We had a fun time wandering around Winston Smith Books! My stepdaughter and I spent a while browsing the young adult section, and she ended up finding a couple of books she was really excited about. The store has two floors packed with books, so there's always another shelf to check out. It's also in a really cute part of downtown Auburn, which makes it an easy stop if you're spending the day there. I love supporting independent bookstores, and this one is definitely worth popping into if you're in the area. read more

i came here on a whim. i'm from nevada. i saw nevada section that had a book with the UNR mackay statue, i took a picture with the book. the man behind the counter told me that "can i help you find anything" i said "no, im just looking" he said "this isn't a library the books, aren't to be played with" immediately put a bad taste in my mouth. i was taking a photo with the book, i was very interested in buying books but i immediately left. when i first came in i said "i could spend all day inside" and he had a bad attitude. i have never had a bad experience at a used book store. whatever you do don't come here. go to the library because at least they will give you better service then the one i had here. i'm going to address the remarks the owner made. it seems you barley remember me as a customer because when you said "When you first came in, I greeted you in a friendly manner welcoming you to the store" you never greeted us when we came in. we were only asked what we were looking for after i had been in the store for 20 minutes. bad customer service. if you genuinely wanted us to buy something you would be attentive and greeting every customer upon entering. "I perceived this as you playing with my books for entertainment or social media purposes, as I see far too often in my shop." so you're just assuming i wouldnt buy anything??? like you said i was bouncing around excited. i hadn't even seen all there was to see! you assumed i wasn't going to buy anything based off the fact that i wasn't looking at everything??? " Unfortunately, when I see someone taking selfies with books in my shop, the vast majority of the time they do not buy anything, now or ever." it wasn't a selfie... i was taking a picture with the back because i went to UNR and graduated there. when i went to half price books and they had a book from traner middle school no one came up to me to pressure me into purchasing something. "Some books only get a little more oil from the fingers, or slightly more thumbed pages. Others get ruined as they get dropped or crammed carelessly onto the shelf" notice how when you were disrespectful i didn't cram it back on the shelf i put it nicely back on the shelf but you don't want to include that in your response. unfortunately you don't understand the risks with running a bookstore because if you did you'd realized that books get handled and touched. if you're so worried put it behind a glass case so they don't get grabbed... you can't police every person who touches your books. i DID have a desire to purchase from your used bookstore however your attitude turned me away along with multiple other customers who wrote a review just like mine. "Please come with a genuine intention, respecting the books I have worked so hard on and invested so much in to provide them for you to browse" again with the assuming i won't buy anything that is disrespectful. i buy books from all types of stores. i just went to have price books and the money could've spent at your establishment went to someone else. i had intentions of buying from you but genuinely your rude attitude and your rotten response to my review really makes me never want to recommend this business to anyone. you profiled us is what you did. you used personal characteristics i had such as " Unfortunately, when I see someone taking selfies with books in my shop, the vast majority of the time they do not buy anything, now or ever", which you used to predict our behavior. next time put a sign saying if you're not going to buy anything don't come in! anyone looking to buy books in auburn please drive literally anywhere else! if i had known you conduct buisness i would've never step foot inside. support business who support you. some suggestions: grass root books, reno nv 1hr 40mins thistle & nightshade, reno nv 1hr 32mins half price books, citrus heights ca 31mins time tested books, sac ca 45 mins underground books sac, ca 2hrs 54mins read more

Winston Smith Books - bad service over this book. - Bookstores Near Me - Auburn, California

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Great bookstore with 90% used books! Great way to reduce reuse recycle! The owner was a sweet guy who really loves his shop. I bought a couple good books and will definitely go back. The smell and vibe in here just brings you back to an old library, very nostalgic. Great prices. read more

I'm very shocked with the poor reviews that I read herein. I've patronized Winston Smith since James first owned the store back in the early 2000's and have always continued to return here, even after moving away. The quality and choice of stock here is varied, well thought out and extensive, with everything from local Placer County history to cookbooks, science fiction, mysteries, good literature, and rare and collectible firsts. Though I too seek a warm and inviting atmosphere wherever I go, as a fellow collector and passionate bibliophile, I do understand the owner's points of view expressed here. Books themselves are living objects, a link to our past with their own personalities and even "souls" if you will. Respecting such a variety of treasures is not only common sense, it is a requirement when visiting establishments such as this. I also understand in many aspects how hard it is to see folks come into a business, browse, kick the tires and leave without making a purchase. It's very frustrating when you're trying to purchase quality inventory, pay rent, keep your lights on and save a few dollars for your own needs. Though I believe in everyone's open and honest appraisals of their experiences, some of the comments here are a bit mean-spirited. No matter what, Winston Smith is a great and quality used bookstore with wonderful books, curated in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. You need to always make time within your travels, or your day, to stop here and buy that elusive, wonderful literary treasure. I highly recommend Winston Smith! read more

December 18, 2025 This is now update of any comments, if stays, Maestro or Maestra a few notes on the piano if you please, one thousand three hundred seventy four (1,374)! If stays, many of late my FiVE STAR comments are being deleted! I see Inspirational Quotes been deleted so instead one thousand three hundred seventy five it now is one thousand three hundred seventy four! I see about December 3, 2025 that the Owner wrote under my comments! This is a great bookstore! There is even a child section or there is even a children section! Many age groups, from nursery school age to pre teen age! There is a book of Tahoe Tessie, not bad, three dollars fifty cents before tax! Yes I fascinated by this book, when there used be Food Bank in Sparks, Nevada, one of the post cards they sent me was of Tahoe Tessie with his family on I think is call Lake Tahoe. The father sunning himself, the mother and babies swimming in the lake! Wow, so is equivalent to Loch Ness Monster! Again, glad the owner of another store in Auburn sent me here! I highly recommend this bookstore! Ah yes, my previous of this has for USEFUL, FUNNY, COOL total of twenty seven votes! read more

Winston Smith Books - November 8, 2025 Paid maybe August $7.60 with tax by use cash instead $9.00 so many cents not have Crediting Cards! - Bookstores Near Me - Auburn, California

Walked in and was immediately greeted . The ambiance was relaxing and the air smelled of crisp books! The person in charge was very helpful with letting me know where curtain books would be. I could walk around and look at all the books all day if I could lol. I left with four new books & I will definitely be coming back ! read more

Winston Smith Books - Bookstores Near Me - Auburn, California

I've struggled to appreciate this bookstore, which is difficult to say because not only do I LOVE bookstores, I also worked at one for 10 years as I went through high school and college so my loyalty to small independent bookstores is hard to challenge. I have read the comments about the bookstore owner being rude, and I disagree- perhaps a stoic or quirky personality but I too was given his speech about books sleeping and I've heard him say it to others and I find it a gentle way of him asking people to be kind to his most prized possessions. My issue is more around the vibe of the entire experience of walking through the door, shopping, then leaving. I guess you could say I am, like so many others, a conditioned human. The quintessential "ring the bell and the dog salivates" kind of conditioned. I'd like a place to sit, I'd like the room temperature to be mildly cozy (not cold), perhaps some compelling displays of interesting novels, some houseplants or a bookstore cat, I'd like some quiet jazz music to entice me into believing I'm having a moment of indulgence of which I should buy a book as a memory. Anything. But, this bookstore is none of that. I've heard some chit chat about this store being for *real* book enthusiasts who don't need any of that charm to shop. That's fair. This bookstore has a way of sorting out those who want a bookstore shopping experience, and those who need a book and want to get in and out quickly. read more

Incredible selection of books for all ages, very organized. Saw an original "1st Edition" for $24, great value! Still thinking about the book, probably going back very soon. read more

The books were neat but the guy working in there was straight out rude. I was planning on buying a few books but after reading into how the man was speaking to my children absolutely not! We work hard for our money & I would rather take my money elsewhere to someone that has respect for their customers. Harmony books in Nevada city California is an awesome store and the owner is amazing unlike the weirdo that works at Winston. read more

My friend and I are local to Auburn and we purchase books here often. I have been eyeballing this vogue book for my last couple visits and i haven't purchased it because it's 75 bucks. We were looking through it and the owner walks up to us and says "can I teach you something about books?". He said "I like to compare them to old ladies, they are sleeping when they're on the shelf and wake up when you hold them. If you don't have any intention of buying them they prefer to stay sleeping". He also added a comment about how we were lying the book down flat on the table. We understand books are valuable, and we weren't mad he corrected us but insinuating we weren't going to purchase anything was honestly so insulting we just left. He wouldn't talk to a grown man the way he talked to us, it just felt insulting. I'm sorry but if a book is too valuable to hold, why have it out? We are huge book nerds and anyways I'm pretty offended. He has lost my business forever and this is why people go to larger book stores (which I purposely avoid) because we won't get talked down to. I am going to see if I can return my copy of the 48 laws of power I bought from this man I'm so annoyed. read more

The owner was rude to me and my friend. We come here often to purchase books and he just man-splained why we were holding them wrong and insinuating that we weren't going to purchase any. I actually see multiple reviews on how he talks to people and it seems you sleeping old lady comment is rude, even though you thought you were talking nicely. We are really annoyed, because there is no clear signs that give instruction on how to hold your books. I understand your books are expensive, and vintage. But I did not know that laying it down flat on the back would damage it, okay? That seems like a normal thing to do. You need to find a way to communicate to customer's because most of us don't dedicate our lives to books. Honestly all you did was lose 2 customers who loved your store. You could have walked up "Hey ladies, I love that you like my books. I don't mean to interrupt you, but may you please hold it on the back spine?". I also disagree completely that if you aren't looking at purchasing a book to not touch it. Honestly, the smell, texture, and INSIDE information are the whole reason people buy books. IF you do not want someone to touch a valuable book, PUT. A. SIGN. You did NOT need to make me and my friend feel so stupid. Ultimately, we are NOT mad you corrected us, but we ARE mad that you insinuated we weren't going to purchase anything and that you had to give us a 5 minute lecture. I know you can't remember every customer, but we have both bought 3-5 books from you. I just have never been talked down to like this. Very rude. Never coming back. P.S: Whoever is wondering what we were doing, we had a LARGE fashion book layed on a TABLE. We were slowly flipping through the pages. We were not running around, shaking it, throwing it around or anything. There is no possible way I would have known that laying a book flat would damage it. It was too heavy to just hold in our hands. All his responses are "some behaviors are not welcome in our store". We put our water cups on the shelf like the SIGN. said. So, if you don't want people to.. read books.. on a table... maybe.. put a sign up. I have literally never been so offended. PEOPLE. LOOK. AROUND. It's a store. Clearly, you need to change the way you talk to your customers, not everyone is going to pay. In the world of phones, you should just be happy people take the time out of their day to go to a bookstore. Keep the valuable ones locked up in a bag or something. Be better. read more

This book store has a nice selection of unique and meaningful books. The store is wide enough to explore, organized, cozy, friendly, and not overwhelming. We will be back to explore again. read more

Wow. What an incredibly hostile and condescending attitude toward potential customers. If your goal is to make people feel unwelcome in your store, you're absolutely nailing it. The way you talk about "lookie-loos" as if they're some kind of parasites rather than just people who enjoy browsing books is ridiculous. News flash: that's how bookstores work. People browse. They pick up books. They flip through them. That's a normal and expected part of the experience. If you're so concerned about your books being touched, maybe you should just switch to selling sealed boxes instead. Also, your obsession with whether people are "real customers" or just "seeking entertainment" is honestly bizarre. Are you running a bookstore or a high-security archive? If someone finds joy in looking at books, that should be a good thing--because guess what? That's how people decide what they actually want to buy. If you chase away anyone who doesn't instantly hand over cash, you're not protecting your books--you're just alienating potential buyers. And let's talk about this ridiculous gatekeeping of book knowledge. You're mad because someone gets excited and says, "Ooh, look! They have this book!" as if enthusiasm is a crime? The sheer disdain you have for people who love books but might not buy them immediately is astonishing. If you hate book lovers so much, why even run a bookstore? At the end of the day, a bookstore should be a place that welcomes curiosity, fosters excitement about reading, and encourages people to engage with literature--not a place where customers feel like they're walking on eggshells just to avoid angering the owner. Your attitude is the real problem here, not the so-called "lookie-loos." :) read more

Amazing selection of hard-to-find books at reasonable prices. The owner is an oddball but who isn't these days? Go for the books and the prices. read more

The owner or whoever was overseeing the store was very unwelcoming towards my students with disabilities. Made rude comments and it felt like we can't touch anything. Will not go back and I am disappointed that people can be this rude. read more

I've been to this bookstore approximately 6 times in the past four years- and was most recently in about a month ago. There are some things I greatly enjoy here ie: the used book section, and the variety of books. There are a couple things I don't really care for about this shop however, and they outweigh the positive. First is the "credit" policy. If you trade in books and have store credit, this can only be used towards used books. Trade in money cannot be used towards new books. This is the only store I've ever heard of such a policy. The other is the "unevenness" of the gentleman who runs the shop. I have been in the store once when he has been super helpful and cheery, and I have also been in (all the other times) when he has been extremely distracted and seemed not to care to ring up our purchase though we were the only people in the store. I like to shop local, so seeing as how I am the same distance between here and a couple of great book stores in Grass Valley, I have found myself going to GV recently. There are more bookstores to choose from up there, and clerks who will have a pleasant conversation with you and make recommendations of things to read if you ask. Sadly, I now avoid Winston Smith Books. read more

guy is super cool, great selection of books. super quaint and cozy store to buy books i will read in 3 years because i am lazy read more

Winston Smith Books - me - Bookstores Near Me - Auburn, California

It is a great place. I find good books here. The man that works here is friendly. There is a good selection of books.

One of the cleanest, well stocked, organized used book store I've been to. I love the travel ones in NY and LA. But Winston is up there. The owner is passionate and nice. It's unassuming and big. I will definitely be back. I love this place so much that I bought a book just to support them. Can't wait to return with a book list. read more

A diverse selection, new and used. Got a good vibe inside the place. I picked up a collector's edition Bruce Lee book at a good price. I feel like there are a lot of random gems in there. I will definitely visit again when I'm back in town! read more

Winston Smith Books - Bookstores Near Me - Auburn, California

Amazingly huge selection and well organized used books. AC is a treat too on the hot summer days in Auburn. My 2nd time in. It won't disappoint. read more

I love a good used book store! This one has a wide variety and is well organized. Such fun to browse.

Very nice bookstore with somewhat cold service. I get the sense that they're in transition given that, when I asked how long they had been in business, the answer came along with a reference to a "new owner" -- and the guy didn't seem terribly happy about it. I did get Baz a sweet little book there and I would have loved to have browsed for longer. If you like older books in particular, this is your place. read more

Beautiful bookstore! Great selection of books, timeless copies, great mix of new and used. I've come here with friends, and we almost always find multiple copies of books with beautiful covers and reasonable prices. Such a gem! Great customer service! read more

Love this bookstore.....such a jewel of auburn. Great vibe, interesting collection, knowledgeable owner.

I have been a patron of Winston Smith Books for many years and have always left satisfied by the exceptional selection and friendly customer service. Reminding me of the small town charm (pre-gentrification) I grew up around, Winston Smith Books is one of the few enduring establishments in downtown Auburn. There, the books are well-organized by genre, and the knowledgeable shop owner is consistently helpful in finding what you're looking for. Additionally, I find it is refreshing to be able to ask questions and/or for suggestions without being shamed by pretentious book snobbery that I have faced at other small independent book stores. Specifically, I was thrilled to be able to pick up some French philosophy books (en francais) there that I could not find in any brick and mortar stores throughout the Bay Area. read more

My wife recently went here, and reports that James was very helpful in her book quest. I myself have found myself coming here time and time again. James has always given me good literary advice whenever I've been on a used book search. The prices are always fair and reasonable. You can find popular titles mixed among the weird stuff, but they really seem to know about books of all kinds. Shop locally, save globally (or something like that).... read more

My son and I LOVE this bookstore. It's friendly, well lit and a great bargain. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. In particular, James Van Eaton, who is also an author. My son is a voracious reader of sci fi/ fantasy, and Mr. Eaton is always tremendously helpful in helping him pick out some undiscovered treasures. I like to go by there and stock up before we vacation. They don't always have the particular book I might be looking for, but instead do a great job of providing me with a great book that I DIDN'T KNOW I was looking for! This store is a gem of downtown Auburn. read more

I love this place. I never go in without coming out with at least one book. So much. Glen Sewell and Ken Higgins adore the place, too and it's obvious. Thank you, gentlemen. read more

A clean, open, well-organized used bookstore. Prices are moderate, not cheap. It does not have the gigantic selection of Strand Books in NYC, but it is well worth a visit if you like to browse secondhand bookstores. The store is located less than two minutes from the Highway 49 exit off I-80. read more

I LOVE Winston Smith! This is not just any used bookstore, it is spacious, calm, welcoming, simple, well-organized. They have a wide variety of books, some that are obviously rare, some very old, a lot of unique tomes. Books are reasonably priced, and in good condition. Many books that are particular to the Placer area, either about the wildlife or geography, or written by local authors. If they don't have something, they're happy to order it. James is very friendly and helpful; every time my friend and I come in, we end up having a good conversation for ten minutes or so. They are knowledgeable, not only of what they carry, but of the books themselves. It's always a stop to look forward to! read more

Cool bookstore, new and used. And yes, "Winston Smith" is intentionally the name of the character from 1984. The owner says he was thinking about one of the characters from "Fahrenheit 451" since that book is explicitly about books, but none of the names sounded very good. Also I think that would be a jinx, because that story is about BURNING books... read more

A gem of a used bookstore in historic Gold Rush town Auburn- this expansive store boasts two levels of nearly every genre ranging from the obscure to the classics. I picked up The Great Gatsby and an Edgar Cayce book, both reasonably priced. I'll definitely return the next time I'm in the area- the couple running the shop are also friendly & helpful. read more

Winston Smith Books - Bookstores Near Me - Auburn, California

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GREAT PLACE! I loved how timeless it was! Very organized, quite, and prices were definitely reasonable! Perfect place to come during the afternoon and enjoy a good read! read more

Winston Smith Books - Bookstores Near Me - Auburn, California

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Best bookstore ever! The store was bright, clean, organized, and has knowledgeable staff. James was very helpful! Stopped by on a whim while traveling through town, and will make this a regular stop from now on! read more

Winston Smith Books - Bookstores Near Me - Auburn, California

The best used book store in the greater Sacramento area!!! Wonderful selection in aThey boast a fabulously knowledgeable, published author behind the counter who is always ready to help you find that perfect gift for your historian-husband!! This place has the perfect "book store smell" too: a mixture of old books (of course) and wooden floors! Be sure to check out the precious children's section at the back of the store. When you're finished shopping, you can cross the street for lunch or frozen yogurt. It's a regular outing for myself and my children! read more

Great friendly service...compared to almost perfect books well no comparison since amost perfect has rude and unhelpful staff. Great place and the owner is an author as well. read more

I love this place. Their service could not possibly be any better, which always makes shopping more fun. Beyond that, they are the cleanest, most well-organized used bookstore I have ever seen. Every book is on a shelf rather than stacked in precarious piles on the floor. Everything is in order. Nothing is hard to find. There was light. There was room to move around in and then some. It was perfect. There selection can be kind of random (book 7, 8, and 9 of a series, but none of the others) but I always find a good book, even if it's not the one I was looking for. Then we have the prices. BEYOND fair. I was delighted by every aspect of the store, but the prices still surprised me. "Can a book this old, and in this condition, really be so inexpensive?" It seems it can. A book collector's paradise. I live in Rocklin, so I'm not exactly close, but this place is absolutely worth the drive for me. I'll be going back, and soon. read more

I came here hoping against hope to find a few books in a series I am reading. Not only did he have the specific book I was seeking, he had the next several in the series! And I was pleasantly surprised at the price! The store itself is a treasure trove of wonderful books, nicely arranged. The atmosphere is great with old squeaky hardwood floors. And customer services was the best - very friendly and helpful. I will definitely be back. read more

Consistently GREAT service, very good selection, clean, well-lit, a wonderful place to spend a rainy morning or afternoon. Very fair prices -- both in terms of what they charge and what they pay if you are selling your used books. Definitely a business that puts the customer first -- the way it used to be and a wonderful change from usual businesses! read more