I visit indie bookstores when traveling, and J Michaels Books is no exception. It was delightful to find a newer compilation of essays by Vivian Gornick. What I wasn't expecting was the fabulous greeting by the 30 something male cashier. "Vivian Gornick - she's so wonderful." We proceeded to discuss much of her work. Delighted to hear his appreciation of the 89 y/o fearless second-wave feminist thinker! read more

J Michaels Books - Bookstores Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Well curated selection of books and staff who truly love to read. I can't walk out of there empty handed.

Excellent selection and service from the knowledgeable owner and staff. J. Michaels can find any old or new book, discounted offerings are available as well. read more

Bookstores are heaven for me and this didn't disappoint me. Friendly people, current books and the only problem is the lack of parking. I will always be a customer read more

Amazing selection! Saw a lot of things I've been wanting to snag, but on a business trip so couldn't get everything unfortunately. All the books were high quality as well. The employees were friendly; I didn't need any help but I noticed they helped several customers. One of the workers was very nice and commented on several customers books, striking up genuine conversation. Would definitely come back here! read more

J Michaels Books - Bookstores Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I've walked by this bookstore a number of times and it's been closed, and I always forget it exists afterward, until the next time it happens. Well, the day finally came that they were open when I walked by! So my husband took me in so I could check it out. The store is much bigger than it looks, and is crammed full of books. There is something for everyone here. I ended up buying two new hardcover books that were on my list to buy. They have both new and used books, really giving something for everyone, and is a great value for the price. Customer service was good. Nothing fabulous, but the employees were kind and welcoming, answered my questions, and were helpful. I had no complaints. I'm so, so glad I found this bookstore. After my disaster at Smith Family Books, I've been searching for a great local bookstore to support, and I finally found it here. That makes me incredibly happy. I will definitely be back! read more

Support local bookstores!! My new year's resolution for 2023 was to read at least one book per month. Here we are in October and I have already read 13 books! And 90 percent of these books I purchased at local Eugene bookstores. I started the ACOTAR series and I have purchased every book of the series from J Michaels. They have a little section of the store dedicated to the series. So whenever I was about halfway through one book, I would make a special trip to pick up the next one. Not sure what I am going to read once I complete the series, but I will continue supporting the smaller local bookstores as I continue my reading journey. read more

J Michaels Books - Support local bookstores! - Bookstores Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I have a dear friend from bookselling days some 40 years ago on the east coast, and he now works at this independent bookstore in downtown Eugene. Its presentation is extremely modest, just a green awning and its name on the windows. One wouldn't guess at the gem that lies within.... J. Michaels is the epitome of the superior bookshop. Used and new are shelved together, and the used books are exceedingly well priced. Literature, history, art and photography are among the areas well represented here. They also have a good kids' section. Books are bought daily weekdays 11-4. They're extremely selective, and this attention to detail has helped lead to one of the best shops in the region. Come check it out (they're closed Sundays). This fabulous store has been doing it right for fifty years, and it's well worth the discerning reader's time--and money! read more

Excellent, well-curated selection and knowledgeable staff. One of my all-tine favorites.

I love this place! I love browsing the titles. I went in one morning and it was so nice and quiet and I was so excited to see all these books that I cannot wait to add to my home library. I ordered a book and they responded within a week. read more

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I was on a time-crunch so I only had time to do a quick peruse and not purchase but I was very impressed with the selection. My eyes were continually drawn to all the books with captivating titles and eccentric covers. Bookstores like these make it easy to shop small and local because even if their prices aren't cheaper their stock isn't something you'll find yourself stumbling on online or finding on Amazon. This bookstore has a great curation. It was organized and I particularly loved the displays in the front of the store and the little inventions (like "book darts") they sell. When I come back to Oregon, I'll make sure to stop by and buy a book! :))) read more

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I detest the word curated but in fact that's what this store does so well. Any genre or subject you're interested in, it's well worth looking over what they've got. read more

Locally owned bookstore in downtown Eugene. May new and used books, an special book orders available.

Excellent selection of new, used, and some collectible books. A whole section of signed books! Some desirable sale volumes and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Love this place and make sure to visit on each trip to Eugene. read more

This is cool relaxing place to go to look for interesting books to read. The workers play nice relaxing jazz music. Unfortunately, they don't have tables or anything to study on. I guess it's not the place for it. read more

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This place has a charm that makes you want to spend lots of time searching the shelves. Not once have I ventured in and come out empty handed. Their staff is also super friendly and spot on with book recommendations. Highly recommend a trip here to load up on books and good conversation ! read more

This bookstore is owned by an amazing independent bookseller with years of experience. When I'm looking for a really good book about art or gardening or cooking, this is my first stop. They tend to focus on more expensive, higher quality books, so the selection is definitely a cut above the average bookstore's offerings. The selection is wide and wonderful for people with a strong interest in art, culture and literature - the life of the mind and spirit. People looking for the latest trashy novel or fact-free political screed will probably be disappointed. My only complaints are that the owners are not always very welcoming and that it can be hard to find good used books. It seems like they have shifted further away from the used book market over the years, which is disappointing for someone on a budget. But overall, J Michaels Books is a tremendous bookstore for smart and savvy readers looking for something out of the ordinary. read more

J Michaels Books is another great bookstore in Eugene (there are several). J Michaels Books might not have the huge stock of backlog that Smiths has and isn't as quirky as Tsunami books. J Michaels strengths is the location right next to the Farmer's market. Best to go there for lunch and head here after to catch two birds w/ one hand. J Michaels main strength is a great smart selection of a wide range of books. Highlighting different books from various genres. Well organized. Despite it's smaller size everything in here is great. There is no filler, so you really can't go wrong. Vegan cookbooks, Tiny Homes, Classics, Photography books, Art Books, and many more. It's all here. Check 'em out!! read more

A fun place to browse with an eclectic mix of the old and new. The tightness of the space adds to the cozy ambiance of a book store.

I discovered at the beginning of the Covid pandemic that I could call Jeremy at J. Michaels, tell him about books I liked, then ask for recommendations. He's batting 1000! read more

This bookstore is a JOKE! Terrible customer service and terrible selection of books. I went in thinking I was going to find a great bookstore and was so disappointed. Avoid this store. I asked the two elderly guys behind the counter if they could help me find a book and they both stared at me like I was mentally incompetent for asking a question. read more

This is a good bookstore, and much appreciated being as it is a good old local bookstore and STILL OPEN. It's never been a favorite of mine though. Something about the lighting and the people working there seems unpleasant. I don't like being bothered by workers so I do appreciate being left to myself, but at this place I feel like THEY don't want to be bothered by ME. But with that said, J.Michaels is a quality bookstore, and worth a look-see. read more

Wonderful book store !!!! This place is wonderful and affordable!! Lots of books to choose from

I LOVE this bookstore!! It has a great vibe (according to my teenage daughters). So many great titles, on-point recommendations for gifts, and if they don't have it they get it quickly! I've even ordered obscure philosophy books for grad school and they are always so helpful!!!! read more

I'm a bookstore junkie. I could spend whole days - or weeks - in a good bookstore. They are as stimulating to me as museums. I can't imagine life without brick and mortar bookstores. Heck, some of my fondest memories was working at my local Borders bookstore, many moons ago. I was truly in my element. I say this so you know it would take a lot for me not to rank any bookstore highly, as I'm predisposed to love them. I did not get the "warm fuzzies" from this bookstore. Not at all. (And I see, from reading the other reviews of this place, that I'm in the minority here, as everyone else seems to adore this store). To me, the quality of any store transcends its merchandise. Here at J Michaels, they have the goods: tons of books, on mainstream and esoteric subjects, well organized, shelves all well stacked - the kind of place I could happily get lost in forever. What I didn't like is how, upon recently entering this store with my daughter, there were two male employees (maybe the owner/s) chatting among themselves at the front counter. No-one else was in the store and they saw us enter (how could they not?). No greeting was forthcoming, no-one asking us if they could help us find something, nothing. We were totally ignored. My kid and I split up, and she ventured to the rear of the store whereas I browsed the areas up front, walking by the front cash at least three times as I circled the displays up front of contemporary best sellers and recommended reads. No acknowledgement at all of my presence by the two guys, still chatting away. After about ten minutes of looking around, my kid and I walked again by the front desk and exited the store. The guys didn't say bye or anything. It was just weird, as if we were totally invisible. Perhaps if you're local and the store staff know you, then coming here is a personable and pleasant experience, but to me, it was cold and off-putting. read more

A nice alternative to the bibliochaos of Smith Family, this is a nicely organized, quiet, well-stocked bookstore with an emphasis on rare and antiquarian and art books, along with a selection of normal used books. Unfortunately, prices are generally higher than internet standards, and somewhat higher than Smith Family. All that and a little dog, too. read more

I love bookstores and they're not many independent ones left. J Michaels is a jewel. Wonderful collection, new, used and collectibles. Interesting discussions with the owner. He know his store well. read more

So. I've been buying books from J Michaels since I was a freshman at UO, more than thirty years ago. Though I live in Seattle, J Michaels is where I come for nourishment. Jeremy's shaped my life in ways he likely can't imagine, and always for the better. Always the right book at the right time at this shop. I don't know why. It's a mystery. And even in these days of brilliant search engines and snazzy online stores, when I really need to find something, Jeremy's my go-to guy. Specific examples? OK. When my Kempo instructor was planning a trip to Bhutan with his Zen sitting group, I found here a rare travelogue about Bhutan. When I was looking for a birthday gift for my ex-Army best friend, I found a book on art knives. When I was in a Malraux phase, I found a complete first edition set of the "Imaginary Museum of Sculpture of the World," though I had to hide the credit cart receipt from my wife. When my mother (a proud grandmother) and I are searching for something for my little girl, we always find the right book in the rich sections on poetry and fable in this store. So take heart, visit, be guided, and join the long conversation, the one that stretches across generations, and that points to the best possible future. J Michaels is a place to begin. read more

This is a hand-tooled, leather bound, gilt-edged bookstore with an excellent selection of new and used books. It is a good place to sell high quality books too. read more

J Michaels is a fantastic bookstore and the last great bookstore in Eugene. Jeremy has been in the book business for 40 years and his knowledge is deep and wide. When I'm stumped for something new to read I just check out his recommendations and have always been pleased. Why order a book on Amazon when Jeremy can get if for you (if it's not already in the store) in a day or two? You'll find a wide range of books, terrific deals, and excellent reader accessories such as reading glasses, greeting cards (with built-in bookmarks!), journals and blank books. This is a bookstore where a reader feels happy and at home. SUPPORT THIS GRAND BOOKSTORE! read more

I have visited this store several times on trips to Eugene. I always find interesting used books at good prices. they have a wonderful selection of both used and new and it is great fun to browse. I found the employees pleasant and liked being allowed to look around without pressure. read more

Well organized, has a great selection of new and used books. Could have spent a few more hours there easily. Friendly staff greeted us and the man working there knew exactly where everything I asked about was. read more

This is the place to buy your books locally in Eugene. Great service, great selection, great prices... If they don't have it, they will order it. Always check the used bestseller cart for great deals... I never leave with just the book I came to buy....... read more

This is the best bookstore in Eugene. It offers the right mix of smallish size, knowledgeable staff, and high-quality mix of used and new books. Great place to browse titles, they've got everything but esp. strong in art, architecture, and higher quality new fiction. read more

Not certain which is worse, shopping at Smith Family books and being treated like a thief, or shopping at J Michaels and being treated as though I'm invisible. read more

This is a great store to browse as you walk. The books in the window are always interesting. Something about the way they group them, I always see something I want. This is one of those stores that I drop into when Im downtown going to an appointment or something. Especially if I need a pick me up. Rock on local bookstore! read more

A friend had recommended this bookstore and since I live in another city I looked up them up on Yelp. It was disappointing when I saw the comments about the establishment being closed. Good news - they are open for business! The staff was friendly and helpful plus the books were well organized. I appreciate how they highlight certain books with comments as to why they recommend that book. I have found some good books that way that otherwise I would have overlooked. The only downside I noticed is the aisles of this store are a little narrow but not uncommon for an establishment of this type. read more

J. Michaels is my favorite bookstore. I spent 20 years in bookselling and have travelled all over the country. The selection of first editions, signed copies, and carefully selected remainders is first rate. There is so much to see I could easily spend a day or two browsing. I live in Seattle now, but I make a special trip to J. Michaels every year or two. What an enchanting place! read more

Best bookstore in Eugene! Great, personalized service. They will order books for you if you can't find what you need in stock. Great children's book collection. New, used, and rare!!! Paradise for book lovers. read more

One of the best thing about Eugene and evidence of the town's vitality is the number of bookstores. J Michaels is one of the oldest. I love to go in here to look at modern firsts and antiquarian books. My pet peeve is the fact that the best books are locked in massive cases, and you have to ask the owner to hand you each book to inspect. As a result, I tend to find myself at Tsunami more than here. I occasionally search their high end books on abebooks, but only a fraction are listed on-line. They do have a 20% off sale each Spring which brings their prices on the good stuff down into the competitive zone, and that draws me back. read more