The name of this shop really reveals nothing about it. When I went into it I had never heard of it…read moreor seen anything like it. I think it is even going to be a struggle to explain. Walk in and you see what looks and smells like a block of chocolate. Next to it, a tin of biscuits. Around the room there are cakes, bottles of wines, soccer balls etc. However, they are all books. Yes books that are made to look like what they are discussing. Inside each of the books it discusses the history of each item, including photos and quotes. I can't decide if this is tacky or cool? Mum and I decided that they would be a lot better if they were notepads or diaries. How good would it be to have a diary that looked and smelt like chocolate? You can't really use a history book too much, but it could be a good dining table book. The lady working there told us that the books were great for presents. Hilarious giving someone a bottle of wine and it actually being a book (I for one would be extremely disappointed). However, it is a good idea for children. They would think it was fun, whilst also learning about their chosen item!

Toots Books is a truly creative concept of a book store and I can't say I've ever seen anything…read morelike it before. They sell books that come in shapes of actual objects such as a chocolate bar, a football, a shoe or a CD. At first glance I didn't even know what it was until the friendly lady behind the counter explained what it's all about. Take for example the book that looks like a bottle of wine: they sell it in a cardboard box that looks like a box with real wine. The book inside then tells the story of wine with plenty of pictures and trivia. I really like the idea of the shop and it's certainly fun to look at all their things. Would I buy it for myself? Probably not, but it can be a great gift idea!

This shop was like a little treasure trove to me recently when looking for Xmas presents for hard…read moreto buy for people. They have some fantastic things that aren't just books as well as the usual book store stuff. Like heaps of little packs on everything from making sushi to pilates to learning to play harmonica. They also had some great packs for kids learning to read with a book and cd of popular characters like Toy Story. I found a great Transformers boxed set for under $30 that looked amazingly special. I also found some of the coolest games here. Like one where the right answer is the wrong answer. And one with kids vs adults. And a special Top Gear item for my partner. There was seriously something here for everyone and anyone. Definitely not just your usual book shop anymore.

Quite a local icon of 28 years which over time has accumilated a large following of local fans, who…read moreare into literature in all of its forms and also has an online following too and growing. Avid readers and visitors alike cannot go past coming into this bookshop to have a browse or even make a purchase. It has an endearing, cosy feel which makes you want to hang around much longer than intended, like being in a local library. Something of interest to all walks of life and ages will be found as the collection is broad and encompasses a wide range of topics. It's clear to see they nurture early learning and have a dedicated area for kids to sit and read, all the while learning to appreciate the power of stories. The bookshop regularly hosts Meet the Author events, where bookings and reservations are taken so keep an eye out on their Facebook page. Did you know the Three Birds shop which opened across the road from Matilda Bookshop recently is a sister shop! Small world and even smaller when living in the Hills so mind what you say...might get run out of town! But I've got nothing bad to say about either :-)

A dangerous place to shop for book lovers. Almost everything in here is calling out to you to be…read moreread and loved. A great selection of classics, modern classics, biographies and what's in vogue now in the literary world lies within these doors. Beware. I'm drawn in most of the times I walk past the display windows showing off new arrivals and the big glossy picture books documenting some obscure natural beauty or historical event. This isn't a Borders or Dymocks. Don't expect to be able to walk in and hunt down an odd title. This is more of a place to browse and pick out books to your fancy. A cool place for the kids too, with a corner shelved off in the corner for young 'uns to read, check out picture books, or sit and play while their parents check out the rest of the store. The staff are welcoming, happy to talk about their catalogue with you and willing to order in just about anything.

What a great second hand bookshop! It's an amazing array of disorganised wall to wall, floor to…read moreceiling clutter, plus piles on the floor to rummage through , or step over. The quality of books on any given subject seemed to be exemplary, with care and thought clearly given to selection of titles for the store. My particular area of interest - Art books had a stong collection on many topics with a definate local emphasis, great for anyone with strong South Australian interests! The most expensive book I encountered was $30 - a fairly large scale hard cover glossy art book and would have been worth over $100 first time around. I am told by locals that the owner of the store, who was a bespectacled, white haired linen shirt wearing barefoot sort has an encyclopedic knowledge of the contents of his little literary haven. If you're looking for something specific, he is said to be capable of locating in a flash... no cataloguing, no databases, no website, not even a phone number. So if you're a book worm like me you'd best pop in for a browse next time you're in the area.

I can vouch for the encyclopedic knowledge of the little man who own's Elliot Books…read more I was there a few years ago looking for a rare out of print book by an Australian psychoanalyst/hypnotherapist who traveled around the world studying the mystic practices of various religions(don't ask me why its a long story). I tried everywhere, online and all book shops around town, but to no avail.That was of course until I popped into Elliot Books. Within a few minutes of rummaging, the chap from Elliot Books had what I was looking for, and in quite good condition considering its age. Since then I have a look around at Elliot Books every time I am in the area. I usually manage to pick up something of interest, more often than not for between $5-$10 bucks.

This was a quaint find on a beautiful Stirling afternoon, tucked down the back of the small outdoor…read morearcade lane. It's a family run second hand book business by two passionate book worms, who care about the appearance and quality of all the books they accept into their collection. They respect the average person likes to have a browse and will gladly help with any query they may have about the collection and assist in finding a title. You could be forgiven for thinking the majority of books are new, because they are scrutinised so well before being presented. No ordinary run of the mill second hand book store as you may have gathered but they also have some rare, out of print and highly valuable books also, like the Arthur Boyd Drawings book, autographed by him and handsomely priced at $350. And yes there are others in this price range all kept under glass, lock and key as expected. I noticed a few keys placements and even though I'm not into Japanese gardening, I felt like I wanted to buy the book...very persuasive. They certainly know their stuff and it shows.

This is an excellent second hand bookstore and although erring on the small and claustrophobic side…read moreof display cases, taking the time to peruse each shelf is well rewarded. Prices are reasonable with most books around the $10 mark and going up and down from there based on the books condition and its prevalence in the current second hand market. Staff here know their stuff and all the books are in tip top condition except for some of the rarer older hardbacks, in which case their may be a tiny rip in the dust jacket. Popular authors are well covered here, as are the classics, but expect the unexpected as you'll find yourself walking out with some little known book where the blurb is simply tantalising. If you have your eye out for something in particular staff will help you find it in the shop or will promise to keep an eye out for it when purchasing goods. Although petite Chapter Two delivers.

I am not sure whether too many people know about this store. Which is such a damn shame…read more Unfortunately when ever I go there it is not busy. This really sucks! Maybe it is the position of the store, it is set up in a small complex off Main Road in Blackwood. The signage could be better. I actually stumbled across the store when I was stopping in the pet supplies store next door. I absolutely love books so much and I am constantly looking for cool book destinations. In particular, I prefer second hand books. There are so many classics out there that I love to add to my book collection. What will you find here? Well, actually everything! Classics, educational, fiction, children's, history, building, etc... You name it, you will probably find the book you need here. The shop is seriously jam-packed. All of the walls and shelving are covered. So, be prepared to spend a little time here having a good look. Also, if you are having troubles locating what you are after, be sure to speak to the lovely owner. He is such a gentleman and happy to help you find what you need! There are two types of books I am constantly looking for: Philosophy and classic children's books. Weird mix, I know. But, these are two types of books I love. I have found some great titles here including David Hume (Philosopher) and The Magic Faraway Tree (Classic Children's). Please do go out of your way to find this store, you will not regret it!

Blackwood Book Exchange is like a dream come true - one of those bookshops where it's OK to browse…read moreto your heart's content, for hours if you like, without being interrupted by someone wanting to 'help'. On the other hand, if you happen to want help it's there for the asking and the people offering it actually know what they are talking about which makes a refreshing change. There are books there on any topic the average book buyer could want and then some. It's a place best visited when you have time to browse and wallow in the offerings on display; it takes time as just when you think you've seen it all you turn a corner and find more bookcases. It's a book lovers wonderland. Prices are better than in any other bookshop I've visited. I realise the above probably sounds over effusive, but if you visit BBE I guarantee you'll leave with great books and a big smile on your face. I know, I've done it! LV

The first thing I spotted upon entering this store was the Candace Bushnell novel 'One Fifth…read moreAvenue' sitting smugly in the literature section. This was quite a blow and I staggered backwards in horror, smashing my elbow on the rear shelving in the process. Seeing this sort of absolute rubbish languishing in between William S. Burroughs and A.S Byatt made the bile rise in my gullet, but I swallowed and attempted to give this store a fair trial. Booked has an excellent non fiction range, the very latest children's picture books and a nice long bench in the corner for kids to sit and browse on. I also noticed staff calling kids coming in by name, and allowing them to hang and paw through numerous books at their leisure. This sort of relaxed and encouraging attitude to kids in book stores is excellent. But I do have to note that the books weren't cheap, with Julian Barnes's sense of an Ending (150 pages mind you) costing $30. I was heartened by the $9.99 book shelf at the front but was sad to see a number of them were quite damaged. Nice store, good range, but dear God if I find the author of 'Trading Up' in the literature section again, I'll go all cuckoo like Burroughs in the London Years.

Booked at North Adelaide is a well-stocked bookshop catering to its middle to upper-middle class…read moredemographic. It has a great range of genres, including home deco and gardening, travel, politics, biographies, health and well-being, cooking, teenage fictions, children's fiction and plenty of new release fiction. It has a wider selection than standard independent bookstores, and has some uncommon pieces that I haven't seen anyway else. I was caught by the large hardcover of the complete works of Jane Austen, a beautiful piece for collection or a gift for only $50. As the only bookshop in the vicinity, it caters well to most needs. It is not overly cheap, but it's no more expensive than other independent bookshops.

Ok so there are a lot of German souvenir shops in Hahndorf, but this is definitely the best and…read moremost authentic. I have been to Germany and their equivalent to this shop is very similar to the German Village. It had stein glasses, clocks and every other German artefact. I love the cuckoo clocks. My friend recently got a tattoo of one on her leg and I have realised how beautiful they are. I don't know if I would be a fan of having a bird tweet at me every hour but they are so good to look at. I also love the stein glasses. 1 litre of beer! If you are not up for this challenge, they are great water glasses. Especially when you are thirsty, normal glasses never seem to hold enough water. Stein glasses on the other hand hold heaps, perfect for next to your bed when you come home from a big night (of drinking beer ofcourse). Unfortunately I didn't talk to the staff too much so I didn't find out whether the owners came from Germany. However, with the accuracy of the shop I wouldn't be surprised if they were. If you are looking for an Australian rip-off of German souvenirs I would recommend heading here!

The German Village Shop is the most German shop you can find in Hahndorf, seriously. Walking in…read morethere made me feel like being back in Europe because they sell all the most cliche goods you could possible imagine. Nutcrackers, 'Hampelmaenner', cuckoo clocks, beer glasses, kitschy tea towels etc. Even if you're not planning on buying anything it's quite fun to have a browse.