The Book Store

Very interesting place. I almost walked out when I first walked in. Not a great first impression, but then I got to looking through the shelves. The biggest shelf was for fiction and it was stacked to the brim with classics. I picked up some Hemingway and a few others for a very good price. Some very old books and some in very poor condition but the prices are more than fair
The new books are priced by the standard on the back and aren’t really worth it, but the older editions are glorious.
Not many options. I wouldn’t come here if you were looking for a specific book, but it’s fun for browsing.

A wonderfully eclectic mix of new and used books in a charming shop run by a friendly and highly knowledgable owner. Convenient location around the corner from the Hyatt.

A true treasure in downtown Des Moines. What it lacks in quantity, it makes up for it in quality! And if there is a title you can’t find, the stores owner will have it there for you by the end of the week!
I have bought a handful of titles here and every time was greeted with a smile and conversation about books, music, or just that the owner see’s me run by the store every day! If your downtown stop in and say hello, it will brighten your day!

When you like finding bookstores in new cities, you really can’t beat a place that has a sign in big block letters that says THE BOOK STORE. You know you’re home, or somewhere like it.
For such a small place, the layout is fantastic. Everything’s well-​organized, the discount selection is solid, and there’s just a lot of stuff. It’s always worth noting when someone optimizes the space they have, and that’s definitely what they’ve done here.
I spent a long time talking to John, who’s maybe one of the nicest bookstore owners I’ve ever talked to. We talked travel, and he recommended a bunch of local brewpubs and eateries, since I was new and didn’t really know what was up. He’s knowledgeable, affable, and helpful. You can’t go wrong.
I can’t talk about a bookstore trip without mentioning the spoils: I got my first Aimee Bender book, Willful Creatures, from the clearance section — and a copy of Men of Tomorrow by Gerard Jones — which was exactly what I was looking for when I walked in. I spent about ten bucks altogether. What a great place.

I lived in Des Moines ten years ago. I moved there in April and while driving through downtown, I saw a bookstore that was proudly celebrating National Poetry Day. I immediately pulled in and got myself some Nikki Giovanni.
Not a large bookstore, but a great selection.

My favorite ever book store. Many amazing titles on the shelves, and John can always order anything you want!

i have been here more than once, the owner always helps me find the right books. he has selected some fine keepsakes that my family will cherish for a long time.