This is a safe haven for those walking around Venice beach!!! When I saw the storefront sign, I got…read moreinstantly excited and dragged my partner in! Hahaha The store is well organized. It's situated behind a restaurant. It is actually quite spacious and has a ton of great books of all genres. A ton of popular, recent books! Loved the environment and how it's a gem tucked away at the beach.

I love this bookstore in Venice Beach. Something about the zines in the section by the front door…read moreand the fact that one of my favorite healing authors books was being displayed prominently when i walked around a corner (so i bought it) made it feel comforting and homey. The people who work there are really knowledgeable. If you're in Venice Beach and get a chance to stop by, check it out. It's the kind of bookstore that makes you want to slow down, wander, and maybe leave with something you didn't know you were looking for.

Sideshow Books is a mess, but I love it. The selection is amazing. They have old books and new…read morebooks. Their prices are fair and the service is just amazing. If you can't find it, they will help you. they likely have it. We so need more real book stores. Sometimes I have to drive pretty far to get to one. You never know what you will find here. We love owner and the entire staff is just super knowledgeable. You will love this place. Don't trip over some of the books. The place is not huge and those books have to go somewhere. I think it is important to support any bookstores still standing. As I have said before soon they will be gone. What a shame.

Amazing selection - tons of treasures! Reasonable value books and so many cool finds. Owner is…read moresuper friendly and the complimentary espresso was such a treat!

I have been dying to come to The Ripped Bodice for so long and my husband had a random weekend off…read moreand decided he would take me. We are coming from San Diego so it was only a 2ish hour drive, we found parking right away which was really nice and I was so so excited to check it out. As soon as you step in you're greeted by such a whimsical display of books and I was instantly obsessed. The bookstore is really large and has so many great options for romance books, ya and some children's books plus tons of bookish merch. It was really hard to choose which book to get, but I ended up getting a paperback of Eldritch by Keri Lake, a magnetic book marker and a tote bag, thank you to my husband for that. I love the little Ripped Bodice tote, instead of a paper bag, they offered a reusable tote for I think $2-5? Which was a fun little souvenier! Also super dog friendly everyone was so sweet to our little Kodi!

I cannot say enough great things about this romance-focused independent bookstore. But here is a…read morevaliant attempt: 1. Expertise -- If you are new to the contemporary romance publishing scene, walk in here and be amazed. There are sooooooo many romance titles under every conceivable subgenre, and the choices are almost endless. But maybe you're looking to expand your list of favorite authors or dipping your toes into romance for the first time, and you feel overwhelmed. Fear not! Walk right up to the friendly staff and just throw out ideas. My friend asked for recommendations of romance that involves: (a) career women who takes care of everyone and needs to prioritize herself; (b) older women with life experience looking for love; (c) romance by black women about black women, just to name a few. The lovely staff member said, "I got you!" and proceeded to walk us around the store to show us her recommendations and share why she loves them. Her passion is infectious! My friend found a stack of books she's excited to read. 2. Creativity -- from the moment you walk in the door, the fanciful and whimsical decor catches your attention and exudes joy and wonder. But don't just admire the flying books all the way to the ceiling or the pink skeleton in a Ripped Bodice t-shirt. You must check out the "water closet" before you go. Trust me on this one. 3. Inclusion -- The Ripped Bodice doesn't just do romance, they do sex-positive, inclusive representation. You'll find curated selections on romance with disability and LGBTQ+ representation, romance by BIPOC authors, non-fiction books about women's sexual health and pleasure, menopause, polyamory, trans bodies, etc. and a gigantic LGBTQ+ rainbow flag made of romance covers. And have I mentioned their monthly stand-up comedy show, which features different comedians who have relatable and funny materials without the mysogynistic cringe. This place is a safe space for people of all genders and sexual orientations. 4. Community -- The spirit of community is everywhere in this amazing bookshop. You see pictures of the sisters who started and own the shop and their family (including kids) on the wall. They have book clubs for fans of historical, fantasy/paranormal, LGBTQ+ romance and more. They have a writing club that reads a book together and discusses what works and what could be better. They have book launches and author talks, including a ton of local authors as well as national phenoms. They attract people from all over and are ultra-local at the same time. And you feel like you belong, no matter who you are. Bonus: the store is in the heart of Culver City. Farmer's market, fancy ice cream, movie theatre, and a cafe that plays soccer all the time... they're all right here. 'Nuf said. Go check them out!!

Upstairs in the Del Ami mall, right next to Macy's department store is the location of this…read moreBook-Off. The main Book-Off is downstairs. This one is their outlet store. Everything in the store is $1! They have tons of used books and movies on CD. Yes, aisles of books, movies, and used games. They also have a display in the middle of the store of anime key chains. They've been here for a while now, but not as much foot traffic upstairs at this mall as downstairs. I rarely come up here, and forgot all about it. Employees are busy stocking the shelves. But they're not too busy to stop and ring you up for your purchase. Parking: Plenty of free, shared, mall parking.

This Book-Off is defined as the clearance Book-Off in the Del Amo Mall. Yes, the Del Amo Mall does…read morehave two separate Book-Off locations. One is over by JCPenney while this one is right next-door to Macy's. The shop is on the upper level of the mall. Thus, you just have to grab the elevator, go to the far side of the mall, and there it is. Once inside, as is the case with all Book-Off locations, you will find tons and tons of books. What's unique about this location is that all of the books are only one dollar. Yes, one dollar. Every book in this store is just one dollar. And, they have some great books. Everything from sought after hardcovers by well-known authors, to tons and tons of paperback books on all subjects. Pretty much any subject, by any author, you're will find something here. Beyond just books, this Book-Off also offers tons of CDs. These CDs are also offered for only one dollar. So, if you're looking to grab some great music, this is an excellent place to do it. Just like the books they offer, they have a vast variety of CDs here. So, you'll really be able to find some great music from every genre of music that you like. Overall, this is a very self-serve style shop. You go in there, you seek out what you're looking for, you go up to the counter, you pay for it, and you're gone. It's a simple as that. Overall, if you're looking for a great book, a good CD, you're probably gonna be able to find it here.

Love, love, love this bookstore. They have a wide selection of used and collectible books -- from…read moreeverything (and I do mean everything) cinema to history, literature, biography, science fiction, and of course, their main specialty, magic. Since I love books, I appreciate their books on books, and they always manage to have some surprises tucked away, like gardening, philosophy, southern California history, and even travel. None of these are your standard issue books, but specially chosen, eclectic and fascinating titles. They also have posters, lobby cards, ephemera and a wide selection of classic and independent film DVDs. Great customer service, fair prices, and they are a fountain of knowledge on their subject areas. If I want to find something special for someone they always know just what to suggest. Do I sound like I'm gushing? Well, I just can't tell you what a pleasure it is to be in a place that still believes in providing a classic secondhand book store experience. Remember when there used to be great used book stores in every city? This is one of the last ones left! Make sure to call ahead, but it's worth it.

I loved discovering a new cool bookstore in Chinatown on my last visit there!…read more If you walk through the Main Plaza, toward the art galleries located on Chung King Rd. , you'll notice A.G. Geiger bookstore on the left side. It's small, cute, cozy, with modern decor and wonderful books on display, mostly photography and art coffee table albums, nice pieces. The merchandise isn't cheap, but the quality is high, they sell some pottery and other art objects around. It's a nice environment to browse their book collection, while listening to cool music in the background (a little bit of Nina Simone as a daily dose is great in my book). So, if you want to splurge, they have a great selection of art books. If you love art and go the Gallery Row in Chinatown, stop by A.G. Geiger bookstore, it won't disappoint.

Great little bookshop that just opened in the heart of Chinatown…read more They are located on Chung King Court on the art gallery side of Chinatown. The shop is full of a unique collection of art orientated books. This shop is a nice addition to the Chinatown art district and a fun place to find that interesting book. Recommended.

A really great used book and record store where you can find a little bit of everything for a…read moredecent price. The inside is literally filled floor to wall with books and records which is a literal dream for a bookstore lover. The owner is also the nicest guy and plays some great tunes while you shop around. Also always available to help you find exactly what you are looking for, and knowledgeable in what he has for sale. We have been 2-3 times now and plan to make this a regular stop in the future!

Total gem on Main Street. It's part bookstore, part record store, part time machine. Smells like…read moreold paper, good vinyl, and pure nostalgia. Rocco, is super helpful and easy to talk to. If you don't see what you're looking for, he'll usually help track it down.

I came here on National Book Lovers Day around 11:30am. I was a little nervous, only because I was…read moredragging my parents along, but to my surprise, they genuinely liked the life-size cardboard cutouts of characters from "Heated Rivalry," "Twilight," and more. We agreed that they were fun and playful. My dad immediately plopped himself down on one of the cozy chairs in the front while my mom and I browsed. I admit, I don't usually read romance because I can't handle spice, but I still found a cool book published just last month, and by a Filipino author, too. I'm excited to read it and hopefully share it with my friends. Speaking of friends, I couldn't resist picking up a bookmark for my purple-loving friend and a sticker for my cat-loving friend. Other "accessories" included cards, totes, journals, charms, and Kindle cases. Overall, it's a cute place with a lot of heart, and I'm curious to come back during the holiday season.

I keep trying to give this bookstore a chance but it fails every single time! It's one of the only…read moreromance books really within the OC area so I try to love it and give it more opportunities but it fails! When I walk in it feels like I'm bothering the employees who work there. No one ever says "Hi" or actively tries to engage, and frankly if I'm looking for something their demeanor doesn't make me want to ask. And this is a sentiment I've seen for all the people I've seen behind the cash wrap. I've gone on days they have authors, and literally they don't even introduce the author, or explain the event happening, you're blatantly ignored! I'd love to love this bookstore so much, social media makes it seems so fun, but it fails, and I can't even say it's because I'm a guy as I've gone in with several girls friends of mine so clearly they just hate shoppers. I rather drive hours to other SoCal bookstores and be pleasantly invited and have a fun moment than drive 10mins to this book shop. It's also nice to see I'm not the only one feeling this way. Definitely please work on your customer service skills.