Love, Love, Love This Little Gem of a Bookstore! If you're…read moreanywhere near Manasquan, do yourself a favor and pop into this lovely little bookstore. I found books I absolutely love--some I discovered on my own and others that were personally recommended by the store's fabulous curator, and owner Peter. When I mentioned a book I had recently read and loved--Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin--Peter immediately jumped up, went straight to the bottom shelf, and pointed it out. There was even a handwritten staff recommendation and summary attached to the book. Many of the books throughout the store have these thoughtful mini-reviews, which made browsing feel so personal and engaging. I love the overall vibe of this shop. The selection of gifts is just right: a charming mix of journals, candles, book-themed merchandise, and a few toys--including stuffed animals. I fell in love with a stuffed bear and now I'll have to go back because I didn't purchase him (regret!). If you have the time, I highly recommend setting some aside to slowly explore the shelves, stacks, and cozy nooks of this beautifully curated bookstore. It's an absolute delight

Booktowne is such a gem. It's not only a gorgeous shop filled with amazing books, but also a…read moretreasure trove of unique gifts that make it the perfect place to shop for readers and nonreaders alike. What really sets them apart, though, is their kindness. My son, who has special needs, needed help with a project, and the staff at Booktowne volunteered their time to work with him. They were so kind and patient--we'll never forget it. This is the kind of business our community needs. So stop clicking "Buy Now" on Amazon and head to Booktowne Manasquan instead. You'll walk out with something great and know your money is supporting a generous, caring local business.

Independent book stores are few and far between. Thunder Road Books recently opened their newly…read morerenovated location in the heart of Spring Lake. The store has a nice selection of best sellers, kids books, and event offerings. The staff and manager are friendly and happy to be there. I was recently introduced to Thunder Road when they sponsored an event for one of my favorite authors. Take a look at their website for upcoming events.

SPRING LAKE: an independent book shop right near the lake, Thunder Road Books has a nice selection…read moreof best sellers and kids books, gifts, and events, all managed by a friendly staff who are excited to help you find your next read. Friendly and leashed dogs are allowed to shop with you and there is a doggie water bowl out front of the store. It was fun to browse the shelves and Brie really enjoyed the Science Fiction section. Check out their website and social media for upcoming events.

Considering there are not many large-format retail book stores left (I think B&N is really the only…read moreone), and just in general not as many book stores nowadays, I usually try to swing into one when I'm close by. You never know what you'll find or learn, which is part of the precious experience of exploring a book store. Also book stores have in some ways replaced stationary stores which used to be more common when people actually wrote physical notes/letters/cards to each other. (In some ways that's good to produce less paper waste, though that's an all together different conversation for a different time). Anyways, this is a fairly large B&N, with book categorized by subjects in each section. They have a good-sized children's section and aside from books and stationary, they carry games, toys, some manga and comics as well. Their periodicals section is unparalleled in today's digital age, so always interesting to peruse these for something different. The Starbucks inside is considered a separate entity from other regular SBs so you can't use your SB card or rewards here. Employees seemed to be helpful tho I didn't have much interaction tbh. Overall the store was very organized and clean, I wished I had a little more time to spend here!

Rudest employees. I will never be back. The way two employees treated me for asking a question was…read moreinsanely disrespectful.

This is an amazing shop with books, gadgets, home goods, toys and lots of gift ideas. I loved the…read moretable of banned books complete with bookmarks leveling why each book was banned. It's a sad situation but I'm glad this store is educating its visitors this way. I bought a kaleidoscope and some mini pinball machines.

First off I just want to point out that I am an actual customer, as you can see from my receipt. I…read moredidn't just look in the storefront window & make a stupid judgment based on the books that were on display. One reviewer claimed they are purveyors of "anti-white, communist propaganda" based on some popular bestselling books he saw in the front window. But all I saw when I went there were Hoda Kotb books. And I don't believe Hoda to be anti-white or communist. If he bothered to go inside he would have noticed that books make only a fraction of Comfort Zone's merchandise. Most of the store is stocked with lovely-smelling soaps, candles, beauty products, etc., not to mention jewelry & souvenir shirts. Comfort Zone is a cute, quaint, local shop that sells a wide variety of quality goods. The staff is super friendly. I e-mailed them to see if they had a specific apron in stock, which they did. I got a prompt callback saying they were holding it for me at the store. I'll definitely be back. I encourage you to visit. And if you don't like the books on display in their window (whether it be Hoda Kotb, Bob Woodward or Robin DiAngelo, just keep walking.

service was good, selection was ok. The reason I gave this a 1 star is because when I fist walked…read moreup to the first set of book shelves which was loaded with childrens books, there was no sign about the cost of them. Maybe there was and I missed it? This "bookstore " is in the Collingswood flea market so I understand and enough said. However, I bought 8 ( on was a set of 4 small, thin books in a sleeve) 8 childrens books that cost me 15.00 dollar. I was shocked but I didn't say anything. I should have asked how much each was I think, so my bad. I then took a look at the little alcove he has with all kinds of books that were well arranged. There I saw a sign that said 5.00 for each book. Now, there were hardbacks in really good shape, there were trade paperbacks in really good shape mostly, and then there were mass paperbacks. I'm found one hardcover that I really wanted and one trade paperback. I realized that I could buy both online at thriftbooks for most like less with no shipping cos, so I left. Maybe consider doing a price scale? if I hadn't just paid 15.00 for 8 children's books that I will be setting outside on Halloween for kids hat either can't have candy or would just like a fun book for free, I probably would have bought the books I wanted. Instead I left and I won be back.

My sister and I went on a quest to find a good used book store and we found a great one. The Wolf…read moreand The Kron was fantastic i came with a long wish list and easily found 5 titles i wanted. The store owner was incredibly knowlegable and helped me find additional authors I never even heard of. My sister found a pile of equaly desired titles she wanted in a completly different genra. I highly reccomed this book store

So bummed this place closed, was an inclusive and diverse selection of books. I wish I had known…read morewhen they would close the physical shop so I could have bought some more books. (I swung by in person just to double check and they have a closed sign on the door). Hope they can reopen in a different space, safe spaces like this are much needed in the community.

Today Lorraine (my stuffed animal) and I went here for the 1st time and we loved it. The ambience…read morein here was great for someone like me (I'm a leftist). Forget about those big box bookstores (we all know what I'm talking about) this place is where you outta go to get your books.