Newtonville Books

I really love this book store and it’s almost impossible for me to walk in here without coming out with something impulsively. Kind of turned off by the fact that with their one stamp per $ 20 you spend incentive, I wasn’t able to get a stamp for spending $ 19! think it’s a little scroogey. And if that is the case with their stringency maybe the girl behind the counter could suggest i add in a $ 1 button at the register to get my stamp :/.

This is a great little bookshop.
At first, I was incredibly confused. The name of the store is Newtonville Books, but it isn’t in Newtonville. Weird huh?
Well anyway, walking in was extremely pleasant. The store is beautiful. Modern, clean, small yet effective. Lots and lots of book throughout the front section, which is all windows looking out to Newton Centre and Langley, and the back is cozy, sweet, with lots of chairs and lots of books. Their was a children’s section off to one side, and lots and lots of gifty items in the front of the store, all not too expensive and great ideas for birthdays or holidays. I will definitely be returning. This is one great, local bookstore, that is cozy & quaint, yet not as overwhelming as the New England Mobile Bookfair. Hidden at the beginning on Langley Road, in Newton Center next to Jumbo Seafood and Walgreens, directly off Centre Street. 5 stars.

I always try to purchase books at local book stores, so I ordered a children’s book through Newtonville Books. I went to pick it up today– and my purchase was under $ 10– so I didn’t know they had a credit/​debit card minimum. The sales person asked if I had cash– I didn’t. I didn’t know they had a minimum to use cards– it wasn’t posted on the website, and I wasn’t informed of this policy when they called to tell me my order was in. If I had known I would have brought cash. The sales person was rude and terse. She said «I will let it go this time– but not again», and some thing to the effect that «we are a small business you know». She didn’t smile once, she didn’t look me in the eye, and she wasn’t at all friendly. I was so disappointed by this experience– I am hoping this is a one time — she was having a bad day. I will try them again, and hope my next experience is better.

I love good small independent bookstores. I needed a book recommendation and the employee spent a good deal of time with me helping me find just the right gift. She really knew the books and gave great descriptions. Another time I went in they didn’t have the particular book I wanted. But they ordered it for me (no charge) and called me 2 days later to tell me it was in.

What a great local bookstore! It’s really cute in here and filled with lots of nice little knickknacks (pretty postcards, mugs, and other small trinkets) in addition to a decent selection of books. I also noticed they have a nice children’s section as well. I highly recommend checking this place out!

Good selection of books in a wide range off topics.. . Customer service is ok but the telephone message for customer service is useless and frustrating — however, it’s wonderful having a bookstore in the middle of Newton and I support them when I can.

I usually love independent book stores, and it saddens me to negatively review a local business, but the customer service here is terrible. At chain stores, they may treat you anonymously, but at least they don’t treat you badly. I’ve had an employee complain that my kids were playing with the children’s books (the horror!) and have had sales clerks be difficult about returns when I had literally just bought the book and changed my mind shortly after. I would say this has all the negatives of an independent book store (high prices), and all the negatives of a chain store (bad service). This store makes me just want to buy books on amazon.

Cozy neighborhood bookstore with a great selection, nice gift suggestions and helpful staff.

Although it has a small selection this is a great independent bookstore! It is tiny but clean and organized with comfy chairs and nice workers who can help you with anything you need! Even though its small I always manage to find something unique and fun to read!

Love their new spot! Although the child area in the old store was quite ample — overall this new location is very nice and bright. Hubby and I peruse and buy a couple of books after a decadent dinner at Jumbo Seafood — nice chillaxed date night!

Gorgeous little shop with a great selection!

this is my neighborhood bookstore. the new space is fresh and they have great bookclubs-​support your local indep bookshop!

I love this little bookstore that I learned about on Unilocal. I can always find something different and interesting to read. Love that they have used books. With everything on the internet these days, it’s really refreshing to find a store like this. Go and browse, it’s so worth it.

Fantastic independent bookstore! It’s not a huge place, so it can’t store as many titles as a Barnes & Nobles, but they have great taste & I can always find what I want there.

I love an independent bookstore. I get so tired of the big name, cookie-​cutter chains.
The owner of this store has never failed to give me spectacular recommendations. The store is very well-​stocked — don’t let the size fool you.
I used to live right down the street. Now I live across the country, and I totally miss it. I visit when I can.
A must-​see.

Independent bookstore with a mellow vibe and nice staff. Small enough to feel comfortable, but large enough to find the perfect book with which to curl up in a leather chair by the fire.
New books are in the main section, and used books in a separate room.
It’s open until 9 p.m. many nights, which is great since the *other* local independent store closes at 7–
Offers quite a few author readings, which I hope to attend at some point.
I found parking without issue at 8 p.m. on a weeknight.

I’ve gone past this bookstore many times and just popped in tonight to pick up a few gifts. The store is small but well-​stocked with excellent displays. The service was friendly, and I even got my books gift-​wrapped for free! I’ll definitely be back — this type of independent bookstore always makes me want to read more and shop on amazon less!

Super independent bookstore. They host great readings by all types of authors and have a terrific childrens program the Lizard’s Tale. Sign up for their weekly email and you can see they variety of events they offer. They had a 10^th anniversary program this weekend with Richard Russo and Tom Perotta reading. My niece loves the summer reading list program and says she once she has read the books I have sent her thru this program she is able to trade them for candy at overnight camp. How’s that for an endorsement?

I’ve been meaning to get to one of their author events for a while. Just another thing I didn’t get around to doing in the Boston area. Went shopping for vacation reading here, found some great stuff.

Mary Cotton just bought this place and every week she sends out a great email newsletter. She’s doing incredible things with the small but expansive bookstore on Walnut St. The Books and Brews series (where you get free wine and beer!) has a great line up for such new, small indie store. I heard Lionel Shriver here in the back room, which makes you feel like you’re in a old French country barn made out of stone… don’t ask just go and see for yourself.
Among other delights, the bathroom is decked out with quick, appropriately placed reading material and the Lizard’s Tale is a great kid’s section, which is really another bookstore of its very own.
She has a community blog linked from the website which has many local event notices as well as literary criticsm and other arty things to do or see or read about.
The collection of signed first editions and the first editions club are also great features.
And finally, book groups can meet here, or you can join the official Newtonville Books book group OR take a one month writing class in fiction/​memoir. It’s a great store and great things are happening, I have no fear that they won’t continue to do so.
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Ms. Cotton’s work and store, so please check it out!