This bookstore is awesome!! I can't believe I've never been here until now, though I have visited…read morethe Campbell location. First off, I love the political signs posted on the windows, like the "everyone is welcome here except ICE". When I walked in, the store looked exactly like what I've always envisioned a cozy community bookstore to be like--filled to the brim with books and with a lot of character. I came here to sell some books and it was pretty quick--I had probably 20-25 books and the employee finished in less than 10 minutes. As I was waiting for my books, I walked around exploring. I was very impressed with the selection of fiction. There were actually quite a bit of new releases, but also older books and editions that I would likely not find at a corporate bookstore. If I had the time, I'd love to spend 1-2 hours here just browsing. I didn't expect to get much money for my books; I was actually going to donate them and didn't realize that they still buy books, so their offer was ok. I was moreso pleasantly surprised that the employee was so nice lol, and also a little chatty. Honestly the last time I sold books was probably 15-20+ years ago at Half Price Books and I remember they were always pretty rude/standoffish lol. In addition to the service, the atmosphere, and the book selection, the cherry on top for me was that they have a special shelf where you can buy a book there for 50% off for them to donate to the library at Elmwood Correctional Facility at a bit of a loss for the store. I used most of my credit from the books to get a Stephen King book for the library.

I've been visiting this bookstore for over 20 years and I definitely have a love/hate relationship…read morewith this bookstore lol. The Bad: The staff can occasionally come across as a bit unwelcoming, and I personally wish the storefront atmosphere stayed more focused on books and less on outside messaging. They sometimes price popular or trending used books higher than what you'd pay for a brand-new copy elsewhere. The Good: I absolutely love the character of this bookstore. Shelves packed floor to ceiling, creaky wooden floors, stacks of books everywhere, and even a cat roaming around the store it feels like something straight out of a fantasy novel. I've visited countless bookstores, and nothing beats the old vintage feel of this place. They have a great selection of beautiful leather-bound books, plus an excellent fantasy and sci-fi section. I especially love when they put books out in under $6! The prices at this location are better, and this store feels much more like a classic old bookstore. The Campbell location feels more like a modern bookstore, and the prices there can sometimes be higher. At the end of the day, this place is a San Jose landmark and everyone should visit it at least once. Even when I disagree with certain aspects of it, I still keep coming back because it's nostalgic.

A bookstore so lovely, so perfect, the quintessence of what you imagine when you hear the words…read more"fine bookstore." Everything about it is so spot on, the architecture, the lighting, the soft music, and the eclectic selection of books on offer. The owner, Ernest, was present, friendly, and very informative on questions about books as well as the history of the store. The books are unusual and in several cases rare, the prices reflect the value and seemed reasonable. An unusual first edition will be priced higher but in line with its value to bibliophiles. For example I saw a first edition English translation of Pablo Neruda's "Confieso Que He Vivido" autobiography for $50, in beautiful condition. I said the place looks like it should be in a movie, and Ernest replied that it will be soon. I happened upon it by chance, found a parking place in front of it while going somewhere else. But after running that errand I had to check out this lovely oasis of calm and source of fine books. I ended up buying a paperback novel based on life in Tule Lake during the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII, because my father was imprisoned there. I can't imagine finding this tome anywhere else.

I forgot how I found this spot, but I knew I had to put it on my list during our trip to Monterey…read more I love a vintage book store and this shop checked all the boxes. It was carefully curated and has something for everyone. Nothing spoke to me during my visit, but I loved the vintage 1950's mystery paperbacks. Old books have so much character and it's obvious that the shop appreciates and honors the past.

This place is outstanding! It's small, but jam packed with a tremendous variety of books. I go to…read morebookstores to encounter authors and titles I haven't heard of, but I get tired of having to spend an hour wading through the piles of poorly written books that are continually being pumped into the market. At Two Birds, all the work has been done for you. The dross doesn't make it onto their shelves. I spent about 12 minutes, and came away with 6 books worth reading. This is now my favorite bookstore.

This is my favorite bookstore, and I don't even live in the area, but it is a must visit every time…read moreI'm visiting. Gary has the best book recommendations! He has little notes around the bookstore to guide you in the right direction if you are unsure of what to read. The selection is so vast, but if need be, Gary is able to order you a book or at least let you know when the book will be back in stock. The kids section is also so cute. There is a little sectioned off area for the kids that has books at the eye level of children and there are so many options from fun kids books to fun, educational books. And so many pens, stickers, and doodles kids (and kids at heart) also love. There are both new and used books in this bookstore, which is amazing because there are so many recent books that you can get at a deal and the quality is still fantastic! This place is truly a gem and I love to visit, and I already look forward to visiting again.

Delightful independently owned bookstore with a diverse set of options. Most seem to be used or…read moreolder books, and I was able to find one on my list with the help of the owner, whom I admire for his knowledge and commitment to downtown Salinas. Glad I made this a stop during my visit to Salinas!

It was a cloudy Saturday afternoon with scattered showers. After checking out the farmer's market…read moreand having brunch, we decided to stop by here. Lots of new books that were on display that piqued my interested as well as older hardcovers that made me take pause. It was a welcoming space with quotes on the walls from authors, notably Steinbeck. Several customers came in asking for titles which the store managers readily knew about. I was able to ask about Fort Ord, since it was relatively nearby and maps were on display. Being an out-of-towner, I asked Trish the store manager about James Dean and learned about the significance of his last drive. She also gave us some advice to read the first chapter of America and Americans to get a sense of how Monterey was back then. Very informative and lovely conversation.

Coffee shop & bookstore all in one location! My family and…read moreI were visiting from out of town and in search of some coffee. We ordered and iced and hot Mexican mochas and they were delicious! I appreciated them having decaf espresso as an option as well for those of us with caffeine sensitivity. The bookstore in the back had so many options, including kids books! My son had a great time looking at their options while we waiting for our coffee to be made. There was plenty of seating both inside and outside which made it easy for us to snag a spot and enjoy our coffees while enjoying the nice day!

Drinks are okay, not the worst but not the best I've had. My friends who are locals love this place…read moreto work from so that's a plus but the few times I've visited, service was hit or miss. Sometimes they've been lovely and bubbly, but for some reason this one blonde staff member never seems like she actually wants to help. I had some questions on summer specials since "refresher" doesn't tell me much and she kept telling me about other drinks instead and being super short. The whole interaction still only had to have taken 2 min with only one person (who had been there for a bit already and seems local/older) behind me. Yet the minute I paid, even though I apologized for the questions and tipped, she loudly and passive aggressively said "sorry for the wait" to the next person right in front of me and they both laughed right in front of my face. I read the other review of the person who said they'd been here a bunch and usually loved it and then had a bad interaction and are also not like the "usual" demo of PG - I am also a person of color who was made to feel the same way. Such a shame what one bad impression can leave. Multiple comments about this has to be more than a coincidence... I would come back only maybe if this person wasn't working but not going to go out of my way anymore

Very cool and quirky, mostly used bookstore that we visited during a quick kid-free weekend away at…read moreMarina Dunes. I've been into mystery's and thrillers lately and had forgotten a book at home, so I wanted something to read on the beach. This place is packed with books, with an interesting lay out, and a chill vibe. I had a hard time finding specific books on my Goodreads list, but walked away with a classic thriller I've never read "A Simple Plan", and a cozy mystery "The Thursday Murder Club". My husband and I probably spent 90 mins looking at books and the staff left us alone, only asking if we needed help once. The best part...they were having a big sale so both books were under 4 bucks. Definitely worth a visit!

This bookstore has a HUGE collection of various authors and books alike. Went with a group who all…read morehad varying tastes & interests and we each purchased a couple of books. Not only do they have a large selection of books, the staff is very friendly and helpful, but the prices are incredible - best of all, the money earned goes towards a good cause. I will definitely be going back soon!

Great fine books with an emphasis on California, Gold Rush and Western Americana. James is a very…read morerespectable, knowledgeable with a true passion for books of quality. I highly recommend a visit to their website or making an appointment to see their books when you're in Monterey. Awesome!

Great people great service. Great shipping love the book I got…read more Perfect description beautiful bookstore