How does this bookstore have no reviews yet?
The State Cinema is one great package. A cinema with harder-to-find films, a lovely cafe AND a great bookshop. I probably shouldn't allocate points for 'proximity to other cool stuff', but you have to admit that a bookshop hugging a cinema and cafe is pretty A+.
Having said that, this bookstore is a little small and cramped, an affliction of many a Hobart bookstore - whether you find it quaint or oppressive is probably down to your tastes and how large a bag you're attempting to carry through the aisles.
Like many of the other Hobart bookstores it manages to maintain a fair spread of general books while finding a point of difference: this bookstore specialises, appropriately, in nonfiction books on the entertainment (film and music) industry. Here you'll find the best local selection of biographies, 'art of', and 'making of' books, rivalled only by Ellison Hawker. If you're a movie buff you'll find plenty to enjoy.
Beyond this, the densely-packed little shop does offer books across all the usual genres: fiction, poetry, travel, cooking, etc etc. Their clasification system can be a head-scratcher - topics are definitely grouped in some way, but you'll edge from table to shelf to bookcase for a while before you find the section you're looking for.
Alternately, you could just ask the friendly staff, if you're not as antisocial as I. :) I can't comment personally on the service but I've seen them helping people out and chatting at length; looks good to me.
Prices are moderate to exxy, but then big glossy books of this kind generally are when bought in brick-and-mortar shops. You'll find some quality books on sale here and there.
Bonus points for a pretty decent selection of books on writing, a topic which some Hobart bookstores completely overlook, ironically. Is that ironic? I don't even know anymore. read more