One of the coolest bookstores I have been to: affordable, diverse selection, I could browse in there for hours and never get bored

First time we came here we loved it. The owner showed us which books he recommended and where each genre was located. We were all for supporting local bookshops. At this point I would have absolutely given this place a 5 star rating. Second (and last) time we went the owner must have been in a bad mood, he was condescending and rude to us. He asked if I had any books to trade and then was flabbergasted that I wasn't familiar with how he does trades and then proceeded to reject the books I had to trade. I overheard him interacting with other customers and he was rude to them as well. My partner likes this place because he can get used sci-fi/fantasy books for a great price, but I will personally not be coming back. read more

I came here a few days ago for the first time and was browsing like I normally would and the guy working was making many backhanded comments about the way I was holding books or how they get put back wrong or me not bringing him books I didn't purchase to the front counter because not doing that "is like throwing away a book" and made me uncomfortable for not knowing that even though it was my first time here. As I was walking around I looked at my watch to realize the shop had been closed for a couple minutes at that point so as I go to leave I try to apologize for not seeing the time sooner and the worker made another seemingly snarky comment that he was coming to get me anyways because they were closed and he was just being polite letting me still be there. Overall I didn't enjoy my experience here and might not come back. read more

Absolutely stacked to the ceiling with books! I saw mostly fiction in my time here. But there was so much it would not shock me if I had missed a lot. Also, the owner is so friendly! We just picked up a couple of books but will 100% be back and recommending this place to absolutely everyone! read more

This is one of my absolute favorite bookstores. They always have exactly what I'm looking for, usually in both new & used versions! They will order books as well, in the off-chance that they don't have your next reading adventure in-stock. I love the variety, the layout, and the owners. read more

I've enjoyed browsing this local business for a number of years now. This is the first time I've gone in to exchange books and I was met with a clearly very stressed out owner and significant other. You would think that someone who owns a book store like this would know how to treat their customers, with respect and kindness, and my experience was quite the contrary. The owner (he) was as super abrasive and neurotic. I started to browse other books while I patiently waited, and he was so bothered that I was looking at books that he rudely asked "do you have a question" mid flip through a book I was genuinely interested in. I didn't even realize he was talking to me because I was minding my own business while he and his wife helped other customers and I was doing what typically customers of a bookstore do, you know, actually looking at books. I finally realized he was talking to me and he proceeded to say "if you are just flipping through that book because you are bored, please don't because it's hard on the books." Aren't book stores intended to be enjoyed and books intended to be flipped through?! I understand the appreciation for the condition of books, but there is a way to go about talking to people, and he clearly doesn't get that. He was also super abusive in the way he talked to his spouse, very condescending and they argued in front of customers. I'm sad that there are people like this in the world and it's unfortunate seeing as small businesses will soon be a thing of the past and especially this one if he can't learn basic kindness. It looks like I'm not the only one with this kind of experience at this store, which doesn't come as too much of a surprise. I truly wish there were nicer owners that ran this place as this used to be my favorite place in Salem for used books. I enjoy giving local businesses my money as I know they are hurting and Amazon has sucked up a lot of their business, but I unfortunately won't be back. I hope that these owners find a better way to treat their customers, can remember the true love and passion that comes behind selling books and owning a bookstore and can work on basic kindness and becoming nicer humans. read more

The perfect spot to find what you need. The couple running the place are such nice and helpful people, who actually know their stuff.

Family owned and operated. Great selection on manga. My daughter and her friends love the boxed manga sets and individual selection. They do trades and buy 4 get 5th free read more

I've been to Escape Fiction several times, and it's a fantastic family-owned bookshop with a bit of everything and a very helpful staff. They specialize in sci-fi/fantasy, but really they have everything and if they don't have something they can special order it and in my experience the special orders arrive very quickly. The prices are more than fair, and the trade in value for used books is better than I've gotten anywhere else. More than that, the customer service is fantastic. Just last week I special ordered a manga and it came in two days later and when they called me to let me know I told them I was on a walk with my dog. Well, one of the owners is badly allergic to dogs, so the other brought my book out to me when I arrived and he had even put together a perfectly sized bag for me so it would be easier to carry home on my walk back. The book itself was wrapped in nice paper and the whole experience was great! When it comes to buying books here in Salem, Escape Fiction is my first stop. read more

The deals here are inarguably excellent and the selection is alright. But my god, the customer service is terrible. The owners/employees would often be arguing with each other while we were in the store which was...awkward and unprofessional, but forgivable since we could just go browse another section. But the owner is really condescending--I'd like to think unintentionally so--and also very, very chatty. The last time I was here, my partner and I were buying books and he legit would not stop talking to us. I mean, like we were edging towards the door and he wouldn't get the hint. If that's not annoying enough, he also explained misogyny to two lesbians. He was giving us a lesson on roofing (seriously what the hell I just want to purchase books and leave) and somehow it lead to him pontificating about how women aren't as physically strong as men (but we could still do it if we just carried lighter loads of roofing!) and then he proceeded to explain how dangerous it is for women to go out at night alone. Not only was it unprofessional, awkward, and so many other things, but it was truly just incredibly ironic. Like... yeah, dude. I'm a grown ass woman. That's my whole life. I know, and the fact that you think I need to have my lived experience explained to me is so beyond insulting. We walked out of there and genuinely could not believe what just happened LOL. Also I feel it's important to add that we were giving every POSSIBLE hint we could think of without being rude or unkind. We stopped responding other than nodding and mhm-ing and standing directly at the door, and somehow despite us not adding a single word he found a way to continue. I even started to open the door to leave, and he did not stop or try to wrap it up. I hate being rude, but anything short of "shut up" would've gotten us out of there, so I just waited. Insane. Anyway, the deals are not worth having to listen to him for 20 minutes while we're actively trying to leave the store, so we haven't been back. read more

This book store is covered floor to ceiling in books! Amazing selection of used books that look brand new!!! Prices are amazing!

This is a real gem of a bookstore. All books are well displayed in clearly labeled displays. The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable -- he took the time to give us a guided tour on our very first visit! The books may be used (there are some new books available as well) but all are in great condition. The prices are very good. So good, they give me a reason to buy from Escape Fiction instead of Amazon. read more

Dang, what a gem. I'm really glad I found this bookstore. The owner was super nice and helpful. Great selection of books and great prices.

I am newer to this store, but I'm glad I found it. I can clean my kinds' rooms and take all the used little-kid books to Escape Fiction, then get Half-off on big kid books! I usually find something there for myself, too. The proprietor is quite a talker, and he's very politically/religiously conservative (as you will quickly discover). But don't let that dissuade you--they have a great selection of books. And if they don't have a book you want, they can usually have it by the next day at 10:00 am, with no shipping charge. Even Amazon can't beat that! read more

I love this place. I called them, desperate, when my post office lost one of my packages at Christmas (containing a book, of course). After scouring the shelves of what I thought was the one bookstore in town, I was desperate and took to Yelp to help me. At first I was skeptical. This place is called "Escape Fiction." I was looking for a kids dinosaur book. They also seemed to mainly sell used books. I definitely needed a new one. But I called anyway. Not only did they have my book in stock, they held it for a day until I could make it in. When we arrived, we were given a tour of the whole place - an unusual maze of book heaven. It was amazing. These are the nicest, friendliest people you could ever want to meet! The best thing? My book cost less than I paid on Amazon. And, they can order anything and have it there very quickly. Very. AND they can order low cost audio books (be still my beating heart). AAAAANNNNNDDDDDD, they're local. Win-win. Before you buy your next book online, call these guys. You won't be sorry! read more

Amazing staff, great prices, and cute eclectic style. They will order anything and give you credit for old books. What a gem. Can't believe I didn't find this place sooner! read more

I love this store and have shopped since I was a kid. The books are just dirt cheap and the staff is really nice. There are a lot of rare books although it is pretty much strictly fiction as the name implys. If you want a new book they may have it they may not. They often ask if I would like to order it which of course im capable of doing myself so choose not to. The owner / operators are nice but will talk your head off. I love them both. Bottom line if you want dirt cheap used fiction books this place is bursting at the seems with them. Have fun ! read more

I found this store while trying to sell some of my books to make room for more. I am glad I did not give up on my hunt to find this out of the way bookstore. I believe I met Scott who is very friendly and quite knowledgeable about books which helps when there is thousands of books and huge mazes of them. If I ever need to find a book I will come to Escape Fiction because they can get almost any book within 24 hours which is impressive. On a side note, if you ever wanted to get lost in a maze of books this is the place. It is incredible the amount of books they carry and the literal mazes that are built there. read more

This isn't your typical used bookstore. This one is well organized and well laid out. And the books are all neat and organized. The prices are a little more than other used bookstores, but the selection and organization makes it worthwhile. read more

Great place to find used books of all different varieties. Wonderful owners! Kind of off the beaten path, but well worth the travel to find it. read more

I found that it seemed bigger on the inside. The gentleman who helped me was friendly and helpful. It is a nice and clean bookshop. I'm glad I checked it out! Oh and I love that it's floor to ceiling in books... new and used collections! Very reasonable pricing. I will definitely return! read more

As good as it gets? Really? Yes!! While this place may not carry every book on earth, it offers something the Book Bin and Powells don't and can't: personal service and a really cool atmosphere. The owners can locate any book in the shop and offer great suggestions based on what you've read in the past. Plus, the place is like a freaking book maze, making for a really fun experience! read more

I so love this book store. Anything you want, and if they don't have it, they will get it, fast! Between the used and new selections, you are garunteed to find what you like! Just a friendly warning though, a person can find themselves lost in time in the books stacked floor to ceiling. So do yourself a favor and make sure you have nothing planned for the day when you enter this book haven. read more

I love it here they have a wide variety of book types and offer new and used books. The entire area is just books none of that coffee shop on the side junk. Although the owners are sometimes a bit under-talkative or overly talkative it's still nice to go in and be surrounded by literature (if that's your thing). Be warned though you might pass them the first time and the parking is horrible! read more

One of the best book stores I have ever been to. The owners are very helpful and will always recommend books based on what you read. I live hours away and every time I am in town I come and visit! read more

Just what I'm looking for in a bookstore. Having just moved back to Salem, after 7 years in Portland, I had begun to feel apprehensive about finding a place to buy books. I'm so glad I stopped in! A very helpful staff, a large selection and a homey feeling. I will totally be visiting often. read more

You can't beat a duo of knowledgeable owners with well-stocked shelves. My stepson wanted a Terry Brooks series but, being a mystery/romance reader, I was lost. Luckily, I went to Escape Fiction! Fifteen minutes later I had cool books, a timeline, and a chart of the best sequence to follow. Thanks guys! You made gift-giving a breeze. I'm gonna be StepMom A+ with these. read more

I have not visited Escape Fiction for a few months, but every time that I have visited Escape Fiction in the last 15-20 years, I have completely enjoyed my experience! Thank you... read more

Great selection and very friendly staff! Went in to browse, ended up talking for almost an hour. Thanks!

Best place in the state for new or used books. They donate to our soldiers too. We've been going there since our boys were little. They are 19 now. Better prices than Costco. read more

While in Salem for a short visit, wandered into this unique little bookstore which is off the beaten path. It is an absolute delight with a knowledgeable and gracious owner(?) who took us on a tour of the store. He knew the collection inside out and was gracious and proud of the collection. It is a delight to find a bookstore owner that obviously respects books and not just a clerk running a cash register! Had a most enjoyable visit and we are truly sorry it is so far from where we live! If located closer, we would be regulars! read more

The customer service is really bad. The prices are way too high. It was so crammed of crappy romance books i couldn't find anything. i love the book bin. They know a lot about books. i asked the owner if they had any Jack Kerouc... she had no idea who i was talking about. you know that if the owner has to google beat authors in a used bookstore your in the wrong place...just sayin.. read more