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    The Word Shop

    5.0 (5 reviews)

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    Recommended Reviews - The Word Shop

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    Photo of Nate S.
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    6 years ago

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    11 years ago

    This hidden gem of a bookstore is a great place to read, attend a workshop and stop by for a chat.

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    Photo of Kellie H.
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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The Word Shop

    Downtown Book & Sound - Downtown book and Sound is just up a block from the theater.

    Downtown Book & Sound

    4.2(30 reviews)
    25.1 mi
    $

    This occurred on January 25, 2026 at around 3 pm…read more It genuinely saddens me to say this--and I've never done this before--but today I had to walk out of a bookstore after what I witnessed. I want to be clear that this is not about the entire staff. There is usually an older gentleman who works there who is consistently kind, welcoming, and genuinely respectful. This experience, however, was about one employee an older white woman. T fact that a space claiming to be anti-racist would allow this kind of behavior at all.For a store that loudly claims to stand for community uplift and justice, you should truly practice what you preach. While I was there, there was a conversation happening on the couches. We didnt care that we werent greeted that it until a different demographic walked in a bit after us. One of thise store staff (older white woman) attended to them right away and warmly engaged with those customers ( a white man and his asain gf)--making conversation, laughing, even giving their dog a treat--yet completely ignored the brown people in the store. You can tell the guys were totally all for us versus that couple and we were not the only brown people in the store. She ignored. We decided to leave and even walked directly in front of her, clearly visible, hoping she would say something as simple as "hello" or "Are you finding everything okay?"--and she said nothing. No acknowledgment. No basic courtesy. What made it even more sad was overhearing conversations about European immigrants and their struggles, all while brown customers were being dismissed in real time. She kept talking to these super star customers about restaurants and casual topics, yet not even offering basic acknowledgment to brown customers. That's not accidental--that's bias and micro agression. I've given this store many chances, but that blatant prejudice was the final straw. Shame on her. All customer should be acknowledged the same. your space it is meant to be inclusionary, but you just make it seem exclusionary to those that do not look like you..

    I love books so I obviously love bookstores…read more This is a nice sized bookstore with lots of books. I was confused about how the books were organized. It can be hard to find a book, but the owner will help you if you need it. Prices seem comparable to other used bookstores. I did not buy anything because I am on a no-buy but I would recommend stopping in here if you're a bookworm like me.

    Photos
    Downtown Book & Sound - Interior

    Interior

    Downtown Book & Sound - Interesting proverb within

    Interesting proverb within

    Downtown Book & Sound - I found some fun books

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    I found some fun books

    The Rose Books & Obscurities - Such a beautiful shop

    The Rose Books & Obscurities

    4.4(10 reviews)
    26.0 mi

    A bookstore so lovely, so perfect, the quintessence of what you imagine when you hear the words…read more"fine bookstore." Everything about it is so spot on, the architecture, the lighting, the soft music, and the eclectic selection of books on offer. The owner, Ernest, was present, friendly, and very informative on questions about books as well as the history of the store. The books are unusual and in several cases rare, the prices reflect the value and seemed reasonable. An unusual first edition will be priced higher but in line with its value to bibliophiles. For example I saw a first edition English translation of Pablo Neruda's "Confieso Que He Vivido" autobiography for $50, in beautiful condition. I said the place looks like it should be in a movie, and Ernest replied that it will be soon. I happened upon it by chance, found a parking place in front of it while going somewhere else. But after running that errand I had to check out this lovely oasis of calm and source of fine books. I ended up buying a paperback novel based on life in Tule Lake during the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII, because my father was imprisoned there. I can't imagine finding this tome anywhere else.

    It's hidden places like The Rose Books that keeps Downtown Monterey so special. I walk in every few…read moremonths and always walk out with my arms full of new finds that I can never find anywhere else. Nearly left in tears last week when I found a signed copy of my favorite novel,The Martian Chronicles. A signed copy I've been searching for over 15 years, truly a gem of a place.

    Photos
    The Rose Books & Obscurities
    The Rose Books & Obscurities
    The Rose Books & Obscurities - Tight quarters in here but if this fat girl can figure it out anyone can

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    Tight quarters in here but if this fat girl can figure it out anyone can

    The Word Shop - religiousorgs - Updated May 2026

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