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    Curmudgeon Bookseller

    3.5 (18 reviews)
    ModerateBookstores

    Curmudgeon Bookseller Photos

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    Brook H.

    This place is pretty good for a variety of used books, although nothing spectacular. Their space is limited, which may only exacerbate the usual clutter in a store of this type. I noticed they had a large section dedicated to Christian studies, which will please that demographic but may turn off others. Still, they do seem to have a variety of topics to choose from. Their prices aren't that great considering the quality and age of the books. Books that are recent will be sold for almost new price, despite being used. In addition, I saw several old kids books of well-used quality that were being sold for $5 - $10+, probably solely because they were mid-20th century collectibles. Sorry, if I'm buying a stained copy of Curious George for my two year-old, it's worth maybe a buck or two. I'd say take a look if you're in the area and you may find some good deals. Otherwise, if you're looking for a large quantity of very cheap used books, you're better off heading to Second Story in Rockville.

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    2 years ago

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    9 years ago

    This place is a joke for prices on used vinyl. It's actually an affront to common sense.

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    15 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Curmudgeon Bookseller

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    The Book Escape

    The Book Escape

    4.7
    (69 reviews)
    9.6 mi
    $

    I was out and about on a beautiful saturday afternoon and decided I wanted to read in the park,…read moreonly I forgot my kindle at home so I didnt have anything to read. Since I was nearby I thought id pop in and see if they had anything good to read. I ended up not only finding a book for the day but also a book ive been wanting to add to my collection! They have such a large variety of books and everything is laid out so well. Next time i go i plan on picking up a blind bag of books just to see what kind of wanders I find!

    What a charming new and used bookstore in fed hill. I've seen this store for years and years and…read morenever stopped in. But I was in the area checking out a new vintage store and thought I'd pop in. Retail is kind of dying in this area, but book escape was thriving. There were lots of people in there browsing and reading. There's a really cute back area with a mermaid mural and a reading nook. There's a lot of brand new books sold at 15% off, which are among the best sellers list. I thought in this economy - what a steal of a deal that is! The front desk is right around the front corner and the owner seemed nice. There's a huge selection of music in the corner and I thought that for a used bookstore, it was really well organized. It is a little clustered, but overall really bright and airy and lots of books!

    Photos
    The Book Escape
    The front of the store with the free books and records for sale.
    The front of the store with the free books and records for sale.
    Mermaid reading area

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    Mermaid reading area
    Books-A-Million

    Books-A-Million

    3.3
    (23 reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$

    I visited this location with my husband knowing exactly what we were looking for. We browsed for a…read morebit looking for a book that was featured on the BAM website but couldn't find it in what we assumed was the correct location, so I decided to ask an elderly female employee for assistance. When I told her what book I was looking for she said "oh" while rolling her eyes a lead me to it. She handed it to me and started walking away while I was thanking her for her help. I could feel the attitude radiating off of her because of my book choice. I laughed it off and continued to browse a bit more. Eventually we got in line behind another customer. The same elderly woman opened another register to assist the customer in front of us. Naturally we started looking at the products that are in the check out area while we waited. The customer that was in front of us had an issue and left so it was our turn. The elderly woman proceeded to wave over the female customer behind us and she said that we were in front of her. We kindly insisted that she just go ahead and check out and we'll wait for the other employee further down. Then the elderly woman rudely said "come on, put your stuff here" and then decided to tell the customer behind us that the line starts where she's standing and that there should be blinking red lights signally that the line starts there. At that point it was VERY clear that she had an issue with us because of the book we were purchasing and tried to insinuate that we were stupid. Fine, you have a personal opinion but you are at work and are supposed to be providing good customer service regardless of your personal opinions. At no point were we rude or passive aggressive so her attitude was very uncalled for. Feeling done with the situation, I handed her my book and she hurried through our interaction. We kept our cool and were respectful, she asked if we wanted a bag and we declined and then she gave us our receipt and I told her to have a blessed day and once again talked over me. I will not be visiting this location ever again. Thanks Jodi for your terrible customer service.

    Went to this bookstore in Arundel Mills Mall, my son love this spot , I haven't been in a book…read morestore since the Barnes and Nobles in Bowie Town Center, it was nice and spacious, with lots of neat novelties.

    Photos
    Books-A-Million
    Books-A-Million
    Books-A-Million

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    Backwater Books

    Backwater Books

    4.7
    (17 reviews)
    13.6 mi

    I love this bookstore with the tucked away bar upstairs. The selection of books should cover…read morealmost every age and genre. I especially enjoyed the travel and wine centered books. The bar is quaint and cute. Not a vast menu, but it's not needed! Love the local select beers that are available although I opted for the gin cocktail. Very reasonably priced. It's very quiet during the day, quite a few there to read and work in a quiet space and it serves that purpose well. I've also visited in the evening before where a book club meeting was ending and a D&D campaign was beginning and it was quite lively, but still a great vibe. I've had 2 visits now with many more to come. Store workers were super friendly and greeting me upon entering and looking around. Bartender was friendly as well and seemed to enjoy engaging with the guests.

    I stopped in to shop at Backwater Books when I was exploring Old Ellicott City with my husband and…read moresome of his relatives when they were in town. The store was a great surprise. It's larger than I thought it might be - two stories. While not the best stocked bookstore I've ever been to, Backwater offers more than just books. It has a bar upstairs and it's set up for live music as well. It has some great seating for opening a book to read a few pages to see if you want to take it home. The customer service was great as well. Folks in Ellicott City are lucky to have this amazing bookshop. I'll definitely be back in the future (hopefully for a shop, drink, and music next time)!

    Photos
    Release party for Rebecca Yarros' "Iron Flame"! Special drinks for the event!
    Release party for Rebecca Yarros' "Iron Flame"! Special drinks for the event!
    Backwater Books
    Backwater Books

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    Curmudgeon Bookseller - bookstores - Updated August 2026

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