A wide selection of items, with an especially good crystal section. Definitely worth the trip!read more

This review has been a long time in coming…read more Over twenty years ago, I was friendly for several years with Rose, one of the owners, and her daughter Robin, who is still the resident "intuitive reader". I was introduced to them because I was going through a terrible time. Over a period of several years, as my life fell apart, I was repeatedly told by the people who congregated there that everything that was happening to me was due to one or more of the following: - it was something I'd agreed to before I came into this life; - we're here to "learn lessons" and I was failing to learn them; - I was "manifesting" everything that was happening to me, telling the universe it was what I wanted even if I wasn't consciously aware of it; - that God, Spirit or the universe (take your pick) was offering me what I needed, but I wasn't seeing it because I was focused only on what I wanted. In other words, my suffering was my own fault. It was standard New Age fare - puerile rationalizations and psychological counseling without training, qualifications or a license. Moreover, it was relentless, repetitive, went on for years, and I now regard it as a form of abuse. I should have walked away long before I did. When I knew them, the store was a gathering place for numerous psychics, channelers, Wiccans, card readers, energy healers, "shamanic practitioners" and other assorted people who believed they were inherently gifted or just went to a few weekend workshops and considered themselves qualified to do whatever it was they were doing. I tried various New Age healing and interventional modalities; nothing worked, not one piece of information I was given was accurate and not one prediction (from those who made them as part of their practice) came to pass. I was fed a great deal of nonsense while my life continued to spiral downward, despite everything I tried to do to help myself - and while it was spiraling, it always came back to the same thing: I was consistently told that it was all somehow my fault (although they tended to bristle at my use of the word). The people who gathered around that store epitomized the New Age ethos of blaming the victim. I complained about this on a number of occasions, and was at one point told, "It isn't an exact science; it's really like guessing." This was actually said. On another occasion, I was accused of shaking my fist at God. They practice theology the same way they practice therapy - with neither training nor qualifications, and with a belief in their ability to understand complex subjects that doesn't hold up in reality. On several occasions, I said to both Rose and Robin, "If we're here to learn lessons, and the same things keep happening to me repeatedly because I'm somehow not 'getting' those lessons, there has to be a problem with the presentation - because I'm simply not that stupid." This was invariably met with silence. I should also mention that at no point was there ever an apology. If something along the lines of, "We don't know what's going on in your life and we're sorry we can't help you" had been said, I would be much more forgiving. Instead, there was always either silence or a rationalization involving my culpability - again, it was always my fault. It was never that their foundational beliefs were wrong; that was unthinkable. I have to assume the people who post positive reviews here and on Facebook either go there solely for New Age paraphernalia and leave it at that, or if they go for some sort of "spiritual counseling" they're told what they want to hear. The only further contact occurred years after I'd ended the relationships, when I emailed one of them to express my frustration and resentment. Again, there was no apology. The reply was acrimonious, defensive, and of course, blamed me both for their failures and for my own discomfiture. As is typical within that subculture, she took no responsibility for misleading me while emphasizing *my* responsibility. I'm posting this because it's festered within me for two decades. I was given a lot of false hope at a time when I needed genuine answers, and I came out of it with a profound contempt for both the New Age belief system and the subculture that embraces it. If there is anyone else who walked away from that world disgruntled, perhaps they'll read this and realize they aren't alone. On their Facebook page, they describe their business as "a haven of nurturing and healing to those needing physical and spiritual restoration". It was anything but that for me. If you're looking for crystals, jewelry, New Age books (which I think contain nonsense but if that's what you want), Tarot cards, Native American flutes and carvings, etc. - as others have said, they have a very good selection. If you're thinking of going there for any sort of counseling or supernatural intervention (for lack of a better term) - my advice would be to steer clear. Everything these people believe is harmful and misleading inanity.

The workers are truly dedicated to their customers and they will order something for you if you do…read morenot see it on the shelf, it truly was the best bookstore (christian) experience that I've ever had!

Yikes. This place is ti - - ny... and certainly does not look like you'd expect a bookstore to look…read morelike. At first glance I thought I had the wrong place... and that it was closed, until I saw a make sitting as if he'd been relaxing in the chair all day , just waiting for customers. It just looked too shady for me to even get out of my car.. I do wish them the best of luck though.

Love this local bookshop-- a good selection and a knowledgeable, helpful, friendly staff. When they…read moredon't have something, they will order it for you, no problem. It's a local gem.

Great selection of books, although I could not find about 5 titles on my list. Friendly staff. Nice…read moreselection of local subjects (Thoreau, Emerson, etc). I had a lovely time browsing and found some real gems. They have a few tables stocked with recommended titles, I always like that sort of thing. Walked away with a large pile to add to my bedside table!

Great small bookstore. Great, very responsive management…read more Slightly challenging to find located around the corner in the lower floor of an upstairs restaurant.

I love that tiny store located under the Bagel Table in Maynard. It's a store with unique gifts and…read morea dedicated, caring owner.

Athina Bookstore is such an interesting and well-run shop. The selection of used and antiquarian…read morebooks is so varied that you won't miss the lack of new titles (It IS a used bookstore after all!). The prices are reasonable, too! It is my favorite used bookstore to browse -- it's full of unexpected and surprising items that fill every nook and corner: baskets of ephemera; a shelf of antique teacups; a comfy chair to read in...Unfortunately, Sudbury doesn't have much of a town center, so you'll have to walk pretty far or drive along busy Boston Post Road. But Athina Bookstore is definitely worth the visit!

The products in this shop are beautiful. It has a very nice selection of candles, cards, stones,…read morebooks and more. But it definitely needs some music playing. It's so awkwardly quiet and it's been like this every time I've gone in. It would be more enjoyable with music. Soft music or even mediation sounds.

I am so thrilled to have found Hannah and this beautiful shop. I loved all her unique gift ideas in…read moreincluding some fabulous Gronk socks. I think she sold three pair in the time I was visiting. She also carries all these beautiful crystals, books and cards. She also hosts monthly events and workshops. I am excited to attend some of the meditations. Truly a gem in metro-west.

New location! It's in the plaza with a bunch of other stores and lots of parking. Has all your…read morenecessities and more, very modern and clean inside. "Grand opening" celebration next week!

The new store location at Hudson Highland common is very nice. They carry so many choices of gifts,…read morecards, clothing and jewelry. Although I feel like their old location they carried more choices for cards it feels so much smaller now and the cards are just so much more expensive than ever. Staff is nice and friendly with good service.

Small but mighty! Loved the ambience and selection of collectibles. Great customer service.read more

Made another stop into Barrow Bookstore, one of my favorite bookstores of all time today. Whenever…read moreI stop by Concord, I drop in. As usual, I found an outstanding selection of amazing books at great prices. Where else can you find beautiful hardcover books on the fall of Constantinople, Napoleon, and Led Zeppelin, accompanied by peaceful music, courteous staff, and a beautiful day? It's a pleasure shopping at this place. Kudos.