I accidentally placed an order and asked to cancel immediately. They told me they couldn't because…read morefor the first time in their history they shipped within 24 hours. When I asked why I didn't receive a shipping notification they said that sometimes their system goofs up. 11 days later I get a shipping notification, and checking with the post office they don't have it yet. I contact them and they tell me that due to an unforeseen shipping error, the package that got shipped without a shipping notification has now been returned to them! It's obvious that when they told me the first time they had shipped it they hadn't. No notification, no tracking number, no package headed towards me. That's a far more likely explanation than two rare glitches in a row, one with the shipping notification and a second with the shipping. I will no longer be doing business with this company. They've now lied to me multiple times just to keep the profit from a couple of books.

I ordered a book from Alibris with the total including shipping and tax costing $85. Received the…read morebook yesterday, and promptly contacted Alibris because the book is not as described in the listing. a "Client Services" person named Dhaval Suthar replied that I could return the book, but I would have to pay for return shipping. I replied that since it was their book description that was wrong and misleading, they should have to pay for return postage. I haven't heard from them. This is very poor customer service or client service, or anything they might want to call it.

The Rockridge News is a hyper-local newspaper published monthly, except August. It was founded in…read more1986. I became aware of it when Alan moved to The Point at Rockridge July 1st. He gave me the July issue, which I read w/ interest. He just gave me the October issue, which I am in the midst of reading. The articles are well written and cover Rockridge history, current developments, politics, human interest and other issues, like health and safety. This month's issue has a focus on the 30th anniversary of the Firestorm in 1991, which killed 25 people and destroyed countless homes, particularly in the Oakland Hills. I'm a fan of lyper-local news and have enjoyed reading The Rockridge News. It's delivered and distributed free at The Point and elsewhere in Rockridge. They also offer subscriptions for $20, so presumably it would be delivered to you directly. If you're a Rockridge resident, or have an interest in the area, you can pick up a copy at the library or at businesses or restaurants in the neighborhood, particularly along College Avenue.

Local store with great options, laid-back and friendly owners…read more Good selection of chocolate in there as well Definitely coming back!

This Newsstand is Iconic !!!!!…read more It's been in this location for over 60 or more years !!!! It is the Mecca for Anything in News Media and Print!!! In this Digital Age Of The Internet this is a Rarity!! I remember as a Teenager stopping in and Picking Up a Copy of The Wall Street Journal in my old E Trade and Charles Schwab Days!!! Now I stop by late at night when I am Bored and See what kind of Periodicals they have to read!!! I also stop by when I'm in the Neighborhood and Feeling Sentimental !!!! Lots of Good Memories there of Old Oakland When it was safe to Wander around Downtown Oakland late at night without a Strap ! Service is Friendly but Situational Awareness Oriented!!! For all these reasons!!! This is a Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!!!! I definitely Keep My Pimp Hand Strong !!!

I fell in love with Spectator Books as soon as I walked in!…read more I love that there's a station to leave your water bottles and drinks. I also appreciate that they have masks available if needed and offer them proactively. On top of that, they provide free drug testing kits, like fentanyl test strips -- which is so vital, especially with the spike in fentanyl overdoses and contaminations in recreational substances. It's just really nice to see that kind of care in the community. The range of books is massive -- both new and used. The selection of new books is decent, but the used book selection (and price) is phenomenal. They also have a whimsical collection of bookmarks, stickers, and random stationery, which is super charming. Honestly, it's just a really solid bookstore. The first time I visited, I'm pretty sure I spent like two and a half hours just browsing all the sections I was interested in -- and there were so many. Lots on religion and spirituality, metaphysics, physics, psychology, cookbooks, music, art, fashion -- so many topics that caught my eye. I took my time and walked out with maybe $125 worth of books and oracle cards, which was such a joy. They also have a book exchange policy where you can trade in books for store credit, but you need to make an appointment to do so. The last time I visited was maybe a month ago, but I'm thinking about going again... tomorrow! XD

I was hoping this was going to be like, a half price books situation, but it's more of a local book…read morestore. Huge selection, I am sure it's well organized. A lot of local authors. A nice selection of books in other languages as well. I did hear the employees kind of talking about some of the patrons, but I mean, I work in service, it happens. But maybe talk a little quieter, or wait until there aren't other patrons in the store.

Awesome blind book options! Stick to the one you feel called to, I guarantee it will surprise you.read more

A really good bookstore in Downtown Berkeley!!…read more I came in here looking for a calendar, and ended up browsing through the books. It's a classic old school style bookstore, with very friendly people working here. I didn't spend as much time in here that I wanted to, definitely have to come here again!!

This were martha stewart meets burning man . Actually it's much better than the slop one would get…read morefrom Martha. This mag is inspired and fun. I want to do every project just about every issue. The hubby loves to make rockets, I love to make cowboy chic lamp shades! I especially like how the projects are rated by ease and time.

ReadyMade Magazine is Martha for the hipsters. The first issue I ever read was Issue 16. I…read morelearned how to make a picnic basket/table out of a wooden pallet, use twine and fire to convert a glass bottle into a bell jar, and discovered the rebar group and PARKing Day. The editor's letter made me laugh out loud and I just love the scale of difficulty of projects...it ranges from chimp (easiest) to handyperson complete with toolbelt (most dificult). And the Macgyver Challenge is not to be missed. There are two things that would make ReadyMade even better...1. if the magazine was published more often and 2. if the magazine had an online subscription option so I could read the magazine and save a few trees. Here is a fun little Threadheads episode about ReadyMade http://www.threadbanger.com/episode/THR_20070601 Update: Did they hear my plea to put the mag online? Well maybe. All the projects ever published are now available online.

Adore this bookstore that makes its beliefs known real loudly. Great selection of books to choose…read morefrom for adults and kids. Decent prices on all the books. Always quick to assist you and very friendly.

Excellent curation of books, records, card games…read more Pop in to discover a new find- I enjoyed reading the write ups for new books and recommendations. We walked away this time with a few records!

I love Moon Metro guides. I own copies for Chicago and New York. I'll probably buy one for San…read moreFrancisco this summer because I lost my guide book. The format breaks down neighborhoods into color-coded sections (nightlife, restaurants, and sights are listed with descriptions in the back). These blue books bound with laminated maps are thin enough to fit in my boyfriend's pocket.

PROS: Clean, working escalators, friendly staff. Well stocked. HUGE! Great selection of games and…read morepuzzles!!! They validate your parking in the front during check out! CONS: No seating on the 1st floor. After a day of shopping I wanted to relax with a magazine while my sons checked out the books and other items and there was absolutely nowhere to sit downstairs. I don't know if that is purposeful but it didn't seem to make sense. We did find some cool items to purchase and a card game so that was a plus.

The service was wonderful and the books are great. But, I wish book series were together in the…read moresections of the store to be a little easier for me. However, it is still a nice place.