Although it is true that, as a previous review mentions, its catalogue isn't as deep as it could be - in this day and age of a choice between Chapters/Indigo and Amazon for most book buying, I still give this vendor a 5 star rating. Book prices really don't vary when you're buying new, and given its size, location, and stellar service, I won't ding them for that. The store is in the heart of the downtown area and occupies a large, corner unit. They carry a large selection of calendars and daytimers in addition to the usual best seller books. Their sections include a New Age one as well as the more expected Children's, Canadiana etc. if that helps impress the range of merchandise. We found several books that were not on that list and really appealed to our imagination. The sections are labeled well enough and in good order, decently stocked and re-stocked throughout the day judging by the fact that was what one of the staff was doing while we shopped. I was looking for a specific Atwood title which wasn't on the shelf, but had been before selling out and could be ordered. Being a tourista on this occasion, I had to decline the offer. Speaking of the offer, the staff were all around excellent. One staff overheard me talking about daytimers to my family and politely interjected to assist. No one seems to be carrying 18-month, 2021-22 daytimers that begin in January rather than July, so he couldn't help on that score, but then no other retailer I've been to lately could either so that's also not something I'm going to consider on them. Checking out for the books I did find was very pleasant. The cashing staff was the one who had also offered to find the Atwood title in their catalogue and made a bit of conversation that was relevant and not long, intrusive or pushy - something of an art it seems when dealing with staff who converse with their clients. They'll provide a plain plastic bag or you can buy a cloth one if you want the tourista bag-with-logo part of the shopping experience. I would happily come back on a return trip to Kingston. read more

I owe novel idea a lot. It was here, 20 years ago, that I was I introduced to the fantasto-parodic literature of Sir Terry Pratchett. I needed something to read, you see, on the trips back and forth to my driver's ed class, so I picked up a rather unassuming book called Pyramids. This is not unlike the friend who introduces you to your future spouse. That any independent bookstore has survived 20 years is somewhat miraculous. But Novel Idea has stayed in the same limestone corner location for all that time. It's comforting to come back to Kingston and know that I can visit it and pick up a few things. Now, as a local indy bookstore its catalogue isn't as deep as it could be, but it's pertty darn broad. read more

Novel Idea is a wonderful bookstore. They will order anything you want and call when it arrives. They stayed open during the whole pandemic, and Oscar, the owner, would deliver books himself. I never go anywhere else, and the A word has long been banished read more

Cute little local owned bookstore on the main drag in Kingston. Despite being sort of small, they have a really good selection of fiction, non-fiction and the like. Always fun to pop in and peruse. The staff/employees are also awesome. Very friendly and knowledgeable (whoa! you know who Lefebvre is too! geek out!). If you're on the hunt for something they can also order it for you and get it delivered to the store. They also usually have event listings/posters of community events which is a bonus as well. Please please please stop here before going to Chapters/Indigo. Stop Princess from being converted to an outdoor mall! read more

Probably the only retail bookstore left in Kingston- They have a lot of popular books in stock . Excellent Ontario, and particularly Kingston writing- Also a cool spot for book launches- Seems to be locally owned also, read more

Sometimes a bit pricey, but that's understandable considering they're independently owned. They always have a good selection, and the staff are friendly and let you browse and linger without interruption. read more