The Book Scene

I love a good used book store. I have been by this place a few times, and wanted to check it out. Though the one other time a stopped by they were closed. I could see from the window that they have every freaking romance, generic sci-​fi, James Patterson, or John Grisham book ever made. Oh the horror, and was a bit of a let down.
I still wanted to give the place a try, and not wanting to judge the store by its cover, I finally made a visit. I was prepared to write something snarky here, like they don’t know the difference between Tom Joad, and Tom Jones. Or anything equally smart ass like. The truth is, while they do have piles of the above mentioned novels that I really can’t stand, the owner is a charmer, incredibly friendly and knowledgeable lady. Between the bad paper backs you can come up with a few good things, and the prices are crazy cheap.
I don’t see this being a regular stop of mine, but not nearly as bad of a store that my minds eye made. You do have to really hunt though, because all the paperbacks kind of blend into big rows, and nothing really stands out.

I’m a heavy duty romance reader and have been coming to this store for years. I don’t live in Houston anymore but stop in when I’m in town because the owner carries older and out-​of-​print books by well known authors that are hard to find.
Be prepared to spend time browsing as there are books stacked to the ceiling, in boxes, bags and floor so watch your step. The owner is nice and helpful and offers trade credit though she has so much inventory she can’t take much. Most of the used paperbacks are Buy 4 Get 1 free which eases the pain to my wallet.
There are also new books at full price.

No computer, a variable attitude to the alphabet can make you discover some strange books you would never find in a more ordered store.
It does concentrate on the rotation of thousands of bodice rippers and romance «novels» that seem to be the same story with a different se t of missing buttons on every cover.
The mystery, sci-​fi and general entertainment section is packed with interesting odd stuff, and then towards the back, amongst the torn blouses and rippling muscles, they have a small classical section where the odd nice copy of something literary can be found. I got a good translation of Sir Gawain in a first edition for $ 4. Good deal!

The Book Scene is something of a niche bookstore. The place is literally stuffed to the gills with paperback books, and you will find row after row loaded with romance novels, mystery, sci-​fi, horror, and other miscellany. Atop each of the numerous shelves sit an array of hardback books by well-​known authors in the various genres, whether it be James Patterson or Danielle Steele. There is also a smallish classics section, where I was able to find a nice hardback collection of Dashiell Hammett’s stories among the many predominantly paperback titles which would be great for anyone needing a book for class or just a cheap edition to read.
While the vast majority of books aren’t exactly my personal cup of tea, as the Romans would say, «de gustibus non disputandum»: I’m not rating the content of the books but rather the quality of the store. And if you’re looking for that certain Stephen King or Sue Grafton novel, I think you’d be hard-​pressed not to find it here.