I'm fond of bookshops, and I'm particularly fond of this little one. Not a book shop in the…read moretraditional conception, but a book exchange, the tiny premises are often packed. Probably because it's a brilliant idea - instead of letting your old stories gather dust on your shelves (or, in the case of Manly's huge transient population, occupy valuable space in the backpack), why not pass it on and grab another? It's not a completely free swap, but you either trade in a few books and get a new one, or pay much less than a premium on that new romance you spy in the window. In an age of mindless consumerism, Andy's Book Shop is a timely reminder of the value in being thrifty, reusing, reducing and recycling!

When in Manly you're mind can't help but linger on all things leisure, and for me that includes…read morewolfing down books (if you can wolf down a book...) so I was thrilled to come across Andy's Book Exchange. This wee corner shop is an Aladdins cave of books, stacked floor to ceiling with them. For the casual browser they're helpfully arranged by genre so I was able to swoop in on the pink corner dedicated to chic-lit. What? Can't a girl indulge in some trash on the beach?! It's run by a couple of hobbit lookalikes which may or may not be off-putting for you, but they're friendly and helpful enough, if a little judgmental over your choice in books! The best thing about this shop is that it buys and sells so you can bring in old copies and get a good price, pick up used ones for a good price or even bring back one that you've bought there and get a few dollars back. It gives incentive to recycling! All the prices are clearly marked on the back including how much you'd get if you brought the book back, so it's as simple as can be (AND gives you an excuse to go back to Manly).

After a kangaroo balls bottle opener? Nope, didn't think so... Maybe a kangaroo paw back scratcher?…read moreOkay, still weird... But if you are after some less-creepy Australian souvenirs and knick-knacks, you should check out Downtown Souvenirs & Gifts. The George Street store is packed full of amusing goods your visitors, homesick ex-pat pals or overseas rellies will get a kick out of. Embarrassing T-shirts, Akubras, fridge magnets, shot glasses, stuffed toys, pencils, postcards and glasses - pretty much anything that can feature an Australian flag, slang word or stereotype will be here. Perfect for any Aussie Day dress-ups...

The back wall of this bookshop has a moving ladder. Its for staff use only of course but what a…read morelovely thing to have in a book shop. That in itself is something to write home about. There aren't too many book shops left that have an original mark on them. High ceilings, big windows, plenty of light and relatively small. I imagine the owners hand pick each book because they like it rather than it will sell well. I guess as a business owner you'd always have this in mind if you want to stay open for longer than a season but populous pleasing books wouldn't be the driving force. I love the original finds like: Nomads which is a book about interior decorating for the traveler ie furnishing your home with the stories of your travels. The children's story The Moon Belongs to No One was another book I think would be hard to find in your high street book chain store. Thanks for bringing us something new Oscar... and friends.

Attention everyone, if you want to buy me a present, please go to Oscar and Friends in…read moreDarlinghurst, I would like either "Steampunk, the art of Victorian Futurism", "Mister Wonderful" by Daniel Clowes, "My Secret Postcard" compiled by Frank Warren, "I Am Plastic Too" by Paul Budnitz or if you would like to buy me a selection just stay in the Art and Industrial design sections and you will make me happy. I love bookshops like this, even though it is a small shop and tiny in comparison with the larger chain bookshops, I could spend much longer browsing Oscar and Friends than I would ever spend in your average booksellers. Oscar and Friends offers the standard selection of fiction, non -fiction, science- fiction/ Fantasy, biography and social Political collections, which you would find in most bookshops. But it is the modern literature and particularly art books range, which stands them apart. Offering books on fashion, typesetting, industrial design, graphic design, tattoos just to name a few of the sections, titles are available which are rare to see and make it a great place to find that perfect unusual gift or the coffee table book to surprise your friends. It is not everyday you see a book titled: The Big Book of Packaging. John put away your credit card.

The relocation of this awesome bookstore doesn't do it justice at all, although now it's much…read morecloser to The Theosophical Society on Kent St which owns and runs this store. A little fun fact: Adyar roughly means 'peace' and is named after a river in Chennai, India where the the international headquarters of The Theosophical Society is based. That was fun wasn't it. There's a vast array of books, CDs, DVDs, tarot decks, crystals, incense and all things to do with metaphysics, as well as readings with various mediums, psychics and healers. The service is helpful, but the sections are pretty self explanatory so you can take your time and peruse through the aisles. There's even a seat or two if you want to read a little bit. If you're wanting to find a bit of peace, quiet and maybe some inspiration, take a detour from the hustle and bustle and head to Adyar Bookstore.

A great bookstore in Bathurst Street in the city. The locale was much better when they were…read moresituated in Clarence Street; they had more space. It could be the higher rent kicked them out into the new location in Bathurst Street. Still a great store, however towards the end of my Sydney life; I sorely missed the Thursday night talks with prominent book authors. This used to be a scene and so in vogue at the Clarence Street location, and yet they just don't have the space to continue these talks at Bathurst Street which was a real pity. Great quality books of the metaphysical, new age and spiritual kind; giving the major bookstore chains a run for their money. It is great to come here and buy great abundance and prosperity diaries for the year ahead, and the staff are clearly passionate about the subject matter of the books sold at hand here. Positive energy abounds with psychic readings also available. Their nearby competitor in Glebe, Phoenix Rising Books is clearly giving Adyar a run for their money; although this bookstore run by the Theosophical society has created a great name for itself amongst those spiritual souls living in Sydney seeking more enlightenment in a fast paced city oasis.

'Land of Hope and Glory' blasted at me as I walked through the door. This be odd, I thought. At the…read moreback of a tiny arcade way off the beaten track is this little secondhand bookshop. The couple running it were kind, and the book selection, although a little mainstream for me was cheap. Really cheap. They have an exchange credit system and the gentleman at the counter encouraged me to bring my book back for credit for another purchase. While I love this system in principle, in practice I find parting with books somewhat akin to voluntary amputation. He mentioned that they had about 1200 books at home, and then tried to mask his horror at my estimated book ownership. I know, I gotta learn to let go.

Presentation 9/10 Range of Books 7/10…read moreOther merchandise 9/10 Staff knowledge and approach-ability 6/10 Price 6/10 OVERALL SCORE: 74% Read my full review at http://www.squidoo.com/sydney-comic-book-store-reviews

I guess after a little stint in Belgium I have suddenly developed an expectation for comic books…read morethat many places here in Australia simply cannot placate. Basically, you really only have two options here, DC or Marvel, though there might be a shelf that has a smattering of independent comics, or another shelf that might have some Dark Horse ones as well, but that is basically it. This is one of those comic shops, which means that the selection really isn't all that great, unless of course you are into the affore mentioned comics. Still, the service wasn't all that bad, so I'll give it that.

I didn't realize this was a Christian bookstore until some friends informed me. It is a clean,…read morebright, cheery store. Everything is laid out nicely, with various categories of books, Bibles, children's items, gifts, etc. There is even a small cafe with some beverages and treats to enjoy. Everyone I interacted with was friendly. The prices on some items were higher in equivalent dollars than what I could get them for in the states, but others were about the same. If I were living here, or had more suitcase room, I'd support this store on a regular basis!

Kooring Books is a Christian Bookstore/shop. It's at Henry Street which is a 10 minute walk from…read morePenrith Station (but they do have a parking site too). It not only sells books but CDs, stuff toys, stationary and even jewellery. The store is very bright and welcoming. The employees there are very friendly and can definitely help you out with any of your queries. It even has a small cafe inside the shop and a mini playground for the kids. The store itself is pretty big compared to a normal bookstore. Everything is organised and labelled so for example, if you're looking for Bibles, there is a Bible sign that you can't miss. There's also a toilet inside in case you need to go! If you think that you're going there from time to time then I suggest to be a member (for free) so that they can give you a membership card. It's pretty much like flybuys where you get points for every purchase. They can also send you a catalogue if you want to see what's on sale. Sometimes they even send you a job advertisement in case you would like to be part of the Koorong team. Definitely check it out! There's also a Koorong Store at Rydalmere and North Ryde in case Penrith is too far.

I was a fan up until I learned about the wage dispute with the employees that dragged on for years…read more The workers did finally "win," and good for them, but I haven't been back and just don't feel comfortable patronizing this business given how this was handled. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/better-read-dead-workers-win-landmark-agreement-after-dedicated-industrial-action https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/jul/28/unprecedented-the-fight-for-sydney-independent-bookstore-better-read-than-dead

This is one of the reasons that I love Newtown, it is just so retro, and you can find some pretty…read morecool shops along the strip, such as this one. In fact there wasn't one, but two, decent bookshops within a short distance from each other. This one was pretty cool, and that usually comes down to me being able to find a book within a couple of minutes browsing the shelves, and this place certainly hit the mark. The staff are pretty awesome as well, and there is a really good selection of secondhand books.