My Review of the Book Crook: Waiting 48 Years to Leave This Google Review. On my 13th birthday decades ago, my parents opened a small new-and-used bookstore called The Book Trading Post here in the Atlanta area. They ran it successfully for 12 years. My father had connected with Alex, the owner of the original Book Nook on or near North Decatur/Clairmont, who promised a great variety of around 30,000 books. What arrived instead were massive duplicates -- 30 to 50 copies of the same titles. It was a horrible, upsetting experience that stayed with my father. At the time I was 13 and didn't really know what it all meant -- I just knew he was upset. My father passed in 1981 after chemotherapy and radiation at Emory. Recently, I brought in a large personal collection to the current Book Nook Decatur location -- over 130 albums plus many books, including rare 1940s-1960s sci-fi classics and a signed copy of Miracle in Atlanta. As a longtime collector of coins, books, comics, historic color brochures, and more, I knew the value easily exceeded $500, likely more. I first spoke with the manager on March 25th of this year. He gave a standard percentage quote and left a message. When I returned on March 27th to collect payment, I received just $70. They kept all the books -- which filled the entire counter on the right when you walk in -- and roughly half the albums. I left with two small suitcases. Walking around the store afterward, I saw their selling prices and realized they stand to make a substantial profit. I spoke with the manager (Doogie, like Doogie Howser from the 1980s show) and then with an employee named Scott, who has been there for years. I shared some of this backstory. Scott was pretend friendly and even suggested I didn't really need to write a bad review. That conversation left me feeling extremely uncomfortable, and that discomfort is exactly why I decided to write this review now. The owner is very old (likely in his late 80s or early 90s) and does not come into the store. I felt the manager was dishonest in the way the offer and process were handled. It all felt like history repeating itself in the worst way -- like a scene from Red Dawn: "Avenge me." In the end, I just took the money to be done with it. This isn't just about one low payout. Most people don't know the old story of The Book Trading Post and that first disappointing deal with the Book Nook. Now the full 48-year circle -- from my parents' store in the 1970s to today -- is part of the public record. If you have anything of real value (books, albums, collectibles), think carefully before bringing it here. Get your own realistic expectations and consider other options. P.S. For comedy purposes, I've officially renamed this place The Book Crook. read more

Book Nook - An employee named Scott - Bookstores Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

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We have not been here in a long time. This is a fun place you could get lost in. They have everything a collector could ever want: books, comics, DVDs, LPs, toys and more. I overheard someone say, "This place is huge" and it is. It is much bigger than you think when you see it from the outside. There are so many twists and turns to explore. We took our time and wandered around. You can easily lose track of time. There are a few staff members up front that will help with any questions. They don't have an itemized inventory but they can point you in the right direction. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

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The people at the front were very nice and joked around with us. Got some little old figurines and CDs. The CDs prices are not the greatest around but the books and toys seem well priced. Very nerdy vibe and you could spend forever browsing. It's nostalgic in there. The other reviews saying the place is kinda disorganized are correct. I didn't think it unsanitary, though. Probably a good place to hit if you're a geeky collector of something niche... but I'm not that cool, all I have is my CDs. Thanks guys! read more

Book Nook - My bf got Muse+Katy Perry. I got Flood & yay, 1st time I found a used Wombats record! We have no idea what Gravitron is. - Bookstores Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

The only reason I give this place two stars is because they clearly have a massive selection of books. Seems like they've been around for a very long time and have amassed an impressive collection throughout the years. The reason why they couldn't get more than two stars is because the store is an absolute mess. The front is somewhat organized, but the deeper you get into the store, the more chaotic it is. Books thrown around everywhere, no rhyme or reason to the way books are shelved, books leaning in ways that damages them. I noticed this especially in the comic book and graphic novel section, where there were trade, paperbacks beam bent out of shape by leaning rows of books. Tenders the cleanliness of the place. Especially in the comic book area. The floors were absolutely filthy. I'm not talking about staying here and there. I'm talking about deep dirt in the carpet and pieces of debris thrown all over the floor. This was all over the place. The staff was not welcoming at all. I saw somebody come inside and ask if they had a particular book and one of the attendance just responded with "I wouldn't be able to tell you if we have that book but you can try searching in such and such section," which, of course was the only thing he could've possibly responded given how chaotic the place was. I'm sure that people who are local and can spend hours in there, browsing through the chaos are you able to find some gems. But if you're a casual visitor to the store, good luck trying to find anything. read more

This store was good as far as having a lot of good movies , cd's and etc but the upkeep and the cleanliness is a BIG CONCERN! The customer service was very great , the young lady was very nice but I don't understand why the store was so dirty and the bathroom ! We could definitely tell that cleaning is not a part of the daily concern. We really like this place and would love to return and also tell others about it but please CLEAN UP!!!!!!! This should NEVER be a option I'm so grossed out by it all but I'm also happy about the merchandise that they carry , just keeping it Real read more

Really amazing selection, great staff and terrific prices. If I were designing a used bookstore it would be exactly like this

This is strictly use books and practically anything else you're looking for. Except it's hard to find things they do try their hardest to put it in categories but after that you're on your own, the place is huge and they have 1 million CDs and DVDs I wish they had a few more newer books, A section with books that just came in that are hot off. The press would be a nice addition. The people that work there try to be helpful and they're super nice and I love the fact that they even put in a few chairs so you can sit down . We did still managed to find about five or six books so all in all it was a good deal. read more

Great selection of used books, a wonderful place to wander around in and get lost. The organization is a little haphazard which is annoying for a search for a specific book but is still good fun. There's no music playing and the shelves provide insulation, so it's nice and peaceful. Price was excellent, I got two hardbacks and two paperbacks for $21. Service at checkout was efficient and not unfriendly, but it was very short so I don't have much to say. There are several parking spots around the store, but not of a ton of them so it may sometimes be a bit of a walk. read more

So much potential to be the large used bookstore Atlanta desperately needs but the store is disgusting and their trade policy is so stingy it's not worth trying to trade with them. Also overpriced and disorganized. read more

I went here today for the first time. I thought it was really cool. Very big store. I was greeted immediately and the two workers appeared to be friendly. I like how the store was organized. I definitely see myself coming back and just strolling down each aisle looking at books. read more

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I try not to shop here anymore because of the staff mostly. I always want to but then I actually come in and interact with their rude staff who just sit around the front desk and talk shit about the customers. I do like their selection but you can never find anything in this store. The organization is weird and I'm too scared to ask the staff for help cause they are so passive aggressive and rude. Most awkward people I've ever met. But my last visit was my last straw. This awkward kid was trying to ask them a question and crack a joke. The kid was very socially awkward but harmless. The bigger man with short white hair and glasses sitting at the desk was kind of rude to his face until he finally left. I took out my headphone to see what he would say after the kid walked out the door. It took him all of two seconds to start making fun of the kid and giving himself a Pat on the back for "trying to be nice". Him and all the other employees sitting behind the counter just talked about how people who go to bookstores are too awkward to function. And how hard it is to have to interact with them. It really rubbed me the wrong way. I found the movie I wanted but then just looked it up on Amazon, saw it was available, and decided to just leave and not give them my business. I was REALLY hoping they would just let him leave and move on. But they had to speak badly about a fellow customer SO LOUDLY that everyone could hear. No respect. So unprofessional. If you are one of the "bookstore customers who can't interact socially" I would not go here. Unless you want to have to interact with a man who thinks you're a loser. And it won't be a quick interaction either. Cause it's a whole damn thing for them to find your product and run your card on their ancient machine. read more

Great selection and amiable staff. Was able to find some good religious texts and some classics

Fantastic place. I was looking for coffee table books to decorate with and left with an armful!

The employee Amari or Amouri was so helpful. I ran into a dead batter while in the parking lot & I asked if anyone could assist me. He was so kind & I really appreciated that. I hope the owner sees this. Stellar young man! read more

I'm a second generation Decatur resident who grew up near Toco Hills and my earliest memory of going to Book Nook was with my family in 1985 when I was 7 years old . Back then it was at a different location, a little further down Clairmont Rd. It was paradise to a family of readers as there was something for everyone. We would all separate and wander the aisles of our choice then meet up later. My mother loved contemporary fiction, my brother was a die hard Sci-Fi fan and I would look at comic books. I no longer live in Decatur but my mother does and I still stop by and visit when I'm in the area. They have a huge book selection with great prices and an assortment of gifts. They have a new book section if used books are not your thing. They also buy books and comics that you can cash out for a little money or get a much larger store credit. It's a great place with a long history of helping Decatur residents find books they love at a good price. Please try and shop here as much you can. Gems like this are fewer every year. read more

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Really nice people. And good value for old Nintendo collectibles. Tons of good stuff.

I don't know if they've moved - but in the mid-80's I loved this store. I bought half my record collection here. Huge selection. I didn't get to visit it last summer when I visited Atlanta - but will this summer. read more

This was my first visit and first time selling books to Book Nook. My first reaction was how pleasant the staff was - they were nice and knowledgeable. It took about 10-15 minutes for them to review my books and they accepted all but a few. I opted for store credit (support local), but cash is also an option. While they reviewed my books I wandered around and was surprised by how it kept going. They have a wide variety of books available. I'd definitely recommend checking out Book Nook for all your book buying or selling needs! read more

Came here on a Sunday afternoon to an empty bookstore, and was super ecstatic! I had the entire store to myself. I didn't have any set expectations for this bookstore, but it truly is a hidden gem. Many of the books here are classics, but they have a wide range of genres and great priced books! If you are running low on time, save this stop for a day when you have lots of time to browse, as you'll need it. I ended up buying 5 books for $30! The books were in great condition, and I was shocked to find how little the books were being sold for. The employees leave you alone while you browse, which makes the whole experience that more intimate. I'll definitely be stopping back! read more

Book Nook - Books from Book Nook! Great finds for only $30! - Bookstores Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

Just sold my entire CD collection to these folks and it couldn't have been a better experience. The staff was kind and helpful. I left feeling good about the price I got and now someone else can enjoy. read more

I love the Book Nook! I mean, how can you not love the Book Nook? In a world of big-box solutions with heavy marketing campaigns and too much hype wrapped around some celebrity best-seller list, Book Nook remains a haven for bibliophiles, geeks, gamers, and collectors. Prices are good. I mean, yeah, these are used books. And they'll do trade-ins on a wide variety of things. But not everything in here is "used." Take the comics section, for instance. And you're surrounded by a wide variety of toys and collectibles. I even saw some Hogans Heroes collectibles last time I was there. Music? They got you covered. There's a ton of CD's, vinyl, and box sets. There is simply so much stuff flowing through these doors, that the store seems disorganized. Like maybe they need a day just to get collected and put everything in its proper place on a shelf. But you're generally not going to have a problem finding what you need. And the friendly folks behind the counter are there to help. read more

Unique atmosphere. Labyrinthine stacks of used books that go on forever. A cool selection of pop culture collectibles and toys as well.

Interesting book store with lot of odd books. I have both purchased and sold to store. Some cryptic calculation is done when books/ dvds are bought. I sold 8 hardbacks and 10 sealed dvds for 9.00. Won't be going back. Rather Goodwill have. Clerk could not explain basics of calculation. Recommended store for people watching. read more

I am in love with this place! Staff is eager to help with whatever you need or looking for. The atmosphere is great. I could stay all day, perusing the shelves. I never walk out with just one book. read more

This place has rude help and bad vinyl values with records overpriced and in bad shape. Store feels and looks dirty and needs major deep cleaning read more

Was a really nice store with friendly employees. With a variety of items varying from comics,CD, manga and more. I found a neat avatar the last air bender cloth mat! So I'm sure if you give it a look you'll find something you would enjoy. read more

I was not impressed by this place, at least with regard to vinyl records. As an out-of-town visitor, it was recommended to me by an acquaintance. I had visited the two vinyl shops in Little Five Points several days earlier. I went a good distance out of my way to visit Book Nook. Bottom line: I did not find anything that appealed to me. At all. I found a few (very few) LP's that I might have been interested in had the quality been good. But none was in decent shape. They just didn't have that much selection which probably explains why it's not called Record Nook. I also thought that albums were poorly organized and not alphabetized well at all. They had a sign which said, "Ask us about our collector records." So I did. I was given a small box (perhaps 40-50 records) to look through. I found exactly two that interested me. Both were grossly overpriced. One was a sealed ELO "Face the Music" (good album). But it was $175. For a sealed "Wish You Were Here" or an early "In the Court of the Crimson King", I could see $175. For ELO...nope. But that's just me. At any rate, I was out of there in less than a half hour. Perhaps it is the place to go for printed materials. But for vinyl (vintage rock, anyway), save yourself a trip. read more

A very cool mom and pop store with a large selection of used books . The genre's range from science fiction, reference, fiction, romance, and more. Pros: BOOKS! Everywhere! DVD's, VHS, and music too! They have small new book section. Regular price. The staff is SUPER friendly and helpful. Cons: The prices are not that cheap. They charge 60% of the cover price, regardless of condition. Meaning, you are more likely to get a better deal on Amazon. The books are not very organized. Some are even in piles. All in all it is worth a stroll through to see if you can find something you like. Especially to support a small business. Wear: Spectacles and a watch on a chain. read more

My favorite used bookstore in the Atlanta area. Their sci-fi and history sections are extensive. They probably owe me wages, though. A couple of years ago, when I was on occasional painkillers, I took to killing time in Book Nook. I'm not OCD (much), but I do get annoyed by books that are stacked up in piles, in the wrong section, or otherwise messed up. So, I would spend like an hour re-shelving the history section. I did that five or six times. Like I said, my favorite used book store. read more

If you're a fan of books and/or comics you really shouldn't pass on visiting this fantastic (mostly) used-book store. The Book Nook has been providing great-books-at-reader-prices for many, many years. I remember the first time I entered their previous Clairmont store I was really blown away - I do miss that old store. The new seems a bit more cramped but that just may be due to the inevitable changes in the way the merchandise now sells. The Book Nook has a great combination of paper media and DVD/Blueray media - there's also a fairly large comics section - this is all good. The books themselves, and especially the Science Fiction (where I tend to spend my time) has a great depth in most titles and authors - as with any used book store the inventory can vary greatly. The staff is particularly knowledgeable and helpful (although you will get a bit of that townie attitude from some). I've been in some interesting discussions while there - don't mention politics and you'll do fine. There trade-in policies have changed a bit over the years - currently they will only offer trade-in credit on books that they want (and make sure you don't bring in anything that's coverless, has a broken binding where the pages are falling out, or just so trashed that it won't sell - those don't fly). If they have a large stock of a particular, slow selling book they won't want it and I don't blame them. Donate those to your library. Otherwise you'll get trade credit on about half the retail prices that you can use against have your purchase, for the same genre (so if you have $20 in SF credit they won't take that against art books). Reuse the bag they give you and you'll get a bit more off (about enough to cover the tax if the purchase isn't too large). They have some interesting practices on collectible paperbacks - something I have issue with. They like to put a pricing label on the spine and cover it with clear tape. Try to get that off without tearing the paper off! I avoid those due to this practice. Also, new comics aren't bagged/boarded which is nice if you want to take a look before you buy, but may not meet the standards of picky comic collectors - just be aware. You will meet some attitude from some of the people that work here but in general many have been employed for many, many years and know what they're talking about. Parking can be a bit of a chore at this location - also, it can be a bit hard to get into from the street - you basically need to be driving Eastward on North Druid Hills right as you pass Clairmont. There usually aren't any spaces right next to the store. read more

This rating is for their manga selection since this place pops up for best places to buy. It's pitiful and is probably just below the standards of Walmart. They carry only a few titles and it's very unorganized. read more

I really like this place! You're going to be surprised at how large it is. The staff is very friendly and knowledgable, it's open late, and they have a great selection of books. My only complaint are the prices. They're a bit pricey for a used book store, but still much cheaper than new (that's why it's not 5 stars). The store is absolutely great for comic books. I had no idea I was a comic book nerd. I stumbled on The Black Panther and am in love with the series. The staff is always extremely friendly and knowledgable. I was/am still a complete comic novice. I was impressed with how much the staff was able to teach me about the series. They're on it! There are also toys, games, CDs, DVDs. I don't have kids, but it seems like a place kids would really like. They have sections specifically for them. Check them out! read more

Book Nook - I love The Black Panther series so staff introduced me to Klaws of the Panther. Awesome! - Bookstores Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

The bf showed me this place, and it's a neat place. If you're a fan of comics that's at a deal, this is the place to browse. Even if you're not into comics, there are cheap pre-owned books, DVDs, and vinyl for browsing. They also do trade-ins and buy all of the above items. And if you happen to purchase an item that's not functioning, they will provide you a full refund. This is a fun little place to browse as the employees are super friendly. Parking is limited towards the front, but there are additional parking in the back. read more

This is my favorite used bookstore. In high school my friends and I would spend hours here. It is perfect for any book, music, or movie lover. They sell used cds, movies, comics, board games, geek paraphernalia, and every book genre know to man. This is a place to spend the afternoon getting lost. Prices are great and they accept books and will either give you cash or store credit (the store credit is a better deal). The staff can sometimes be quirky but that's always an interesting time. It can be hard to find something specific here but this is my place for wandering. Getting lost in the stacks is the greatest way to spend a day. Please visit this place and admire its awesomeness. read more

Book Nook - Bookstores Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

Don't knock Book Nook. Good selection of Biography, History, Coffee Table Books. I like getting credit for trade in. Staff is very nice to me. read more

The Decatur Book Nook is simply one of the best comic shops in the country. Not an exaggeration. I travel a good bit for my job and have for the past 25 years. I always seem to search out the comic shops. (Hmmm...) Now, I define "Best" as having 3,000 plus $0.50 (loose not bagged and boarded) issues. Again not an exaggeration. Most are from the 1980s to present. The only knock some of my collector friends have is that the comics are not organized by either title or alphabetically. This doesn't bother me as the hunt is part of the fun, and given the fact that these comics are so cheap that might not be the case if they took the time to organize them. Just be prepared to thumb through long boxes of comics trying to piece together that miniseries, or storyline! What Book Nook is NOT one of those comic book stores that carries as much non-comic related items as the actual comic books. This is not a knock on either just setting expectation. If you want that there are two other comic shops in Atlanta that fit the bill; Dr. No's Comics (Marietta, Ga)and Oxford Comics & Games (Atlanta-Buckhead). The Decatur Book Nook location is the best Book Nook location for comics in my opinion, and they do get new comics on a limited basis every Wednesday. All of Book Nook locations are basically old school book stores with very large back issue comic book inventories. Again, I think that the Decatur store has the most comics, with the Marietta store being a close second, and the Lilburn store having the least of the three. The Decatur store also has back issues bagged and boarded and priced Overstreet. Marietta just has $0.50 comic books loose, and the Lilburn store has a mixture of both Give yourself a couple hours where you can relax, and enjoy spending very little money for some awesome back issue comic books. read more

I don't know if this staff is the same from the late 1990s, but as a kid with little money the staff treated me like gold. I'll make this short. They sheltered a young kid from a messy divorce, violent neighborhood, and loneliness. The staff or location may be different, but the Book Nook was my oasis. Cheers read more

Unable to understand their store polices, which seem to change. They give no warning that their polices are going to change. You just show up one day and they declare that after along time they just are changing without warning. read more

Great selection of comics, movies, games, magazines, books and collectibles! Love visiting on a rainy day. It's always a fun treasure hunt and I always leave with something great! read more

Oh how I hate to leave a low review for this place. I used to LOVE going there. I usually went a couple of times a week just because it was such a pleasure just to look around, the folks were nice, and everything was organized well. Now, the place actually feels unhealthy. I don't think the floors have been cleaned in years. Every square foot of that floor is littered with debris.The books are generally in bad shape and no longer alphabetized. It is so warm and muggy that I had to sit down. I'm sure the place is still staffed with great/nice people, but the folks at the top really need to think about sprucing it up a bit. On top of this, it's increasingly difficult to find gems and the record collection is not only in bad shape but about 1/10th the size it was just a couple of years ago. I want Book Nook to succeed. I keep stopping by though my last few times have left me depressed so I space them out several months apart. I really want them to get on top of this place and fast. I know this review reads very personally but it's not about me. It's about the book lovers in this town that need a locally owned shop to cherish and call their own. With the amount of space they have and the longevity/past reputation, it could be such a nice, communal, hangout place..the go-to Sunday afternoon hotspot. Ugh, it's so bad, I almost want to go in and just volunteer to spend a month of weekends cleaning and organizing. I solemnly hope that I can update this review 6 months down the road and go on and on about the great improvements! read more