Probably preaching to the converted here by saying we should always buy from local, independent bookstores. I would like to confess that I do not always do this. Amazon is a hard habit to break. But every time I go into Book Passage, I'm reminded that usually the prices are the same as Amazon. They'll order anything they don't have in stock, and it'll get to the store in about the same time Amazon would ship something to me (sometimes less, and with no shipping fees). Plus, you don't get friendly human interraction at Amazon, or a wonderful atmosphere to browse in. Or amazing speakers. Or a business who supports your local economy. Do the math. I really should shop there more often. read more

This is a beautiful store that hosts relevant and interesting events. However, Yelp user Shelley E. took the words out of my mouth when she wrote, "Whenever I ask where something is employees act so rudely like I am truly an inconvenience." Committed to supporting local businesses, I occasionally force myself to go in Book Passage thinking, "Perhaps it will be different this time." But it never is. Let's just say that my experience with the customer service at Book Passage echoes that of the other reviewers that have given it 1 to 3 stars. I'll leave it at that. read more

Went to author event this weekend here Very knowledgeable and friendly staff Great selection of books And they had plenty of parking I'll be back because it's an easy place to sit and browse for an afternoon read more

Beautiful store with multi faced layout, great selection of books and gifts, friendly and attentive staff, fantastic parking!

With the exception of one associate in the YA section, my family and I have had several outright RUDE encounters with the staff who couldn't give us the time of day and were impatient with questions. We like to give business to local bookstores, but it will no longer be at Book Passage. I used to buy gift cards for teachers and my children every year, but now I will go to Copperfield's, where they provide good customer service. It shouldn't be that hard to be nice. read more

Appreciate this bookstore. Nice to have a cafe there but very overpriced, especially the coffee. Same applies to the second-hand book section. read more

Just glad I was able to get a signed Junot Diaz book the weekend after he had a book signing. Got a little lost since the store is in two separate buildings but the first one has all the new fiction books and the cafe while the 2nd one farther back has used, travel section, and kids book. Both parts of the store were organized and staff seemed super helpful and genuine. Will be coming here more often since I really didn't get a chance to take it all in the first time. I love books...so much. I love books. read more

This spot has some of the best author events in the Bay area. I seldom get to venture to this location because it's on the other side of the bay, but I relish any opportunity to attend their author events. Continue to support your local, independent book stores! read more

Book Passage is great because it's an independent book store. That, and the fact it has AC when Marin County is boiling in heat. Also, you get to sit around in the cafe for hours in a fancy sari and hot roller in your hair and no one will question you, or even do as much as look at you. read more

Book passage is my second home..everyone is so friendly, the staff is beyond helpful. The cafe employees are lovely and engaging and the food is delicious. I always get my coffee here in the morning. I've been coming here since I was a little kid, this has been part of my childhood. I love book passage! read more

Another reviewer described Book Passage as a "community asset," and I have to say that I completely agree with that assessment. More than a few writers have gone from "budding" to "published" thanks to the conferences and workshops offered here. In an age when one bookstore after another has been forced to close its doors, the owners have somehow managed to make this store thrive and help authors find their wings. As for the selection of books, I almost always walk in unsure of what I'm looking for in terms of "my next great read," and then walk out with two to three books which keep me engrossed. read more

Wonderful book store for browsing, with tables of beautiful and well-selected books. This is the kind of place that makes me aware of how much books are truly luxury objects today, in the midst of our digital world. I didn't have to bother the staff much but there were plenty of people around to help and the whole environment is welcoming and relaxing. There's a small coffee shop here too, so makes for a nice hang out. But best of all are the author events. My mom did a poetry reading here and the staff was gracious and welcoming. Wish I lived closer to go to more. read more

I'd never visited this bookstore before I went there for a reading on June 22. WHAT a terrific find! Book Passage cares about its customers. They know that people need more than just a book: so they provide readings, audience Q&A sessions, a fabulous children's section ... and FOOD! An extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff made us feel welcome. I just wish I live closer. I'll definitely be going back when I'm up in the Bay Area again. read more

Absolutely one of the best book stores around, especially the Author Events, and I love the Cooks with Books. I'll always remember book passage because I attend these book signings. Love, love, love the fact it is in Marin county which is away from the city and it is a local family owned independent store. I prefer coming here than Borders I strongly believe in supporting local businesses to kept the community thriving with diversity. The staff is friendly and will so the best they can to find you the book you need. And, there is a over the top seperate building just for the travel section! read more

I love this book store. It is a very inviting place to browse and offers me a great selection. The best part is the line up of authors that they have coming through their doors. From headline names such as Jimmy Carter and Steve Berry, to the small time authors and locals. They are the prime example of what a local book store should look like read more

I've been going to this book store my entire life. I don't know how these guys do it; they have a FAR better selection than Borders, Barnes and Noble, or any of those big-player corporate book monopolies. Service is O.K.; generally the people are happy to help and readily available but sometimes the odd layout can make finding them hard. Great atmosphere; just FEELS like a bookstore. Evincing how great these guys are, one time I bought a copy of "Gilead" from a book fair (NOT sponsored by Book Passage) only to find I already had one at home. Without hesitation, they offered to give me store credit in exchange for the extra copy! What an awesome place! Merchandise: A- Service: B+ Atmosphere: A+ read more

Read the interview with playwright David Mamet in Saturday's Wall Street Journal. Mamet has famously embraced conservative politics, unusual for someone in the theatre. I bought his book, "The Secret Knowledge" after reading a WSJ review titled, "Enter Stage Right". He is an insightful writer and dissects the politics of the left . I read that he has a new book, "Recessional: The Death of Free Speech and the Cost of a Free Lunch". I was driving up Tamal Vista later that day and decided to drop into Book Passage to buy the book. My heart was in the right place. I like to purchase from independent vendors rather than venues like Amazon. In fact when I looked up the exact title of the book on my handheld before going in, up pops Amazon. I entered and asked the long frizzy brown-haired clerk if they had David Mamet's latest book and quoted the title. She looked on her computer screen and said "No". I said that it figured since it was a conservative book and this was Marin County (where I grew up). She said, "Oh well" in a way that conveyed more meaning than just those words, like if it is a conservative book it is better that we don't carry it. No sorry like sympathy. I left saying "I won't be back!" and meant it. Tried to patronize you as I have done in the past but turned off now. Ordered the book on Amazon which I should have done in the first place. read more

Please continue to support small, locally owned book stores! I called Book passage to order a title reccomended by a friend. They ordeed the book and called when it arrived. Wonderful service and an amazing array of book and beautiful trinkets. I also bought two lovely hats here. The cafe has good salads. read more

As an author myself, I am disturbed by this store's practice of refusing to allow patrons to pick up a book to look at while the author of that book gives a reading. Even when the book is primarily photos or graphics, a patron must BUY the book to keep on his or her lap during the presentation. This, of course, completely eliminates audience members to formulate intelligent questions--which might actually lead them to buy the book! I have never experienced this bizarre practice in any other bookstore. read more

Dissapointed in customer relations. I wanted to like this book store, but the employees makes me feel anxious. They are always staring from over the rim of their glasses, like they're suspicious of me. My boyfriend, tutor and I (after purchasing drinks) were told (not asked) very rudely by an older woman employee to vacate a table to make room for a group of fellow older women who ordered food at the cafe. Caught off guard by the demand, We were in shock and confused as to why the other customers took such priority over us. But we made no fuss and sat outside in the chill. I just don't enjoy the atmosphere that's been created here :( it's a cute store. Needs friendly employees, not grumpy ones. read more

I do my very best to support my local bookstores, but yesterday I made my last attempt to give Book Passage any of my book business. Book Passage does (for some unknown reason) seem to attract an enviable list of author speakers, but the store's events-management team seems increasingly ill-prepared to host them. When there is a large group of people in the store for an event, staff members literally go "hide" in the travel/children's section across the patio. The remaining staff, who clearly haven't been briefed on how seating will be assigned, etc, each tell different stories to the building crowd of customers. With a microphone at the front, any manager who might take a little leadership and make a quick announcement could do wonders for improving customer service, but radio silence is all we hear. But, perhaps I digress. It IS a bookstore after all, not an events hall. To that, I had also been trying to buy a copy of Dr. Brene Brown's popular "Daring Greatly" since before I saw her speak at Book Passage a few months ago. In THREE separate attempts, including AT the book-signing, Book Passage has not been able to sell me a copy of this book. 1. On my first attempt, the staff had no idea who the author was and could not find her book in their system. This, despite the fact that Dr. Brown was scheduled to speak at their store shortly thereafter. 2. On the second attempt, during the book-signing, the store sold out of every copy of every one of Dr. Brown's books. (I'm not sure this was a large number to begin with, given my earlier experience.) Brene *very* graciously agreed to sign a travel book that I purchased there, but it seeemed like poor form on the bookstore's part. 3. On the last attempt, the staff member who helped me again had never heard of the author or the book, but the inventory control system indicated that there were 2 copies in the store. The shelf where they were supposed to be was inaccessible, and it was too difficult for her to get to them. I (the customer) crawled under a table to try to find them, but they were not there. The staff member then disappeared to see if the book had been placed on hold (aka disappeared to hide in the overflow book room across the patio?) and later popped up to say she couldn't find them. Three strikes, and I'm now going to Amazon. Sorry. I gave you plenty of chances, Book Passage. If one of the other local organizations (Dominican College, the JCC, City Arts and Lectures, etc.) takes over the book-tour presentations, I'm afraid we're all going to be better off just buying our books (for less $) from Amazon. It *pains* me to type that, but inventory and service and management at stores like Book Passage have dwindled to a point that they are really not demonstrating much added value. read more

Strolled in here today to find a couple of travel books I had needed. Decent selection- grabbed 4 and went to the counter to purchase. Waited......waited.......waited..... patiently waited while two saleswomen engaged in total social conversation with the customers ahead of me who were done making their purchases. Waited over 10 minutes until I realized I didn't financially want to support a bookstore who hires these kinds of salespeople. Put the books down, went to Amazon, and got them for less than half the price. read more

I've spent quite a bit of money here: in the cafe, classes, events and buying books and gift certificates. It's important to me to support local bookstores. However, I've had many interactions with unfriendly and rude staff and have witnessed more than a few instances of favoritism. Once I witnessed 2 customers asked to leave their table in the cafe (while eating!) so that a "special guest" could have their table. Today, my friend had been looking through a few travel books in the cafe while waiting for me. I've seen many, many customers do this in the past. When I arrived, she placed the books on an empty table next to us so she could purchase two of the four books later. A staff member came over and chastised her for looking at books in the cafe and said that they didn't allow it. She hadn't been eating when looking at the books and there were no signs saying that you couldn't look through books at the tables. She's also been a regular customer for over a decade. Ten minutes later I saw an older woman carry several books over to a table in the cafe to look through. She was there for at least 30 minutes and no one said a word to her. It's really a shame that Book Passage can't make everyone feel welcome and treat everyone the same. I'm taking my money to Copperfield's (San Rafael) and DIESEL Books (Larkspur Landing). I've never had a negative experience at either bookstore, I've always been welcomed, and their prices are often better as well. read more

This place is not legit as far as the cafe is concerned. The guy told me I can't use my laptop because he's expecting a 'rush' ?!?! Really? There were 3 tables open. I just wanted to order food, a coffee, and work on my laptop. Bad business if they tell you to come back after the 'rush' is over. read more

This book store is a treasure to Marin County. I have seen my favorite authors speak here--they get big name authors to visit and speak in an intimate setting. You will never get as close to your authors as you will here. Their book selection is superb--and if they happen to not have it, they will order it for you, and it arrives fast! Their in-store cafe also offers a nice option to take in a hot chocolate while browsing a possible purchase. In an age of fast-growing mega-chain stores, stores like Book Passage are unfortunately a dying breed. I am so thankful that they are here. read more

Locally owned, active in the community, good selection of books (will order for you if they don't have it) and sponsors one of the best author-speaker series west of the Mississippi (maybe even in the whole US)- what is there NOT to love about it??? read more

The store is nice...always a great selection and lots going on. However, it's always REALLY loud with the employees chatting about their personal lives. Shhhh!!! read more

I absolutely love this bookstore, especially "Sue" who works in the children's section. We went there a couple of weeks ago with our four children. Our twin 9 year olds, who read quite a bit above their grade level, were wanting to get some used books that were not quite appropriate for them. We asked for help and were sent to Sue to get recommendations for books that would challenge them but have appropriate content at the same time. Sue recommended and described to us no less than 10 books. My daughters settled on four of them and have absolutely loved each one. They were books that we had not heard of and most likely would not have found if not for Sue's wonderful, enthusiastic descriptions of each. We are planning to go back and get more books from the ones she recommended and plan to make this a regular excursion. What a gem Sue is! I cannot say how much I appreciate her knowledge and expertise in children's books. We want our kids to continue their love of reading and now we will have the support from Sue to keep us on track. In addition to this, our younger kids found some excellent bargains in the used book section. Overall, we had a great experience at Book Passage. The used book section of the store is what brought us in initially, as we were looking to save some money, but I do not mind spending extra for new books when it goes to help support a book store with such a great staff. read more

Love Elaine and Bill the owners and love the helpful staff. The collection of books make me salivate and make me wish I was a man so I could marry the bookstore owners daughter so I can be supplied with a lifetime of free reading. Just attended the 25th annual Travel Writers Conference and can't recommend it enough. See you at one of your awesome events soon Book Passage! read more

My wife and I visitedc the store to look at and possibly purchase a Scottevest. Prior to visiting, we called the store and talked to the Scottevest sales lady and she put one aside for us. We arrived and after several pages, she showed up, gave us the vest and left. We did see her again, tried to discuss the the products, said to try one on and left. Again we found her and asked her if she was getting any more in, said it was discontinued try online and left. This is not typical of an Elaine run store, but apparrently this is the new Book Passage and dealing with customers, the ones who keep Book Passage in business. But we won't be back again!!!!! read more

I love the Book Passage. The staff is friendly and makes an effort to be personable. The selection is fantastic and what they don't have Book Passage can easily order for you. Featured lectors are always a treat and Book Passage has a new writer almost every day. The second building hosts a used book section as well. All profits go towards charity. read more

My favorite place to meet a friend, listen to an author or buy a book. We are loosing our bookstores...please help them survive!

The quintessential small bookstore, complete with an area for book signings and a small cafe. I loved looking around while we waited for our book signing. This would be such a great place to bring kids or just come to browse and have a cup of coffee. read more

a friend and i meet here several times a month to write. we both find it easier to write in a public place, than in the quiet of our homes. the bookstore has more than just books. they have the best greeting cards ever! and their bookstore has the most beautiful things to buy..........you have to see it to believe it. and, of course, fabulous books. we like to sit in the cafe where i always order a rustica sandwich with a salad. delicious! my friend and i want to send out a big thank you to an adorable/sweet/kind/darling person who works in the cafe. bridgette is a ray of sunshine. always offering to help with anything the customers need and always with a smile. thanks, bridgette! read more

This is a great place to come and people watch, study or read. Check the outdoor courtyard-complete with umbrellas and fruit trees in 40 gallon ceramic flower pots. The mountain store+sonnet inspiring view of Mt. Tam=very suggestive, so don't be surprised if you end up booking a trip to the Andes from your laptop. The bookstore is awesomely stocked and obviously caters to the community(lots of kids books, and stuff the New Yorker and The Sierra Club recommends). Sometimes you can catch a celeb author on tour here. Or maybe a local celeb browsing for a Haiku series on Markist Theory. It might just be my magnetic attraction to things worthy of a sitcom but I see at least 5 intriguing characters each time I come here. Today's stand out was a Nicole Brown Simpson look alike driving off in a black Bronco. So um, that's a bonus. The cafe food is actually pretty great- and they have lots of vegan and vegetarian options. read more

Let's see, I've bumped into Gary Hart, T.C. Boyle, and Sean Wilsey here, each promoting recent works at this renown independent bookstore. Not bad for my lunch break. I frequent the cafe since I work in the area, and while the food is so-so, the staff is always friendly. read more

I AM SUPREMELY IMPRESSED. Four words: ALWAYS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES! I have always heard about Book Passage and have been attending lectures co-hosted by them with Dominican University the last couple of years, but today was the first time I walked into the store. Amazing: friendly staff, great writing workshops, language classes, coffee shop, travel gear, and a used book store too! Best part: different authors who come in to autograph their books and/or lecture. Best place ever for both the casual and hefty reader. read more

if you like pendragon in rockridge, you'll like book passage. it's a comfy, cozy independent bookshop, with a great author-led programs! the space is intimate, and not overly crowded, which allows for a surprising amount of interaction. a very nice literary escape! read more

When A Clean Well Lighted Place for Books closed, Marin was in danger of loosing their big local bookstore scene. Through their passing, however, Book Passage in Corte Madera stepped up and filled the void that was looking to be filled by Borders and Barns & Noble. Thus, Marin still has a great local store and it draws authors from all over the country to do book signings and speak about their writings. And as a result, if you want to get a book that's been autographed, Book Passage is the place to look. Their prices can be a bit high, though. read more

What I love about Book Passage: the cafe, with its comfortable inside and outside seating and generally good food. Also the free book readings are great. What I don't like: the actual books. This is supposedly an "independent bookstore." Like most other so-called indie bookstores, it's not really independent. It censors books way more than the chains or Amazon. The owners and workers have their own beliefs and agendas. Any book that doesn't fall into the categories they support, doesn't make it in their book selection -- or magazines for that matter. And the book readings also reflect their own personal biases. It seems like "independent" actually means in reality, not owned by the chains. I'd rather support the chains or Amazon because they are truly independent. They offer books from a variety of points of view, not just the ones the owner and workers espouse. read more