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Ben McNally Books
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
366 Bay StreetToronto, ON M5H 4B2
Neighbourhoods: Financial District, Downtown Core
(416) 361-0032
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
8 reviews for Ben McNally Books
8 reviews in English
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Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
1/18/2012
This bookstore deserves kudos. Daring to open in the middle of the financial district surrounded by print stores, Tim's Horton's and other nondescript buildings and business. Away from art houses, galleries and cafes. Away from the type of businesses that would bolster the demographic that would easily swing by and keep you in business. Or maybe... Ben did it BECAUSE there was nothing around and wanted to be King of this particular hill! Either way, Ben's store seems to thrive in a sea of grey and cold concrete.
From the outside, this bookstore like it's fellow business looks completely innocent and maybe even boring looking but once you walk inside, oh, you are set for a treat.
A haven from the noise streets outside, Ben McNally Books is a island of serenity from the loud buses, cars and the rat race, well, racing just outside.
As much attention has been given to the selection of books on the shelves as in the decour, which will remind you of an Victorian bookstore of times gone by. Far from musky, the place is airy and with a tiny hint of modern chilled attitude. Although I am not sure if that is just coming from Ben himself.
Full Disclosure: I have been to this place many times on various events, heck, even I have held one of my own events in this locale and I would do it again. I had a lot of positive feedback from the famous 30 books in 30 minute review.
I must admit I sometimes wonder how Ben stays in business and I can only imagine that in between the book sales and the private events he holds here, that maybe that is how he pays the bills.
Whenever I am in the area and have a few minutes to kill I will pop in here, relax and a bit and browse through their collection.
Recommended. -
Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
1/12/2012
VIBE
I thought I was the only one that came here during a crappy day at work. When I worked in the area, Ben McNally was my refuge. It's hard wooden foors and wooden panels and neatly stacked books everywhere. The ladders are even perfectly adjusted. It's true that it's quiet that if you dare have the wrong high heel on that day, you will feel like an elephant in the room.
SELECTION
A great literary selection (not so much travel but I get it). Ben also puts on some amazing events. David Sedaris has made appearances here so I would get on the mailing list.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Ben McNally's is right up my alley (oh dear...forgive). If you're in the area and have a choice and don't have a Kindle/Kobo (or even if you do) support local. This is a great place to purchase a gift for the book lover. -
Review from Marlene H.
Toronto, ON
4/17/2012
Just came home and experienced a wonderful gem in the city - the bookstore Ben McNally Books, which hosted the launch of a new book by one of my co-workers. I had thought that bookstores like this weren't around much given the growth in businesses like Chapters and Indigo. But Ben McNally is one of those throwbacks to another time - before the cookie-cutter bookstores made their way into the retail sector. This beautiful wood-panelled store was a great place to experience, and when I have time, will spend more time there to get a thorough look at everything it has to offer. Given it's only 10 minutes from where I lived in downtown Toronto, I'll pop into Ben McNally more often.
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Review from Kim B.
ON
I tend to drop my books in the bath, so I'm not a huge proprietor of fancy book stores such as this one.
Having said that, it doesn't mean I wouldn't one day LIKE to be able to drop an expensive hard cover book in the bath and not think anything of it, much like I would like to have expensive wine jellies on my toast every morning, but that ain't happening any time soon.
This is a gorgeous store filled with hard-cover books that I imagine fancy British type people have lining their shelves in their homes. In fact, the shop itself reminds me of what an old English library in a contemporary English home might look like. One that I would be refused to touch anything in. Which is sort of the case with this store......everything is so beautiful, you don't want to screw it up.
Well, at least I don't.Listed in: Book Nooks
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Review from susan c.
8/1/2009
When I want to read a boatload of magazines for free, I go to Chapters or Indigo. When I actually want to buy a book, I'd rather fork my money over to small bookshops like Ben McNally Books.
Those who favor hushed environments and a well-edited selection of books will love this place. And by hushed, I mean dead-silent like a cathedral after hours. So keep your oohing and ahhing over the lit-porn to a minimum. This place is a temple of literature where the devout come to browse and meditate.
Ask the owner Ben for his recc's and he'll spout off authors you never heard of. His logic: Why bother promoting the bestsellers? That said, he still carries the likes of Ondaatje, Murakami, and Atwood. Hey, man's gotta pay da rent somehow.
TIP: Bring a hankie to stem the flow of drool over the cookbook section. -
Review from Ktimene G.
5/27/2009
This is my retreat during a crappy day at work. Here I get distracted, then I get inspired, maybe even academic with some non-fiction, and definitely drop some $20s on every visit.
You can feel their editorial nature in the very selection of literature, and the way they arrange by topics on the tables. They are not about best-sellers-- they're about the good stuff, the real stuff. On my last visit, they knew all about Roberto Bolano's novels for my book club, and also helped me choose a thoughtful gift for a teenager.
I always get into a conversation with the gentleman behind the counter-- he's really interested in why I select certain books, and I just love chatting with him. Even better, he always makes a recommedation for next time.
The pristine silence does tend to make the experience a bit museum-y. Case in point: I knocked one star because I dropped a book yesterday (a hardcover), and could feel the management's eyes bore into my back. Then they started asking amongst themselves, "Who dropped the book?" although it was obvious by my red face and shaking hands. (Oh, and I was the only customer....and they weren't kidding either). -
Review from Heather M.
9/22/2010
This bookstore is one of my favourite places to visit during a lunch break. Serenely quiet (I don't think I've ever been in here with more than me and the staff?), helpful staff, and a nicely edited selection of books. It's definitely a haven on the hustle and bustle of Bay Street. Also it's a nice feeling supporting something that is not Indigo/Chapters/Coles.
But.... given that I never see anyone in the store I'm not sure how they stay in business. Hummm. I hope they do! -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
10/24/2008 1 photo
I definitely have an attraction to book stores, there was a time in my myth filled youth that I thought that all bookstores were created equal. I'm not sure whether my life is better now but I do know the truth. Ben McNally is one of those stores that fits right in the middle of the road. It is an upscale book store but it is not very unique and while the décor and atmosphere are nice they feel almost too contrived and one is left with the feeling that this store hasn't earned the attitude that it portrays. It is a very nice bookstore and if you are in the area and are looking for a literary solace than I do think that Ben McNally is a good place to visit, but I don't think it's the kind of place that is worth going out of your way for.
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