Charming bookstore with a large selection of used books, with a back room full of 1960s classics. A…read moregreat place to visit after the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

I visited today to inquire about a book and spoke with the only employee in the store. I asked a…read morecouple of simple questions, but the responses were unexpectedly rude and dismissive. I left immediately based on his attitude. I'm not sure whether he was the owner or an employee, but either way, a little more courtesy and customer service would go a long way.

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.

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

Carpe Diem Fine Books is located in historic Old Monterey and offers a discriminating selection of…read moreout-of-print, signed, and unusual books covering many topics. However, their special emphasis seems to be on the history and literature of California and the West. Art work, maps, and prints are also available. These guys had a small version of their bookstore set up at the recent Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival in Nevada. And to Gayle's light consternation, I spend a fair amount of time browsing and learning from the folks who made the long trip out from Monterey. I'm sure to return to the Mother Store next time....

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.

This shop in the very nice shopping center of Del Monte has a ton of product, but like most comic…read morebook stores, the business is moving away from that business and focusing more on collectible toys. It's a shame because there are so few good stores in this area. I went to all of them today and didn't find one that was a strong comic book store. If you like certain collectibles, you'll find a lot here, but if you're looking for comic books (which this store is listed) then you might be disappointed. SELECTION: Definitely packed full of product but I find that these types of stores in the end don't do well because product that doesn't sell sits on the shelves so long they gather dust. Not focused enough. And the comic wall isn't well stocked. SERVICE: Helpful in explaining why there isn't a lot in stock but too bad because this place has lots of potential. In a waning market this is the most well positioned store to do well. If they only did an ordering service, it would likely solve some of their problems. COST: Reasonable but not exceptional. Instead of going the collectibles route (I would definitely have collectibles but not the fad kind), I would go the comic book / gaming / sports card route. Card collectibles are of high value and take up so very little space. Funkos are great, but to give them shelf space they aren't worth it.

I came in to look for some Poison Ivy comics...and left with a horrible headache and feeling sick…read more The reason being the OVERPOWERING SMELL of mold or mildew that was in the store. Owner definitely has an issue that needs to be resolved immediately. As for the contents of the store, it sadly left a lot to be desired. Comics were not sorted alphabetically on the shelves, older guy sitting behind the counter made it clear he did not want to be bothered, and some of the merchandise was WAY TOO expensive. I understand he has a shop in the Del Monte Shopping Center so renting the space can be pricey, but $30 for a "normal" Funko Pop that isn't a Chase, or special edition, is just plain ridiculous. Hot Topic on the other side of the shopping center had the exact same Funko Pop for $11.90 My partner found a cool Batman graphic novel, but by that point I felt like I was gonna be sick due to the mold smell, so I had to leave. I hope the owner can get their priorities straight, and take care of the store before someone does get sick.

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!

This place does it right ! All the books are in bags in boards current included they protect their…read moreinvestment and yours. Really helpful and friendly staff. Cannot go wrong in here. I highly recommend

Guy working the counter had a slight attitude when i asked about a marvel comic if it had a promo…read moremagic card in it. Apparently only one of the issues had the card, when i asked if they had the issue i was referring too he got snippy with me "dude its right here, it came out like weeks ago"

What a cool shop! Super cool vibes with a ton of Pokémon bulk cards to sort through. Was a last…read moreminute stop on our annual Monterey trip and we were so happy to find this local gem. We will definitely be back with more time to kill looking for more cool cards!

Absolutely amazing experience!! My husband and I came to Sacred 8 for unique Pokemon tattoos. We…read morewere blown away by our experience with every employee at this place! Everyone was extremely kind, very attentive, and made our whole day so memorable! Armando is a great artist and we can't wait to go back again!!