I have an even keener interest than usual. Friendly, smiling and conversant cashier--we had fun discussing what we liked of Ms. See's works. Like it! read more

I go in this shop whenever I'm in Civic Ctr to see a performance at the Davies or War Memorial. Great place to browse to kill time & I always leave with a purchase. Not only great books, but a fantastic selection of greeting cards & other items. Also a Peet's Coffee attached to this store. I was fortunate last night when I was there, an event took place. The author Ezekiel Tyrus was reading from his book: Eli, Ely. Really enjoyable, too bad I couldn't stay longer as I had a performance to attend. I really enjoy this chain of book shops. read more

Books Inc - Ezekiel Tyrus was here last night reading from his book & signing copies! Great event. - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love independent book stores. The staff here were super nice when I came in looking for the Open Late SF map. They even did a thorough search before telling me that they no longer carry it. Luckily, I finally found it online. They played really awesome music too when I visited so they get another shout out from me. I will shop here again...even if it's just to browse. read more

This is a long and overdue review of Books, Inc. I have been to this store and the one in Alameda on Park Street a few times in the past. I love the SF Store in the Civic Center Area with Peets right next door for a soothing EG tea. I also love to browse in this bookstore, find a cozy place to sit, relax and read books...especially Idiot America How Stupidity Became a Virtue in the Land of the Free by Charles Pierce. Hey, this is a must read book about this time and any time. A brief synop of what is on the book jacket..."Idiocy is the mainstream. More people vote for the American Idol winner than vote in presidential primaries." One of my favorite things I like to do is attending book readings and signings by interesting authors. In order to attend these book signings, one must purchase the book written by that author. My first book signing that I attended at this store was more than three years ago. Bonnie Tsui, author of "American Chinatown - A People's History of Five Neighborhoods", was there to read a portion of her book. It was quite an interesting event and those of us attending were able to engage in conversation and discussion with her about the oldest Chinatown, San Francisco. Thereafter, on August 13, 2009, Senator Barbara Boxer appeared for a reading and book signing of "Blind Trust". This was a book signing that I did not want to miss. I have never met the Senator, but I certainly know her husband very well from a working relationship between the court and the law firm for at least 35 years. AAMOF the law firm that bears his name and his partner are ranked no. 1 on my favorite list of workers' compensation attorneys. On the Alameda store, I was looking for two books written by William Shakespeare back in the summer of 2005. I couldn't find them at Barnes & Nobles or Borders, but amazingly Books Inc. had the two and the sales associate guided me to area where they were. It was the perfect birthday gift for a co-worker who I thought was a friend of mine, but turned out to be a toxic friendship...a frenemy she was. The gift gesture was not out of being nice, but out of sarcasm. Yep, I gave her "Taming of the Shrew" and "The Tempest" - Shakespearean comedies. The titles of the book fit her demeanor perfectly. Tip: According to the Alameda Journal, Tony La Russa will be appearing at Books Inc. in Alameda at 7:00 PM for a book signing of his memoir - "One Last Strike". Ticket cost is $30, which include a copy of his book. read more

We've stopped by here a few times since it's right nearby but I don't recall actually buying anything. It's not Borders or Amazon, but if you're looking for a small, nice bookstore, you can't go wrong here, especially if you want to support a local business that carries local authors! Today I ordered two books online through the website for pickup at the store. There's a bit of confusion with the email responses, apparently you need to wait for a response from the store letting you know that the actual books are in. As a result, I wasn't able to get one of the books I wanted when I stopped by a few hours after ordering. No worries though, the sales guy behind the counter was super nice and grabbed on of the books they had in stock for me. This is a pretty sweet store and I would happily stop in on a regular basis for the great atmosphere and random book. read more

Sadly book stores don't exist's anymore. Thankfully this company still does. I was here last night at the Lauren Conrad book signing. When I walked into the place. It smelled like coffee. There is a Peet's coffee right inside of the store to you're right. They have my architecture books that is why I'm giving this place 5 stars. Yes I did meet Lauren herself it was so cool. The staff is well organized about this event. Well planned out in fact. This store is organized also. The layout of the place is nice. They have little staff notes on the bookshelves about a certain book. They also have little gifts too. Nice selection of magazines. BUY REAL BOOKS FROM REAL BOOKSTORES NOT FROM iTunes or Amazon. LET'S SAVE THIS DYING BREED. read more

Books Inc - Lauren Conrad - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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So great to still have physical bookstores around. I'd forgotten how wonderful they are. There is a great selection here, and you can find new things to read in a more organic way than online. The staff was friendly and helpful as well. And it's attached to Peet's coffee shop, a perfect combo! read more

Books Inc - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have been to this book store a handful of times. The people who work there are really friendly. Also the store gives off this cozy warm feeling. They have a lot of events from Symphony talk to book clubs. It is a bit small and when I went to look at gre prep books they didn't have that many to choose from. read more

I could comment on the fairly generic interior, or I could rave about the fantastic staff member who helped me (he was great!). But really all that matters is that they have a display of "great reads for under $10!" and it is almost completely sci-fi and fantasy. It's like they gazed into my nerdy soul and then built a sales display to entrap me. Well, they succeeded. read more

I really enjoy this bookstore at Opera Plaza. I really like Opera Plaza altogether. I visited this bookstore last year for the Dave Eggers signing event. I got his autograph and briefly conversed with him. He made fun of the used copy of A Heartbreaking Work... I had him sign. I don't go to this bookstore that often, but when I do I always like what it offers. Today I noticed the sale section. They have a lot of sale books that are top-notch. Today I got Wendy MacNaughton's Meanwhile in San Francisco. It was $10. Great selection of books organized in a delightful manner. read more

This is one of my favorite SF bookstores. Sure it's right next to the Tenderloin but it still worth a visit whenever I visit SF. They will always have some titles that I have not seen but will buy. The sale section in the back has several great deals. For a brick and mortar bookstore these days there is a great selection of books. Peets is right next store if u need the restroom. The people working here are helpful and nice as opposed to snooty and unhelpful that another bookstore prefers. Make the trip here, you won't be disappointed. read more

This is such a cool bookstore and a must-visit for book aficionados! There's lots of space, and the area is clean and well organized. Staff were friendly and practicing safety precautions: wearing masks and gloves, offering hand sanitizer, and enforcing social distancing. I believe their current hours are from 10am-6pm. They're also taking online or phone orders for pick up. There's a large selection of children's books in the back as well as toys, so it's great if you have kids! There's also a sizable shelf for young adult. Staff picks are scattered everywhere, and a huge diversity of authors and genres are on displays on tables. I asked for a specific book, not expecting them to have it, but it was in stock! I also bought a box of postcards; there's a lovely selection near the registers. Next to City Lights, this bookstore is one of the best in San Francisco. I walked out with half a dozen things I wasn't expecting to buy, but what a wonderful store! I'll definitely be returning. read more

Great local bookstore on van ness next to adjoining peets a fun treat after my nearby appt - love wandering through here and finding all the treasures. Cards books calendars kids items and local finds - worth a stop if you're in the area !! read more

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Thank goodness for this place. Sometimes, I just want a book without having to pay for shipping. I was on my way someplace down the street and remembered that I'd wanted to get a particular book. I found it, paid, and went on my merry way. If you like books and stepping into a bit of tranquility before catching the bus, it's well worth a visit. Another cool perk is that they have authors in fairly often and have a really great listing of books for reading. read more

Last week I was helping a woman who is a hoarder to sort through boxes in her apartment, imploring her to toss a lot of the valueless stuff that prevents her from showering, for one, because boxes are piled in the tub to the ceiling, as well as in front of it. Daunting task, I tell you. I came across a box of books, and the first one I pulled out was an Eastern Massachusetts Seaboard phonebook. From 1982. I thought I had a sure throw-away. "I don't know-it's vintage. I might keep it." Flabbergasted, I tried to reality check, but to no avail. A tug-of-war ensued, and I won only because I'm younger and stronger, not because I got anywhere with persuasion. Going through those boxes, though, reminded me how much I love that musty smell of used books and the art of used book shopping. The delight of finding a Modern Library 'Sound and the Fury' on a creaky wooden bookshelf, or finding a Dickens novel with etchings from early century. Unfortunately these beloved used bookstores are becoming an endangered species. If they ever become extinct, I'd much prefer to shop at Books Inc over the other chain booksellers. New books have a seductive scent too and touching the smooth and glossy pages of the most recent Thomas Keller cookbook can be a lascivious experience. I bought the French Laundry cookbook here, and the gentleman I've wowed with a homemade laundry meal thank Books Inc for its contribution. Bookbuying is a gratifying experience, whether you're into the old or the new. Either way, just make sure they don't end up in your tub or blocking your window. read more

I came here to listen to Nick Hornby (author: About a Boy, High Fidelity) read an excerpt from his new book. Wish someone would have told me that this new book is geared towards Young Adults. NO ONE DID, THEREFORE, I felt a little old, since most of the people there were teens. BUT, what a wonderful bookstore. It's in a pretty terrifying part of town, though. At least I know that if I need Crystal Meth or LSD, I can buy drugs on Van Ness and then walk to Books, Inc. and stare at picture books before passing out on their nice carpet. read more

This is probably the first and last book signing I will ever attend at this location. We came here last night for the Ree Drummond/Pioneer Woman signing. The two weeks leading up to the event, I had called this location multiple times to inquire on the process. A week ago, they said they didn't have a procedure, just show up and get your book signed. I've been to past signings before at other bookstores and that seemed a bit disorganized to me. Unrelenting, I called again late last week and they said that they were going to give tickets and to come early to get a ticket. Fair enough... The day before I called again to confirm that they were indeed going to give tickets and they were available the day of. They confirmed my call and told me to come early as they were giving the tickets out starting at 9am. Well, Jenn W. and I got there around 6PM and we were in group E. No number. Nothing fancy... Just a bookmark with a Sharpie-d E on the bottom. We sat around and waited for Ree to show up. The signing portion was an effing nightmare. There was an employee that had the groups line up throughout the store. Group A was in line and he had Groups ABC and D line up. A wasn't even done and he had EF and G in a line. We stood in the same place for nearly an hour before the line started moving... This was lame and retarded. If they passed out real numbers instead of letter groups, they could get maybe the next 15-20 people in line instead of having people snake through the entire store. We couldn't browse and shop while waiting (cutting down potential revenue) nor could other people who wanted to shop and browse do that since the line of people blocked all the books!!! Oh yeah.. and what was the point in handing out letters when NO ONE CHECKED WHAT LETTER WE WERE!? I probably could have gotten away with sneaking into the A group since no one checked!!! After the big deal that they made about arriving early to get tickets, to get tickets of a certain letter, to hang out to the ticket, aka, PROTECT THAT TICKET WITH YOUR LIFE, it didn't matter in the end!!! This was inefficiency at its finest... Almost made me think that this place was run by our federal government. 1 Star Review for their incompetency. An extra star since I got to meet Ree! read more

Great little bookstore near the Civic Center. I was happy that there was a Peet's next store, so my fiance and I were able to find a couple books to read and then grab some coffee and relax. Great selection, for a small bookstore, of graphic novels. I'm a bit of a nerd, so I was excited to see they had the entire series of "Y:The Last Man". It was also Slow Food Nation weekend, and the table at the front had a large selection of books pertaining to the movement. I was able to pick up "The Omnivore's Dilemma", which turned out to be a great book. I wish that they had more design magazines, but that's just nitpicking. This is a great place for a new book and is very friendly. read more

There's nothing quite like buying long spy novels in anticipation of a lot of waiting, especially when that waiting doesn't materialize. The verdict came in quickly; yet I spent the next couple of months getting through a very interesting, though not very well written, book. Thanks, Books Inc., for giving me that opportunity. You're still clean and well-lighted, and that makes me sad. Couldn't you have dirtied up and let a bulb or two burn out? I love San Francisco mostly because I miss it. read more

A spot of solitude. This is usually just my road of transportation late at nights when I don't want to deal with side streets and in addition, as echoed by most of the Yelpers here, I don't have to deal with tweaked out freaks and violent homeless people. However, one night found me staunchly escorted by W, whose presence usually dissuades all confrontations as well as being accosted for monies. We stepped in here to wait for one of his good friends coming out to SF for the evening. As I tottered around taking my sweet time in purveying the goods, they offered a clean layout of categories as well as decent lighting, although I was a bit disappointed to not be able to find any of my main authors: Pushkin or Sholokhov. In addition to books, they also play host to quite a selection of speakers on a various range of topics. I did, however, found myself wandering over to the anthologies section and delved into one of my fave poets of all time: WH Auden. And I spent most of my time there, standing and reading silently lines that moved me so back in high school. I was there, in that same spot, until I felt someone standing right behind me. W had found me, in my elusive spot of reminiscing and captive thoughts. read more

Books Inc. is terrific little independent bookstore on Van Ness just four blocks from my apartment. Although the store isn't very big they usually have the titles i'm looking for, albeit just one or two copies. Neighbor to a Peet's Coffee, it's great that they let me browse with a drink in hand. I'm also a big fan of their very friendly staff and the frequent buyer program. This review is short and sweet. There isn't a thing I'd change about this store. read more