The store is cool. Decent selection. The best part was the guy working the counter. . He just wouldn't answer any questions. A customer asked him if he had any book suggestions and he said something like, I only read off the wall mystery novels, so I really wouldn't have any suggestions. I hear you dude. #jobgoals. I would definitely go back there. I bought Arrival and my friend bought as many sci fi paperbacks as she could fit in one hand. read more

It's a good thing ,in principle,that Pacific Beach has at least one bookstore remaining, but that fact is spoiled by the conspicuous fact that the owners are not as helpful and customer-friendly as you would want. I walked into the shop on my birthday with my sister with it mind to purchase a book or two each . Not large purchases by any means, but purchases all the. Knowing that this was a small business and that might not accept debit or credit cards, I asked the gentleman behind the counter if they accepted cards. "I prefer cash if you have it" he said with a tone that bordered on a sneer, "but I can take a card if I have to." At this point I assumed the gentleman was the owner. This effectively stopped any conversation with him. He picked up one book and let it drop to the counter top, let the second book fall on top of the one he just dropped, told me the price , and took the card from my hand with a tad too much force. More like a yank. The aggressive pull of the card from my hand indicates impatience on the counter man's part. Honestly, I wanted to take the card from him and let him know that I decided to cancel the transaction based both on the clenched contempt in his voice and the annoyed aggression of his body language, but I decided against it. It was my birthday and didn't want to foul it up further with an argument, and I didn't want to make a scene in front of my sister, who was still browsing. As he swiped the card, he aggressively tapped the card on the counter twice, turned it around in his hand and tapped it impatiently twice more. He asked me in a perfunctory manner if I'd like a bag, which I declined. There was a tangible air of anger here; I have been a book seller at various venues through San Diego for thirty plus years and what was emphasized at all the stores was that you DO NOT make the customer feel as if their presence in the store is an convenience to you, the employee. I know where of I speak, since I've worked in nearly all manner of book stores, from corporate chain stores, independent book sellers, used book stores, childrens, technical and university bookstores, and have worked as clerk, buyer, publicist and special event organizer. My experience in bookstores has some depth. I say this only to ask this question, rhetorical as it is: why would someone be in business of selling books if the public he is trying to sell to annoys ,irritates and causes him such obvious discomfort? It is a sad thing to witness, someone who feels trapped by a business they don't seem to take any satisfaction in. My sister came to the counter after me with the books she wanted to buy . As matter of making conversation she began to relate how she had showed up on a Sunday and found that they were closed. The gentleman behind the counter couldn't seem to resist another bit of snark, cutting her off and asking "Didn't you see the big yellow sign saying that we're closed on Sundays?" He went on to say something to the effect that he's at the store all the time and that he has to have a day off sometime during the week. Really, what is with this gentleman, treating two customers in a row as though we showed up just to irritate him? This is not a one time thing , in my experience, as I've been to the store several times over the years, with long lapses between visits, due primarily to the manifestly awful customer service skills I experienced on each of my visits. As is, Pennywise is a small but well selected store with a surprising number of sections and some interesting books to find , buy and read. The problem with Pennywise Books is not selection but attitude, which is bad. The shabby manner with which both my sister and I were treated is sufficient to make one consider purchasing books, even used ones, on the internet. As it goes, the counter man/ owner (?) of this store may indeed be penny wise, but he is observably more than a pound of cranky. For his own health, perhaps he ought to sell the business and locate himself in a remote terrain where the terrors of beach community life won't further stress his weathered wits. For my reading enjoyment, I will go to other bookstores where owners and employees actually like selling books. read more

I love bookstores and I am an avid reader, so when I saw this place driving down the street I decided to stop in. The person at the desk when you walk in (I really hope it's not the owner) had pretty bad customer service skills. Barely looked up to acknowledge I was there and just acted like he really hated every moment of even being there. I oddly got uncomfortable being there just because the person at the front was so unfriendly. So I left and will not be going back anytime soon. read more

The owner is nice enough but was a bit distracted. The exchange rate for used books is not that great and the children's section is very limited. If you are looking for current books or books from popular authors, you will probably find something at Pennywise. read more

Allow me to express my sentiments on Pennywise Books through parable: I miss Blockbuster video. As a kid I would go with my mom and we would find a movie, we would physically pick one out. It was an adventure. There were other people looking for movies; it was an event; it was something I looked forward to with the kind of anticipation few carry into their adult lives. So too, trips to Pennywise are such an enjoyable occasion. It's a good day when I get to pop by to discover what I might find; I look forward to it every time it's a part of the day's agenda and rare, if ever, do I fail to find something really neat there. That's the thing: the selection is curated, by hand, quality over quantity rather than the click-and-mortar model independent booksellers are increasingly adopting (to stay afloat), which, in effect, allows them to sell their books at the highest rate the market will bear. As a result of the way the owner chooses to run his business, I know that not only will I find something good at Pennywise but I also won't have to walk out and reassure myself that "I'm supporting a local, independent business," because I just overpaid for a book. Pennywise is salt of the earth, not a hipster spot for the overprivileged. Call me old-fashioned but I love a place steeped in the soulfulness and principles so often lost in time. My someday kids may not ever get to go to a Blockbuster video but heaven willing they will get to go to a bookstore like Pennywise. Enjoy it folks. Places like this are a rarity. Tip: Don't go there looking for a book, go to find one. Post script: I saw a few people lamenting in their reviews about the owner not being overtly friendly. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that we live in the Starbucks-age of exquisite customer service instilled into the corporate culture that encompasses so many of our shopping experiences. Pennywise Books is not a corporate place and nor do I choose my coffee spots based on the faux, drilled-in friendliness of its baristas. That said, I've been going to Pennywise a decently long time, and while the owner did not embrace me as an old friend the first time I went in, over time I've built a slow but genuine rapport with him, which means way more to me than any "Thank you, come again." The moral is, people are different and if we don't accept the character and complexities of the soul we will end up in a world devoid of it. Maybe this is easier said because I am thirty and no longer need to base my life upon whether I get my daily fill of self-esteem in exchange for the money I spend, but I choose fulfillment over sanitized and marketed pleasure. Very much, perhaps, in the same way a person might choose to run a small quality bookstore for years. read more

Cute store with helpful staff. Not so much to do for toddlers, but they did have a childrens book section and the guy working at the front desk was nice. read more

They have a decent selection for a small used book shop. They only give you a pittance for your books, even if they are new and in demand, so don't expect to actually make much money. But you can find some quirky books here. read more

Good selection, but a bit pricy... the books are half off the cover price, which is good but not great. They didn't have the 2 books I was looking for, but then again no-one ever has used Palahniuk. I did find two other great reads though, and I'll definitely go back. At least PB has one bookstore! read more

Pennywise Books is a paperback book exchange with a dense selection in a small space. Most books are in great shape, and the genres are many. I got myself a few Jack Kerouacs for a few dollars less than the original price, and the books look brand new. read more

I really enjoy going to Pennywise. I am a big fan of the fantasy genre, and there are lots of books to read, but I dont really want to own 100s of books. I go in, buy a series, read it, and take it back, and get a new bunch, sort of like the library with a bigger selection of fantasy. I also buy to keep some books that I really like and/or want to keep on hand for my son when he is old enough to read them. I also get books there for friends to start them on a series that I like. The dollar section has great finds sometimes, and the owner seems stand-offish at first, but if I ever ask him for something specific I dont see on the shelf he always checks the back and often produces the book in question. I think 5 stars for a used book store would be tough, I want to, but there are times when a book I want is popular that they just wont have it. Which is fine, its a used book store not Barnes and Noble. There is a kids section and it is on the back wall. It isn't huge, but my son found a whole series of books that he likes. read more

They charge you half price of the cover for a hard back, shoot I'll sell you all mine for that much that's a rip off ! The library is the way to go! read more

Great new and used bookstore. Books are in great shape and they have a good selection. If you don't see it, ask for it. It may be in the back with the secret stash. Loved riding my bike here on vacation and finding a surprise treasure. Discovered Laura Kightlinger's book written in 2000 "Quick Shots of False Hope" and I loved it. read more

This bookstore is on the small side but it's chock full of good finds. It's well organized, clean and bright and the shop owner was very pleasant to me when I went in. There are a few racks of $1 books outside and the rest inside are 1/2 the cover price; I came away with 4 books for 12 bucks which I think is an excellent deal. The books were also all in very good condition. He prefers if you pay cash but does take credit cards too. I'll definitely be a repeat customer here! read more

My husband found this book store for me. What a gem. Doak was friendly and helpful without hovering. He knows everything! I asked several stupid questions and he didn't blink and eye. I am so impressed with the selection of new, old, classic, and bargain books available. The store is surprisingly clean and well organized. I guess I was expecting more of a thrift shop feel. It really is a very nice bookstore. I'm a fan and I'll be back. Thanks Doak! read more

Perfectly fine place to get used books. I tried selling my books there, all perfect condition & desirable books. The owner wouldn't buy hardly any of them, & didn't pay very much for them. Oh well, I'd rather them be recycled. The owner's a bit cold. But if you want used books.. this place fits the bill. read more

I love Pennywise. A good selection of used books that are almost all in great shape. And they're cheap, too! And you don't have to remember to return them which is my favorite part. read more

Good bookstore that somehow always has something new I am looking for. It is not a big shop, but within biking distance from my girlfriend's place so I stop by every time I visit. read more

Nice little used book store. I go here every time I get a hair cut at Lefty's. Owner is a little unfriendly but can't really knock a used book store these days. Kind of a rare thing, especially in San Diego... read more

I've been going to this bookstore for several years now and it's always my first stop when I am looking for a specific book. Normally I don't find the specific book, but it's always fun to look around anyways! And sometimes I get lucky and then I get to support a local book store and get a great price. I've taken some of my books in and he's pretty picky, but he can obviously only take in what he can sell, so I totally get it. A number of reviews comment on the personality of the owner--it's true, he isn't warm and fuzzy, but he knows what books he has. I kind of make a game out of walking in there and being over the top friendly just to see how long it takes me to break him! Overall, you should go here. read more

This is such a neat bookstore! You can find great prices on books! Everything is well organized, and the employees usually know off hand what they do and do not have. The selection is fantastic. You can also sell or donate old books here for others. It really is a diamond on garnet. I am a fan and look forward to going back to find more books to dive in to! read more

Next best thing to the library! I'm kind of hard on my books (taking them to the beach and the pool, etc) , so library books are out. Pennywise has a great selection and I've found some awesome bestsellers in the $1.00 selection outside! This place makes me feel economically and environmentally responsible to buy and trade in used books! read more

A nice used bookstore. The store itself is small but densely packed so it actually has a huge selection which leans heavily on fiction. They also have the $1 bin on the sidewalk, I check it out every time I walk by. The owner is definitely on the grumpy side but don't let that scare you. He seems to know every book in the store and whether or not he has a title which is pretty amazing considering the selection and that there are no computer in sight on which he checks his inventory. On several occasion I asked him for a book and he always found it for me. All in all a sweet little bookstore which adds charm to Pacific Beach. read more

I like the selection here. I came in looking for books on Buddhism. I enjoyed looking at all the books here. Great small place to get books

Good books selection, the gentleman in the store is extremely rude! I went in to sell and trade some books and for some reasons the guy got upset and almost threw the books back at me. I thanked for his time and left, I'll never return to that place. read more

I have been going to Pennywise for 22 years and love their selection and pricing. The owner is very knowledgeable and friendly. I have found the greatest treasures in this store! He has an amazing science fiction and thriller selection as well as every other category. There is nothing like going to the beach or traveling with a great paperback book! read more

Wish I could give 0 stars. Walked in to a very unfriendly man behind corner. Would of walked out if my 7 year old was not waiting months for me to finally bring him to trade in his books. My son asked 3 questions, my 4 year asked one, he did not answer one of them. He said he would trade 2 of my books that were in perfect shape. Went to trade it for 1 book my son picked out and he still wanted 3 dollars. I told him that's ok we will just keep the books we have. Than he said get the f out of my store and don't even fing come back. I was holding my 2 year old and my 4 and 7 year old by my side and left speechless. No wonder some kids grow up disliking books.. read more

I'm visiting from Oregon and thought I would check out the local used bookstore in Pacific Beach. I love to support local stores, especially bookstores. When I walked in the owner said hello and was friendly but was occupied with customers attempting to sell books. I ended up finding two paperback books but was surprised by the price - $16.50 seems steep for a used bookstore. The store carries a lot of history books and mystery but not much fiction and the store itself is quite small. There were very few newish titles and a quick scan of the shelves revealed that most of the books were older titles. read more

I found some amazing books here including a boxed set of Little House books, the old yellow covers from the 80s. The owner is introverted but not rude. If you get past that, it's a great store that I visit frequently. read more

This place is great for cheap romance novels but if you are looking for a new book go to Costco.

4 stars for the book selection but 2 stars for the "gentleman" who runs the joint. maybe it's me, but if you run a bookstore, you should expect people to ask you for recommendations, and maybe to help your business, you would give recommendations. this guy is so grumpy! he tells you not to ask for any recommendations - it is almost worth visiting to simply see how rude a store owner can be. in a way it is fascinating - he really doesn't care about the customer. at times i went in to simply observe this creature in its natural habitat, and you got to give it to him for consistency - man, woman, even children, anyone that asks for assistance (or a recommendation), is met with the same disinterested, unfriendly, condescending response. so my tip is this: go in and you will find a good book. but make sure you ask the guy for a recommendation though. if enough people do, maybe he will change. that is my recommendation ;) read more