Castle Hill Book Shop

I rang this bookshop as I like to support local businesses. I asked if they had a copy of the book " of mice and men"? The responder has never heard of it. I replied it's by John Steinbeck.....once again emptiness at the end of the phone. The responder said he would look it up on the computer....how did I spell the title? Seriously!!! Then, presumably his colleague, came on the phone and we went through the rigmarole all over again....it really was shameful. I did splutter out "this is a bookshop???". Sorry but I truly won't be bothering with them again, alas it'll have to be an online purchase.

The owner of this bookshop is very rude and unhelpful I seriously wonder why he is there if he hates it so much as he appears to. Poor choice of books and I will not be going back.

Rude owner. In addition he won’t order a book if it’s not in stock. Won’t use this shop again. Gone downhill since the female asst left. Such a shame.

Was asked 'can I help you ' 2 minutes after entering while still trying to work out the fiction/nonfiction/guides layout, answered 'just browsing' long pause expecting to be told that was fine, no response so eventually I said 'but if you have any recommendations...' Her: 'Recommendations for what?' Me 'err, books?' 'what sort of books do you like' 'mainly fiction' 'very big category ' Me (wondering why she'd asked if I wanted help)'ok, have you anything by or like Jennifer Egan?' Her (fiddles with computer) ' I don't think so, sorry ' (but even with this cue no recommendations) Me 'bye' Not sure if they were desperate to close as this was 3:50 and they shut 4, but I'd hoped 10 minutes was ok, or if they've had a spate of shoplifting by middle aged men in walking gear, but if not then a weird approach to customer service. Shame looks nice otherwise but I felt so uncomfortable I didn't stay to browse... Hopefully just a blip hence the middle star rating.

Walking around Richmond Market Place this bright Wednesday morning, I remembered that I'd found a really great, independent book shop tucked away on Castle Hill, last time I was here, several years ago. I hoped it was still there!! There it was!!!! We'll, you can guess that I had to go in and browse. The women behind the counter asked if she could help, which was kind and I said thank you, but the fun of a bookshop is pausing for a moment and looking around. Yes, I'd bought something last time I was here. So, I started on the table to my right, which seemed to be recommended books and found something interesting. I really liked this bookshop and left, happy with two books to read for when I arrived home about three hours drive away. I won't forget this lovely small bookshop or the nice woman, happy to help! Thank you! This is what independent book shops are about.