I came here to pick up a book a few weeks ago, the staff was really nice and helped find everything I 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. read more

DIESEL, A Bookstore - Inside - Bookstores Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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

I was here for Dr Zelana's book signing. Bought a fun card. Lovely courtyard to read books right outside the tiny shop which is packed with great titles. read more

Went for a book singing event. Staff were extremely polite and accommodating to my disability. It's rare to find a business with staff that are this awesome. The book selection is also top notch. If you are in the area I definitely recommend stopping here. read more

I stopped here after eating at a cafe nearby. I'm an avid reader and visit bookstores every time I get a chance. I ended up buying a new fiction novel. The cashier was friendly and even helped us look for a discounted book. If you're ever in the area, I recommend stopping by! read more

DIESEL, A Bookstore - Outside - Bookstores Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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When it comes to bookstores, I'm the easiest date in the world. If I leave without having spent at least a hundred bucks, something is wrong. Diesel is that wrong. I've tried supporting Diesel over the years, but I'm done. Several reasons. The staff are not knowledgeable and generally not particularly engaging. The customer service is nonexistent. I've never encountered anyone who works there who could offer more than whatever was on the New York Times bestseller list that week. Maybe something they'd caught on Fresh Air. No one who wanted to talk, you know, about books. They really don't seem to know much beyond how to work the cash register. The selection is bad. Embarrassingly bad, even for a small space. How can a bookstore not have even one copy of Ulysses on its shelf, for example? No copies of anything by Jon Fosse, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature last month? Regardless of how one feels about the Nobel, not even just on principle? The less said about their mystery and poetry sections, the better. Their return/exchange policy sucks. Five days, for store credit only? When you're competing with, I don't know, AMAZON? Last weekend I bought four books at Diesel (no thanks to the staff). A few days later I cracked one of them and realized it wasn't what I expected. Too bad, I'm stuck with a $30 purchase I don't want. I've tried with this place. For years. But I'm done. The good news is, Barnes & Nobel is coming back to the Santa Monica Promenade soon.... read more

Bad service and notable bad rep in the area for their choice in books. Better to buy online and read reviews beforehand

Diesel is my favorite independent bookstore in Los Angeles. I've been coming here for years to browse or to pick up books I've ordered. The Country Mart is kinda bougie, but I've never gotten that vibe from the staff at Diesel, who are always helpful and well-informed. read more

Came here for an outdoor book event! They had a Q&A and quick reading in the outdoor courtyard and I really liked it! :) There is also an ice cream place a couple of doors down and places to eat or shop. Free parking. I signed up for their events list so I could attend more in the future. Did not even know the book store was here. Staff was nice and friendly. read more

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Awesome Customer Service!! I bought Pixar Inspiration Cards which came with a Pixar Box and Book that has inspired me!! The staff is always very helpful and kind!! I would recommend this place to anyone who loves Books and Cards!! read more

Absolute gem of a place and wonderful staff. If you're in Brentwood Country Mart, definitely stop by this store.

Not a great selection of books amd very little room imside. I don't think I would fo back.

Great bookstore to stock your bookshelf and build your collections. Great for completing a collection too: if they dont have it, they can order it and you can pick it up later -- no advance payment required! Friendly. Small. Cozy. Has all the necessities. Low bookshelves so you don't feel crowded or overwhelmed. Free parking at the lot. read more

Great little bookstore tucked away in the Brentwood Country Mart. Went for a book signing and Q & A session, held in the courtyard, it was very nice. The white haired woman behind the counter was not friendly or cordial, she could use some customer service skills. read more

Okay selection of books, understandable given the small space. The older woman with white hair is always in a bad mood. We need more bookstores- especially on the West side-and people who share enthusiasm about the joy and connection that books can gift us in our lives. I wish that Diesel would hire kinder people who are less preoccupied with their grievance of the day. read more

My first visit was today and it's already a favorite. Due to COVID it is best to call and make an appointment to go in and browse. Other than that it appears to be very limited as far as how many people are in the store at once. The store is small and cozy. But it has a large variety of books. I found two board books for my toddler age daughter and a few poetry ones for myself. The staff is very friendly. One gave me a solid writing book recommendation. It's Located in the Brentwood Market, Parking is free in the lots and metered out front. read more

What a delight it is to visit this quaint store with a wonderful selection of newly released books as well as the classics. I go to this store for my non-fiction selections as well as mystery novels (including Michael Connelly), and while I am here I always find something delightful for my grandchildren (ages 4 years to 9 years). And, of course, my husband always finds something to suit his varied reading interests. The staff is knowledgeable and courteous. And there is one small thing that pleases both my husband and me immensely, and it is that whenever we buy a book at Diesel, the staff always gives us bookmarks. It is a little thing, but it is that kind of service that keeps us coming back ---- also, the staff has ordered books for me in the past, and that works out well. read more

I'm glad the Amazon bookstore recently closed in the Palisades Village. Diesel is a real bookstore. It is a charming little bookshop that I'd recommend people check out. You will find books here that you didn't know existed! read more

Diesel is a sweet little bookshop tucked away in a very nice walking area of Brentwood. I went in and came out with a couple of books from their carefully curated selection. I liked the vibe of the store and the selection. I enjoy going to book stores for browsing and this one did not disappoint. They seemed to have friendly conversations with the locals and regulars. I am neither and strangely they didn't say hi or speak to me at all while I browsed but did seem to say hi to everyone else. (Maybe I have RBF. :) ) Overall, it was a lovely way to spend an hour of my time and I found some nice gems that I wouldn't have found otherwise. I do wish they were friendlier, but on the other hand, most people who visit a book store don't want to be bothered by overly friendly booksellers. read more

I love this bookstore for many reasons. I really like the way the employees give feedback on the books they've read. The store stocks many books that are not available on iBooks, so that is a big plus. The way the store is organized, it is so easy to find exactly what you are looking for. There is a great selection of everything from A to Z! I don't shop in bookstores that often, but this one is definitely worth visiting! read more

I'm partial to independent bookstores. The selection may be smaller, but you can't beat booksellers who carefully curate their collection and know the books they sell. And they're happy to order what you're looking for (or make suggestions of alternatives) if they don't have it on hand. This place may be out of the way for me but I'll most likely be back there anyway. It's that good. read more

Walking in and seeing their collection felt like a kid in fifth grade handing you the last piece of string cheese to peel away. Nothing much to peel away here. One recent visit the three associates I interacted with, were friendly and genuinely seemed to like working there. The next visit, the guy seemed like he was doing me a favor. Working years in service, I've become obsessed with making each guest, customer, client, feel not only welcomed but valued. I try to have little to no expectation for excellent service when I venture out. The second time was just a bad experience. Out of curiosity I looked up the books I had purchased from Diesel on Amazon, and saw I would be paying half the price I spent on all the books, tax and shipping included. Working in service for over 30 years, I always express to new hires, that people remember the experience, not so much what they ate or bought in fine detail. The experience at this bookstore, I've frequented it seven times over the last two years, it has been consistently hit or miss. I only went to support them, knowing I'd be spending double more than often, sometimes triple per book. No more. read more

I love this bookstore! As I was walking in, I saw a display of a new Dr. Seuss book. A lady walking in at the same time started chatting how that was impossible (as Dr. Seuss passed away). However, once we got out of the doorway and into the store, the gentleman working overheard our conversation and said it was in fact Dr. Seuss as many of his written, but previously unpublished books were now being illustrated and published. That was a lovely tidbit for him to share. We perused and I found a large selection of books in every category. The workers were friendly and knowledgeable and the store is so pristine and organized. read more

DIESEL, A Bookstore - I've always liked her. - Bookstores Near Me - Santa Monica, California

My high school boyfriend used to work for a fantastic bookstore in the Palisades that's been closed now for several years. I've thought of it often when mourning the loss of indie bookstores in LA, because until recently, I didn't know of a single other one anywhere on the Westside. I feel like Diesel must be relatively new--I'd definitely been to the Brentwood Country Mart without seeing it not too long ago--and I'm glad it exists. How nice to have access to good ice cream, good chicken, and good books, all in the same place. The Brentwood Country Mart is super fancy, but Diesel feels very welcoming and low-key, a real cozy little place with a strong neighborhood bookstore feel. There are staff recommendations and fun displays highlighting interesting titles, and the fiction selection is pretty solid. Everyone I've spoken to on staff is friendly, and of course, very into books. I came in for an event recently, to interview Ben H. Winters, author of Underground Airlines, which I highly recommend. I go to a lot of book events, but this was my first one at Diesel, and I'm glad that there's a destination like this on the deep Westside--really, the more venues for book events, the better. Diesel's space is outdoors, on a cute little patio, a very pleasant space. I don't go to Brentwood often enough for Diesel to be my go-to bookstore, but I'll always peek in when I find myself at Brentwood Country Mart. It's a charming neighborhood bookstore in a neighborhood that needed one, and I hope it makes tons of money and sticks around. read more

I could have spent all day here but I had to quickly dash out! Hyper kudos to the buyer. Excellent selection of books! read more

DIESEL, A Bookstore - The many books you might want to read. - Bookstores Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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They have everything I need and always give excellent service. It's so nice to be able to support a local book store.

One of the best bookstores anywhere. Great selection, friendly and knowledgeable customer service.

As rare and good to find as a first edition, that's Diesel, A Bookstore, an "independent neighborhood" brick & mortar business, a must visit next time you're at The Brentwood Country Mart https://www.yelp.com/biz/brentwood-country-mart-los-angeles A quick peruse just before Christmas revealed a vast collection on the usual topics with an especially fine selection of children's books as well as greeting cards and unique gift items. Staff couldn't have been nicer and more available. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember the ages of my long lost girlfriend's kids so I nixed getting anything to gift them at our reunion lunch that would have been inappropriate for their current years. Check out Diesel, A Bookstore's website for a variety of in house events - authors read, even an upcoming kid's craft project - plus staff "must read" recommendations. You can even source audiobooks online. http://www.dieselbookstore.com/brentwood-info I'll be back for a more leisurely browse! Park free in The Brentwood Country Mart's lot, valet for a fee, or at a meter on 26th Street or in the surrounding neighborhood but pay close attention to street sweeping and other restrictions signage. read more

Cute bookstore. Charming lay out and warm staff. CONS: no place to sit and read... just sayin... put a bench in or something. read more

I want to feel great after leaving a bookstore, especially after purchasing a book to support a small business. The woman working there wasn't so friendly lol I just sort of wish I spent my money elsewhere. I buy books often. I knew I could have paid half the price on Amazon but chose not to. I knew I could have paid less for the same book at a bookstore just a little bit further out but I chose not to. I chose to buy here and I left sort of sad lolol It's a cute little place but I think I will keep spending my money where I leave feeling happy after (: read more

I love this place! Not only do they have that artistic, literary feel, they create a thoughtful readerly vibe. I spend so much time on the Internet, when I do order a full print book, I always go independent. Due to COVID, I preordered and paid online. Curb side pick-up is available, all I had to do was call and say 'I'm here' when I arrived, and where I was parked. Out in one second, friendly hello and thank you. read more

What a great old-school bookstore! This reminds me of the 90's when independent bookstores dotted the city, and one could go there for good conversation about books, writers, and current events. Yes, it's small and the selection cannot hold that equal to a megastore, but the quality (of the books and people) more than makes up for it. This store also has wonderful events with writers such as readings, panels, and lunches. I'm grateful the westside has this shop. read more

You need to go here if you love books and will never buy from B&N and mourn the loss of Dutton's and Midnight Special

What's great about Diesel is they have regular book signings by new and established authors. Cool enough for a book lover, but there's always the serendipitous fun book to find as well as the one you just got signed. Staff is friendly and helpful. Always a delight to browse here. read more

NOTE: the web site is www.dieselbookstore.com This is a friendly, independent bookstore. They can order ANY book for you to the store for free, so please don't let the small size of the shop deter you. The staff is knowledgeable and laid-back. They'll leave you alone while you browse OR help you find exactly what you're looking for. Their staff recommendation wall has not steered me wrong yet. You might even recognize some familiar faces from Dutton's :-) read more

Recently bought a few books from Diesel Bookstore that were great. The State if Water by Obi Kaufman is excellent. For my son, I bought the book How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum that was on display. Love this bookstore! Always a helpful staff. 5 stars read more

DIESEL, A Bookstore - Great books for my 14 year old. - Bookstores Near Me - Santa Monica, California

So, given the location and the timeframe, comparisons to Dutton's are inevitable. Dutton's, this is not. There was something magical about the floor-to-ceiling aisles of books, the courtyard, and the cafe that could be found at Dutton's. And to be fair, that kind of feel is something that is cultivated over time and Diesel has only been open for a few months. Nevertheless, it is exciting to have a bookstore I can easily bike to from my house and it is independently owned to boot. Of course, it is not as cheap as your Amazon.coms or even your Barnes and Nobles, but it is not expensive either. Their collection is eclectic and does a good job for how small the space is. A welcome addition to the Country Mart. --- Take Big Blue Bus #4. read more

Such a cute book store! If you want to support local bookstores this is a good choice. They have a good selection of books, and an adorable "kids corner". The prices are a bit high, but it's expected for where the store is located (Brentwood country mart). They validate for parking, so you get a few hours free parking in the country mart's lot if you buy something from them. The only downsides of this store are: it's very small, so when it's busy the store feels very crowded, and the staff lately seems to be very snobby, and somewhat pretentious. They haven't always been that way, but lately the warm welcoming they used to have is just not there. Hopefully it changes. read more

A small but well equipped store. The books are well-curated and the staff are helpful. They have cool events throughout each month and has a wonderful community feel. I love buying paperback books so I frequent here every time I visit the Brentwood Country Mart. Things don't cost $$$ here so if you are looking to buy reasonable prices items, come here and splurge! I also bought and love their "Born to Read" t-shirts! So much fun for the book lovers. read more

The book store itself was very nice, but my experience was not great, simply because there were far too many people. I went on a Saturday afternoon - I recommend going at a less busy time. I had to park a quarter of a mile away, and I could barely focus when I was in the store because it was so noisy. That said, it was clean, well stocked, and had a good children's section. They also had small cards written by staff recommending books, which I always think is the hallmark of a good new bookstore. The staff was polite, but not overly friendly. read more