Some stores just pretend to be in business. Example: I went to the Paper Moon Bookstore, in Portland. I was the only customer in the place. Me: Hi. I'm looking for ephemera from the World War II era. Paper Moon Bookstore: Oh, yeah, we have lots of that. Me: Great, can I see it? Paper Moon: Sorry, no. We only sell that through the internet. Me: Is the material here in the store? Paper Moon: Sure. It's in this box. (Reaches out and touches the box.) Me: Could I look through it right here, in front of you? I'll be really careful. Paper Moon: No. Me: Could you look through it, and see if you have any XYZ in it? Paper Moon: No. You'd have to go online. Me: And if I find something online, could I come and pick it up? Paper Moon: No, you'd have to buy it through the mail. Me: But I'm here, with cash. Paper Moon: Shrug. Me: (I went to their website later. There was nothing there. ) read more

Stopped in today for the first time -- and so wish I'd done so sooner! Great little neighborhood bookstore with a very unique selection. My partner and I popped in just to browse and ended up buying about 8 books between us. If you like indie bookstores, you'll enjoy Paper Moon! read more

Ordered a textbook from Paper Moon Books with expedited shipping. It was never received and no tracking was given. After over a week past the supposed delivery dates for expedited shipping I contacted Paper Moon Books twice. First to check the status and when I didn't receive a respond, I then emailed to initiate a refund. STILL NO RESPONSE. I ended up having to contact my bank, provide them the details and they got me my refund. read more

There are many positive aspects of having an online retailer that also has a brick-and-mortar presence. Andrea Drinard, the owner and operator (along with her son and a few volunteers) has run this shop in various places around Portland for at least two decades or more. The store is well-stocked with a generous selection of classics, children's books, Americana, psychology, natural history and a large stock of hardback and paperback fiction. Take your time to browse. It is a small retail space but like all used bookstores, is full of things you might not have even known you wanted or that even existed. I appreciate the fact that it isn't crammed full of merchandise or other distractions, which you can easily get at Powell's. Bookstores like Paper Moon are key components of a community. Showing your face more often and getting to know the bookseller keeps you alive as a customer to Andrea and her small staff. Something might come in from a recent estate purchase or a buyback and may even be set aside for you. She is constantly inputing new items into her online inventory, a slow and never-ending process. There will be discrepancies, if you've been in the book business as long as they have, but most of the time I've just waited a little longer and it was found. As in all transactions in life, be courteous and patient and you'll likely have the same returned to you. When I lived in the neighborhood, visit after visit had me acquiring new and now precious volumes for my bookshelves. I hope you find the same at Paper Moon. read more

Walked in waiting for my laundry to finish drying up the street. Found a text on family systems therapy for school...$5. Holla! I couldn't stay long, which is good. I could easily have stacked books to purchase. read more

I mutter, "This store is dangerous!" The lady behind the counter looks up in alarm. I hurriedly explain that I've only been in the store a few minutes and already have three books I just *have* to have. read more

Pretty cool little bookstore. The lady who ran it was very nice and I asked her some questions and she was very helpful. We chatted for a little while and she was most pleasant. As far as used bookstores go, this is what I consider to be pretty standard, that is: good selection, slightly unorganized until you ask where something is and the savant like qualities of the proprietor never fail to impress, the prices were decent, not the best, not the worst, and just a hint of must. Enough to make you go "ah books"I should think this will become my go-to used book store now. read more

What a find! I feel like I stumbled into a book lovers gold mine. I was referred to this place by a graphic designer friend as I heard there was lots of cool material there to get inspiration from for my design work. The place is overstocked with eclectic ephemera from the turn of the century through the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's 60's on up. Postcards, pamphlets, magazines,all over the place with books stacked everywhere abundantly. Just the right antithesis to contemporary digital society. The owner was warm, super smart, and very cool and I stayed a while longer than intended as we ended up talking and getting to know each other. I could tell this happens to her a lot as she was engaged with another customer when I came in. A real Portland gem! I'll be back! read more

Paper Moon Books is a nice little haven to books of all sorts--lots of rarities and surprises. Like others have mentioned, you're sure to come across something intriguing that you never knew existed if you take the time to trawl through the tomes. It's a quiet shop filled to the brim with books, less organized than larger bookstores in a way that feels really cozy, special and enchanting. Stop in when you have some time to let yourself browse. I rarely go in looking for something in particular and instead let the books call out to me. read more

Wonderful place. Andrea (owner) has created an atmosphere a book lover can't resit. This is not your B&N aesthetic; it's homey, comfortable, and filled to the ceiling with books. Cannot recommend highly enough. read more

I hesitate to give such a poor rating because if you don't have kids this might be a great used book shop. But if you do have children, this review is for you. This book store may have a children's section but the owner does not like children. I, like several others (read the google reviews), had a terrible experience with my children reading the books and having the owner ask me to not let them touch the books. I always shelve the books that my children look at and neither of them have ever ruined a book. I have never had a problem in any other book store. I totally respect that there are places children shouldn't be but don't have a children's section if you don't want children in your store (I mean, she even has board books!). read more

Unfortunately, I am not happy as others. Purchased a book online from Paper Moon through hpb described as "Like New" condition only to find out it was severely defective. One quick glance inside would have revealed inside covers were printed upside down. Very disappointed. I can return, but am out the postage. I would expect a more professional examination of their products and would not do business with them again. read more

Unfortunately, when I went to the store yesterday I discovered it was closed and both the books and shelving had already been removed. Hopefully, they are just moving though there was no sign to that effect. Does anyone know what has happened? It will really be sad to lose this book store. read more

Having read the other reviews, I will say I'm puzzled at the two negative ones, though, come to think of it, anyone could have a bad experience anywhere, I imagine. As for me, I've been frequenting this store since I moved into the neighborhood some four years ago. Love it! There is a remarkable selection of books plus some other charming items (postcards, etc.), and everything at a reasonable price. Both the owner (Andrea, very knowledgeable) and her son, who take turns at the front desk, are warm and welcoming. (FTR, I've been there when folks with kids were also there and there were no problems....) And hey, if you don't see what you want, they'll be happy to order it for you. I definitely recommend this place to others! read more

Ugh, frustrating. Unfriendly and unhelpful staff, dusty and barely-alphabetized stock with hit-and-miss selection, prices do NOT match the low quality. Just not competitive. read more

Not the place to go if you're in a hurry or are only interested in a specific title; however, if you like searching for, and sometimes finding, unexpected treasure/s, this is the place. Another big plus-and for those who need to watch those pennies, the biggest-are the old-fashioned (not like Powell's in other words) used bookstore prices. read more