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    Mam’s Books

    5.0 (14 reviews)
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    Updated 2 months ago

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    Stephanie C.

    I'm so happy to see an Asian American bookstore like Mam's exist in Seattle. Mam's curates a wide selection of AAPI books to choose from, across children's books, adult books, and beyond. I was really impressed by the inclusivity of stories showcased and will definitely be coming back to buy more books. Even more importantly, I wanted to share how great the staff at Mam's are. A little warning for the rollercoaster story I'm about to explain: My friend experienced a sudden seizure while we were at Mam's, and Sokha & staff were so quick to call 911 and clear the bookstore out, which means of course, losing money on other customer sales (and there were a LOT of people inside). When I called the bookstore later on, Sokha was eager to know how my friend was doing and even managed to get the contact info of the other witnesses, since I had actually missed it while being deeply engrossed reading another book. (Happy to share that my friend is doing completely fine now, for anyone wondering!!) I have so much heartfelt gratitude for the staff. They are good people, and really care about others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and for others reading, please support Mam's if you can - they are creating a wonderful community!

    Interior (10/28/23)
    Marie B.

    I finally had an opportunity to stop by Mam's Books in Seattle's Chinatown-International District (10/28/23). Yes, Barnes & Noble and Amazon sells book titles. However, it's important to me to support indie businesses and especially indie bookstores. Usually the Asian or ANHPIA titles are sorely lacking or limited at some bookstores. That's what makes Mam's Books a total trailblazer opening in the CID. Loved the interior where there were books but other curios and ephemera to capture your interest. There's also a community table to peruse various titles of interest, view art prints, and even share your opinion about this space. Books for all ages and various interest levels are nicely arranged, but not strictly catalogued or organized. Some are in piles or askew, purposefully to catch your eye, making the titles truly feel accessible. There are also other merch available, like Tshirts, notecards, pens, refrigerated beverages, and snacks. You can feel the positive vibe of Mam's Books. People, myself included, felt really enthusiastic to have such a unique, vibrant, and welcoming addition to the neighborhood. I look forward to future visits and adding Mam's Books to my usual indie bookstore roation. Highly recommended!

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    Ask the Community - Mam’s Books

    Review Highlights - Mam’s Books

    The bookstore focuses on providing written works by Asian American authors and writers to the Seattle community.

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    Lamplight Books - How cute!

    Lamplight Books

    4.5(45 reviews)
    1.1 miDowntown
    $

    Tucked away deep in Pike Place Market, Lamplight Books is one of those charming little spots you…read moremight walk past a few times before realizing it's there. My cousin and I were basically playing hide and seek because I couldn't find where she was. Lol. I had a hard time finding it, but once I finally did totally worth it! This cozy bookstore feels like stepping back in time. Shelves are stacked with a mix of used, vintage, and classic books, and honestly... they smell like it too. Lol. There's just something comforting about that old-book scent. You'll find everything from fiction and poetry to rare finds and children's titles tucked in the corners. It's small, quiet, and slightly perfectly imperfect in the best way because every shelf feels like a treasure hunt! The nostalgic vibe makes you want to linger a little longer. Priced fair, service is fast. If you love books with history and personality, this is a sweet little hidden gem worth discovering inside Pike Place. A nice escape from the Market's buzz just you, the books, and that unmistakable paper and ink smell.

    I am a sucker for a good bookstore, so this one had my number. It's a small space crammed with…read morebooks which is my happy spot. I walked in and didn't expect much, but we were exploring the levels of Pike Place because I didn't realize they had levels upon my last visit. I was also looking for a biscuit spot that was across the street. So we went back and forth, floor by floor and found this gem where we stopped to peruse the books. My husband found some books and bought them. The person working there was nice and helpful. It was clear that he knew his inventory, as my husband asked about a book and he led him to it. The value was good as well. I know that we will definitely be back, next time, I hope to spend a bit more time there. This isn't the most organized place, but if you are willing to look through the books and are open to the surprise find that awaits you, then this is the spot for all of that!

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    Lamplight Books - Outside.

    Outside.

    Lamplight Books - My favorite book!!

    My favorite book!!

    Lamplight Books

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    Lion Heart Book Store

    Lion Heart Book Store

    4.7(82 reviews)
    1.1 miDowntown
    $

    I absolutely enjoyed this bookstore not because of the selections, but because of the owner- David…read more From the time that I entered the store, he had me laughing and smiling due to his affable and jovial demeanor. He also steered me into the directions of books that were absolutely hysterical. From "The Gas That We Pass", to "Everybody Poops", to perhaps my all-time favorite of "All My Friends Are Dead." I paid $27 more for the fantastic customer service that I received from the owner much more than the actual contents of the book that I purchased. Certainly one of Pike Place Market's vendor staples that I will absolutely return to on my next visit.

    Traveling to seattle and I wanted a book for my journey back. First off, the reviews were so…read moreawesome I was so tempted to visit. Took me an hour to find Lion heart book store cause it's in one of the levels at Pike place and being such a small and crammed spot with many many stores was very hard to find. I totally will take the blame on my navigation skills but what was disappointing was calling multiple times and no one picked up my call - just for some tips or guidance. Next the owner wasn't in the store, there was this boy who no matter how well or how nicely I tried asking for tips on books or any details around books the only response I got was "unfortunately I don't have any info, you have to look up the books" gosh! That wasn't the help I was expecting and the boy refused to move from his spot or even try helping from the spot he was so comfortably perched on. No matter what, bad bad experience!

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    Lion Heart Book Store - David the poet and owner

    David the poet and owner

    Lion Heart Book Store
    Lion Heart Book Store

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    Arundel Books - (4/25/26)

    Arundel Books

    4.3(42 reviews)
    0.5 miPioneer Square

    I recalled Arundel Books previously located closer to the Seattle Art Museum before Harbor Steps…read moreexisted and also in the Grand Central Building. They have been at this current corner spot at 1st and S Jackson since February 2021. This bibliophile clearly has been very late to the party! I stopped in during Independent Booksellers Day (4/25/26) and it was packed full of people. Warmly acknowledged upon entering and later when departing. I briefly browsed the shelves. There's a decent selection, as well as, other merch available for purchase. What really caught my attention were the high curved ceilings. It gave a bright, airy feeling despite feeling a bit cramped with the current capacity onsite. My previous indie booksellers in Pioneer Square were Elliott Bay Book Store (moved to Capitol Hill) and the treasure trove owned by the late David Ishii. It was good to be reacquainted again with Arundel Books, a mainstay in Seattle since 1995.

    I found this bookstore a few weeks ago after stumbling in during Seattle's First Thursday, and it…read morewas such a great discovery. They have an awesome section dedicated to Seattle-specific books, including some really unique titles I hadn't come across before. Many of the books have handwritten staff notes with summaries and recommendations. It made browsing feel much more personal and I read about things I probably wouldn't have picked up otherwise!

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    Arundel Books - Lots of cool books!

    Lots of cool books!

    Arundel Books - (4/25/26)

    (4/25/26)

    Arundel Books - (4/25/26)

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    (4/25/26)

    Mam’s Books - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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