A Novel Idea Bookstore

Megan Cubbedge

2024-01

Wonderful environment and tons of books! It’s very well organized and has great prices. Saw a lot of reviews where the owner was rude but she was pleasant to both me and my daughter.

brooklynn stpierre

2023-07

i loved it here i had an amazing experience it was my first time ever going to a used book store they have amazing prices at least that’s what i think and amazing picks i’ve seen lots of reviews saying the owner is rude or mean but she was pretty chill tbh the cat was cute and friendly and i’ve seen people say it smells bad in their but it didn’t smell like anything nasty to me i think people just like to get angry when they don’t get their way or get what they want but it was perfect to me.

McKynzie Mullins

2023-08

We love coming here but the owner is always rude. We just try to stay away from her while browsing and try not to make conversation at checkout lol. Other than that, their system for bringing in books and getting credit on your account is worthwhile and they always have a great selection of books every time we come in!

Everything Shih-Tzu

2023-10

The lady who was at this store on two occasions that I visted here, the first leaving some old Grench book and others belongings to my mother in law. I made a purchase that day. A 2nd visit was to look for audio books. I was about to make another purchase when the lady in front of me was asked if she had an account there. Her reply was no and she was interested to know how it worked. She did tell the other customer they weren't accepting books right then, only if you had an account. I asked her why she didn't tell me that 2 weeks prior when I had Mama's books there. She looked at me and said...you have a nice day ma'am you can leave now. That was her answer. I started again to ask her why, and again she cut me off and said you can leave. I would not return to this bookstore if it were the last place on earth. She was rude both times I was there. S was rude both times I was there

Jock McLaughlin

2023-09

I guess zero stars is not an option. I went to this store with the intention of donating some books or trading them for store credit. The books in question were used, but well cared for, hardbacks of all genres. From complete sets of Percy Jackson, Carl Hiaasen and other quality subjects and authors. Upon entering, I indicated that I had some books and was met with a rudely gruff "No. Not interested." This is without even looking at any of the books. I could have had a signed Gutenberg Bible, but she would never have known it. I wasn't sure how to respond to such rudeness. I joked that she might want to put a sign in the window that she was not accepting new material and was met with "I don't have to do anything. It's my store." Well it sure is. And she can keep it. I am thankful that she showed her true personality (think a spot-on Mama Fratelli from The Goonies) so that my books were saved from having to spend one minute in her dungeon. She is as well-suited to run a bookshop as Trunchbull was to run a boarding school. And oddly enough, I think she would agree with me.

Tara Duncan

2023-06

I've had nothing but good experiences here with the other employees NOT THE OWNER. She was rude to me and I asked how her day was ect. I went to go purchase a book that was listed for 4 dollars my total came to 4.28. I do not carry cash on me so my friend checked if she had cash on her. The lady said she wouldn't run my cards because there was a minimum but said she'd do it this time. I POLITELY ASKED if there was a sign posted for my future because I've always loved the store. Will NOT be returning if the owner is there. Rude rude rude ! She refused me service half way through, threw the book to the side and said have a nice day in an awful way.

Nichole Gencarelli

2020-05

I'm absolutely in love! I'm so happy that I found a local book store! I can't wait to spend more time there and look for more books!

Shelly Gaudet

2022-05

I started buying books from them when they first opened. They’ve always provided excellent customer service. When I first started shopping there, my 3 boys were younger-they welcomed them, helped them find books and answered questions from them. I will always be grateful for the way they treated us. They even helped me find a couple of “hard to find” books over the years. My boys are now teens and young adults, they all still love to read and remember the cats! We moved almost 2 hours away so I don’t get to come as much as I would like but every time I come to visit my family, I stop in and try to pick up enough books to read until I can make it back (well until COVID that is). It’s been way too long since my last visit . By far, this is my favorite book store !! I so look forward to coming back. You will not be disappointed in the selection, customer service, price or atmosphere. If you’re lucky enough to live nearby or can visit, make sure you stop in 👍🏻👍🏻

Bill Watson

2022-05

If you love the smell of old used books and cats, this is your place. They sell Used books 📚, so you get out what you put in! Bring a used book or two to trade in for store credit. I have shopped here for many years. Found some real good deals, but once again, if your just buying all the good books and not trading in anything you are "drying up the well". So be considerate of other book collectors, this is a precious resource most people don't have in their area. Family owned and operated, a treat from a bygone era

Natalie Federoff

2023-06

Well organized shop and a very friendly cat!

Peggy Cross

2023-05

Really nice book store. Love that they have logged their books and can let you know if the have it. I got several craft books I was interested in. Staff was very helpful and kind.

Mike Eorgan

2023-09

Went in looking for a fairytale picture book and found 3 for a birthday present! Organized well, displayed so you can find what you're looking for, and reasonable prices!

Terri Cassel

2023-05

I ordered a t-shirt from Amazon that unfortunately came from here! I ordered a size bigger than I usually wear so it would be a little big...when I received it the shirt was way too small! Then when wanting to return it they want me to pay postage AND a 15 percent restock fee...WTH...I would NEVER recommend this place and will review it to Amazon also!!!

Stephen Rang

2021-05

Such a quaint little place! Very comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Great prices, clean and bright, not musty or dank. They even have an adorable store cat, his name is Lord Byron if I recall correctly. Very broad selection, including contemporary, sci-fi, self-help, hobbies, children’s and young adults material, as well as classic literature. You’re sure to find something here!

Susan Zambrotto

2022-05

I go to this bookstore at least once a week. The Ladies that work there are very nice and helpful. All you have to do is ask them if you need help. I don’t understand anyone saying they are rude and that the place smells, it DOES NOT SMELL AND IS KEPT VERY CLEAN AND ORGANIZED!! I guess some people just expect door service when they walk in and when they don’t get it have to be miserable and post untrue bad reviews!! I love this bookstore and the staff and will continue to buy my books there.

A Quinzel

2021-05

Loved the helper cat as you browse for books! Went today and was delightfully surprised by the selection and variety of this cute used books store. It was also very clean and well organized! I ended up leaving with a bag full of books for under $25!! Will definitely go back

Justin Whittington

2022-05

Large selection of books but as another reviewer has said, the smell inside is awful. Smells more like a kennel or pet grooming business than an inviting bookstore. I would wear a mask if you’re going to go in.

Chelsey Curry

2022-05

Place smells AWFUL! They have a very cute cat in the store. But the employee was less than helpful, didn't speak to us at all and just left to the back when we walked in. We needed help finding a specific title and she just ignored us the whole time. Will not be returning, mix of the overwhelming smell and the lack of customer service.

Danielle LeBlanc

2020-05

I am an avid reader and love A Novel Idea. The volume of books offered is exciting. Having a kitty to pet while browsing is relaxing. Then store also offers a credit system to lower the cost of books for those willing to partake in it making books very affordable. The store is family owned and more small businesses should be supported in our community over the big chain conglomerates that see customers as nothing but a sales stat. I would highly recommend this store for any and all book needs.

linda leadingham

2021-05

It’s a wonderful organized and relaxing place to buy books. The owners are very friendly and helpful when looking for a book. If you know what you want they know where to find it. Just don’t bring a potty training toddler! They won’t let them use the bathroom! I’m mad I go here because I love the place and the owners are usually awesome.

MICHELLE KEENAN

2016-05

Too bad this business can't get negative 5 stars. My experience here was horrible! I wouldn't recommend anyone to shop there. It's family owned and the whole family disgusts me. I don't think think any of them know the meaning of customer service. I used to frequently buy my books at this location along with several of my family and friends. I can guarantee me nor anyone I know will ever spend a penny in this place. I simply didn't understand a policy that was not posted nor explained to me so I decided not to sell my books to them and at that time the mother in law of the owners told me never to come back.This place is a rip off if you ask me. I went thier to sale some books. I sold like 8 books and only got $10 store credit. When I saw the lady putting 7 & up to 10 dollar tags on the books I sold. when they give u store credit its only for half of the book price and then you pay cash for other half. Mind you I was polite and respectful the whole time. Also when you go in store it stinks like mangy cats so people with cat allergies be aware. You can smell the cat litter box due to the 3-4 cats that live in the store. The staff is unfriendly. Usually I have to search for someone to even get help with something. The store is a mess and very unorganized. Very cluttered and overpriced on all books. You can go to books a million or Barnes and noble and enjoy a relaxing clean environment because in the end your paying the same prices. Readers beware if you go to this store your in for a scare....and a rip off.

Ryan Manganiello

2019-05

As a book lover, and proud "Mom and Pop" shopper, I can't say enough good things about this little book store. I'm in this place at least once a week, and if you read a lot like I do, the trade-in for store credit will really save you tons of money over the long-run on the books you buy. Oh, and don't worry, If they don't have a book in stock, they'll happily order it for you!

Eli

2019-05

Rudest lady I've ever met in my life. Can't believe she's the owner of the store. Never going back. 600$ of blu ray anime brand new is worth 45$ here, the man that worked during the week kept changing the prices on the computer trying to hide it from me.I saw what they were really worth. At first he offered me 25$ cash, than offered more when I said in-store credit. All I wanted was to trade my books and bluray in for mandarin books I really wanted but, couldn't afford. The lady rudely exclaimed "You can use half your credit towards a purchase, how else do you think we will pay the bills!", than told me to have a great day. I love books, and the idea of going to a used bookstore excited me. Going through this experience has taught me to do business online. I love supporting small bookstores, just not this bookstore.Get a better attitude and maybe people will want to come back. I was going to be a regular customer before treated with such disrespect. Absolutely never again!

Morgan

2023-05

This is hands down my favorite used bookstore in the area. It always feels cozy to sit and browse through books while the cat lounges away on the front counter. Everyone needs a little magic from time to time, and I think this store has that.

Keri Lowman

2023-05

Great, cozy, place, has been in town 16 years! Check it out, there are lots of well-loved books. Support your local bookstore before you check out the BnN. I will be coming here more often myself.

Firebrat1229

2021-05

Not sure if under new ownership or what, but the person I encountered in there was perfectly polite. Also loved the shop cat - so old-school and quaint.Huge inventory and I found the prices reasonable.I’ll be back!

Lisa M.

2014-05

I LOVE this bookstore. I have sold plenty of books here, and they are always fair. I have also purchased plenty of books here. If the book I need is at their other store, they will go get it on their next trip, so that I don't have to make the drive. If I need a book that they don't have, they will attempt to find it.The owners and employees have always been friendly, fair, and willing to go the extra mile for me.

Elise Bobbitt

2019-05

I made an online purchase from a Novel Idea Bookstore and called the store regarding the order status. I was advised by a store employee that I would need to be speak with Michelle, because there was no info available. Called Michelle on Wed. as advised. Conversation got off to a shaky start right away. I stated my reason for calling and advised that I needed to speak with Michelle. "May I help you" was the curt response. When I asked if I was speaking with Michelle, she rudely replied "yes, otherwise I wouldn't have asked if I could help you". I replied that she didn't have to be rude. Without another word, Michelle hung up the phone. I will never deal with the business again. All of the negative reviews I read about her are probably true. She delivers poor customer service. I still don't have a clue as to what happened to my order. Horrible, just horrible. I should just ordered from Barnes and Noble.I wish I could give this review a 0 star rating. :-(UPDATE: For the record I absolutely DID NOT CURSE/SCREAM, ETC.

A. Moore

2013-05

Nice owner run bookstore! Takes the concept of "mom & pop" bookstore to a whole 'nother level. Congrats on a great store! Nice space, 2 cats, chairs to sit on and an amazing selection of used and new books. This Washington, DC visitor is thoroughly impressed. :)

Robert Hurley Jr

2021-05

Went today for the second timeEach time i got a serious spiritual book and a horrifying true crime novel by Phillip Carlo.Perhaps there is a bad smell but thats most bookstores for whatever reason. I have had ppsitive experiences with the lady and cat Bryon each time i went. If you keep a positive atttitude you can properly judge this place: does it have the selection of books u r looking for?